Crack Chicken (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
1 cup of shredded pepper jack cheese
02 -
1 ounce packet of ranch spice mix
03 -
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
04 -
1/2 cup of crispy crumbled bacon (about 6 slices)
05 -
8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
06 -
1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
07 -
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
08 -
1/2 teaspoon each of garlic and onion powder
09 -
1/2 cup optional chicken broth, perfect for slow cooking
# Instructions:
01 -
Lay the chicken pieces flat at the base of your slow cooker. Season them fully with the ranch spice, garlic, and onion powders, and some black pepper. If using broth, pour it carefully near the edges to keep the chicken moist.
02 -
Cut the soft cream cheese into squares and scatter them across the top of the chicken. No need to stir yet; the heat will take care of mixing it later.
03 -
Cover with the lid and let it cook for 4-5 hours on low, or increase to high for around 2-3 hours. When it's done, the chicken will shred super easily and should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
04 -
Pull the cooked chicken out, shred it into pieces with forks, and then return it to the slow cooker. Stir everything together so it's all coated in the creamy mixture.
05 -
Toss in the shredded cheese and sprinkle the bacon bits evenly. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce and the texture is creamy.
06 -
Heat up a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until browned and fully done, then shred it with forks after removing it from the pan.
07 -
In the same pan, add cream cheese, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Let it melt over medium-low heat, scraping up any tasty bits left in the pan while stirring.
08 -
Add the shredded chicken back into the creamy sauce. Stir in the shredded cheese and bacon, mixing until the texture is smooth and everything is combined.
09 -
Spoon the creamy chicken into a serving dish and top it with chopped green onions for a pop of freshness. Serve warm and dig in!
# Notes:
01 -
This dish is a cheesy, bacon-filled treat that's full of comforting flavors. It's seriously hard to resist once you try it!
02 -
Enjoy it stuffed in buns, spooned into tortillas, served on baked potatoes, or even paired with crackers or fresh veggies as an appetizer dip.
03 -
To keep things low-carb, enjoy it over cauliflower rice or wrap it in crispy lettuce for a lighter option.