Crack Chicken (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts
02 -
1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
03 -
1 packet (1 ounce) of ranch seasoning mix
04 -
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
05 -
1/2 teaspoon each of garlic and onion powders
06 -
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
07 -
1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon (about 6 slices)
08 -
1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
09 -
1/2 cup chicken broth (optional for slow cooking)
# Instructions:
01 -
Lay the chicken breasts on the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle over the ranch mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, making sure the meat is evenly seasoned. If you're adding chicken broth, pour it around the edges (never directly onto the chicken).
02 -
Cube the softened cream cheese and scatter the pieces on top of the chicken. Don't stir—let the slow cooker do all the magic as it heats up.
03 -
Put on the lid and let it cook low and slow for 4-5 hours, or turn it to high for 2-3 hours. Once it's done, the chicken should be easy to shred and reach a safe internal temp of 165°F (74°C).
04 -
Take the chicken out of the cooker and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the cooker and stir it into the creamy sauce until it all mixes nicely.
05 -
Throw in the shredded pepper jack cheese along with the bacon bits. Stir gently until the cheese is fully melted, and everything looks rich and gooey.
06 -
Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until it's golden and cooked through. Once done, shred the chicken with forks on a cutting board and set aside.
07 -
Using the same skillet, toss in the cream cheese, ranch mix, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir everything over medium-low heat until the cream cheese melts into a smooth and creamy sauce. Scrape up the bits left in the pan for extra flavor.
08 -
Put the shredded chicken back into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Add the shredded cheese and bacon, mixing it all together until it's gooey, cheesy, and totally combined.
09 -
Scoop the mixture into a serving dish and sprinkle fresh green onions on top for some added crunch and color. Enjoy it while it's still warm!
# Notes:
01 -
This cheesy and creamy bacon-filled dish is so good, you won't be able to stop going back for more!
02 -
Serve it stuffed in sandwiches, piled on baked potatoes, as a dip with crackers, or even wrapped up in tortillas.
03 -
For a low-carb option, try spooning it over cauliflower rice or wrapping it in crunchy lettuce leaves.