Simple crack chicken recipe with bacon and cheese
Looking for a tasty and easy-to-make meal? This recipe is a hit with chicken, bacon, and cheese. It’s great for busy days, whether you use a slow cooker or Instant Pot.
This dish is not only simple to make but also full of flavor. The mix of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and melted cheese is a winner. It’s sure to be a hit with your family.
Table of Contents
What Is Crack Chicken?
Have you seen ‘crack chicken’ in recipes or food blogs? It’s a dish that mixes chicken, ranch seasoning, bacon, and cheese. This mix creates a meal that’s hard to resist.
The Origin of the Name
The term “crack chicken” comes from the internet. People shared their love for this dish, calling it addictive. The mix of creamy ranch sauce, crispy bacon, and melted cheese over chicken is irresistible.
Why It’s So Addictively Delicious
So, why is crack chicken so addictive? It’s the ingredients and how they work together. Here’s why:
- The rich, creamy sauce with ranch seasoning
- The crunchy texture from the bacon
- The melted cheese that holds it all together
These parts make a dish that’s not just tasty but also comforting. Whether you’re making a slow cooker crack chicken recipe or a creamy crack chicken recipe, it’s a winner.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Crack Chicken Recipe
Making the perfect crack chicken recipe begins with picking the right ingredients. Whether you’re making a keto crack chicken recipe or a traditional shredded one, the quality of your ingredients matters a lot.
Chicken Options
You can use chicken breasts or thighs for crack chicken. Breasts are leaner and taste milder. Thighs are juicier and taste richer. Choose based on what you like or need.
Cheese Varieties
The cheese you pick can change the flavor of your crack chicken. You can use cheddar, mozzarella, or cream cheese. Cheddar gives a sharp taste, mozzarella is milder, and cream cheese makes it creamy.
| Cheese Type | Flavor Profile | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Cheddar | Sharp, Tangy | Adding a bold flavor |
| Mozzarella | Mild, Creamy | Creating a smooth texture |
| Cream Cheese | Rich, Creamy | Making a creamy sauce |
Bacon Selection
Bacon adds a smoky, savory taste to your crack chicken. You can pick regular or thick-cut bacon, depending on what you like.
Seasonings and Spices
Seasonings and spices are key to making your crack chicken taste great. Ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder add depth and complexity.
By choosing your ingredients wisely, you can make a delicious crack chicken recipe. It will be perfect for your taste and dietary needs.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
Having the right kitchen tools is key to making a tasty best crack chicken recipe. You’ll need some basic tools and might want optional appliances to make things easier.
Basic Tools
To make the best crack chicken, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. These are:
- A sharp knife for cutting chicken and veggies
- A cutting board for prepping ingredients
- A mixing bowl for mixing sauce ingredients
- A measuring cup and spoons for precise measurements
Optional Appliances
While not essential, some appliances can speed up your crack chicken prep. Think about using:
- A slow cooker for easy, hands-off cooking
- An Instant Pot for fast pressure cooking
- A hand mixer or whisk for smooth sauce mixing
The Best Crack Chicken Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions
Get ready to enjoy the creamiest, most flavorful crack chicken ever. Our simple guide makes it perfect for weeknights or special events. It works great with the Instant Pot too.
Preparing the Chicken
Begin by prepping your chicken. Use boneless, skinless breasts or thighs as you like. Pat them dry with a paper towel for better seasoning. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs. Add garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor.
Creating the Creamy Sauce
The creamy sauce is what makes crack chicken so good. Mix softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and chicken broth in a bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy. Adjust ranch seasoning to taste, and add more broth for a lighter sauce.
Adding Bacon and Cheese
Crispy bacon and melted cheese top off crack chicken. Cook bacon until crispy, then chop it. Mix the bacon into the creamy sauce with shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese will melt, making the sauce rich and velvety.
Final Touches
When chicken is cooked and sauce is hot, add the final touches. Sprinkle extra cheese on top and melt it in the oven or Instant Pot. Serve hot, garnished with green onions or parsley for a fresh look.
Follow these steps for a delicious crack chicken dish. It’s a hit whether you use an Instant Pot or another method. It’s perfect for any occasion.
Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Recipe Variation
Slow cookers make cooking crack chicken easy and quick. They’re great for busy days when you want a tasty meal without hassle.
Ingredient Adjustments
When using a slow cooker, you might need to tweak the ingredients. You can use less liquid because the cooker keeps moisture in. Also, adding veggies like bell peppers or onions can boost flavor and health.
Key ingredient adjustments include:
- Reducing liquid content
- Adding vegetables for extra flavor
- Using ranch seasoning and cream cheese for a creamy texture
Cooking Time and Temperature
Getting the right cooking time and temperature is key for perfect slow cooker crack chicken. Cook it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked and reaches 165°F inside.
| Cooking Method | Cooking Time | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 6-8 hours | 165°F |
| High | 3-4 hours | 165°F |
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Results
To get the best results, follow these tips:
- Mix the ingredients well before cooking to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Use a liner in your slow cooker for easy cleanup.
- Shred the chicken before serving to absorb the creamy sauce better.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to create a mouth-watering slow cooker crack chicken that’s sure to please.
Instant Pot Crack Chicken Recipe for Busy Weeknights
Cooking crack chicken in the Instant Pot is easy, even on busy nights. You can make a tasty meal in under 30 minutes. This is great for nights when you’re in a rush.
Pressure Cooking Instructions
To cook crack chicken, add chicken, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and chicken broth to the Instant Pot. Close the lid and set the valve to “sealing.” Cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes, depending on the chicken size.
Here’s a quick guide:
- Small chicken breasts: 10 minutes
- Medium chicken breasts: 12 minutes
- Large chicken breasts: 15 minutes (with a 10-minute natural release)
Quick Release vs. Natural Release
After cooking, you can choose to release pressure quickly or naturally. For crack chicken, quick release works well. But for extra tender chicken, try a 10-minute natural release.
Time-Saving Tips
To save time, prep your ingredients ahead. Mix ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and spices in a bowl the night before. In the morning, just add everything to the Instant Pot.
Using pre-cooked bacon or bacon bits is another time-saver. It skips the step of cooking bacon separately, making your cooking faster.
Keto-Friendly Crack Chicken Recipe Modifications
If you’re on a keto diet, you can still enjoy crack chicken. Just make a few simple changes. Focus on low-carb ingredients and watch the nutritional content.
Low-Carb Ingredient Swaps
To make a keto-friendly crack chicken, swap out some ingredients. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, which are low in carbs. Replace ranch seasoning with homemade or store-bought keto ranch seasoning to avoid sugars.
Choose full-fat cream cheese and ranch dressing without added sugars. For cheese, pick full-fat cheddar or mozzarella. And, go for thick-cut bacon without added sugars.
Nutritional Information
Keto crack chicken is high in fat, moderate in protein, and low in carbs. A serving size, about 1 cup, has 5g of net carbs, 30g of protein, and 40g of fat. It’s a good fit for a keto diet.
Serving Suggestions for Keto Dieters
There are many ways to serve keto crack chicken. Try it with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a green salad. It’s a great keto meal.
You can also stuff it in low-carb bell peppers or zucchini boats. It’s a creative and tasty keto dish.
Creative Ways to Serve Your Crack Chicken
Now that you’ve mastered the shredded crack chicken recipe, it’s time to explore the various ways to serve it. The dish’s versatility is one of its most appealing qualities. It allows you to enjoy it in multiple formats.
Sandwiches and Wraps
One of the simplest ways to enjoy your crack chicken is by serving it on a bun or wrapped in a tortilla. You can add your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, or additional cheese. This creates a satisfying meal. Consider using a shredded crack chicken recipe as the filling in a sandwich or wrap for a quick and easy lunch.
Crack Chicken Dip
Transform your crack chicken into a delicious dip by mixing it with cream cheese and sour cream. Serve this mixture with crackers or vegetables for a tasty snack. The rich flavors of the crack chicken make it an ideal dip.
Stuffed Vegetables
You can also use your crack chicken to stuff bell peppers or other vegetables. This creates a nutritious and flavorful meal. Simply fill the vegetables with a mixture of crack chicken and your choice of grains or cheeses, and bake until tender.
Pasta and Rice Combinations
Serving your crack chicken over pasta or rice is another great option. The creamy sauce pairs well with a variety of grains, making for a comforting meal. Try combining your shredded crack chicken recipe with cooked pasta or rice and adding some steamed vegetables for a well-rounded dinner.
Crack Chicken Casserole: A Family-Friendly Dinner Option
Looking for a comforting meal that’s easy to make? Crack chicken casserole is a great choice. It combines the flavors of the classic crack chicken recipe with the ease of a casserole. This makes it perfect for feeding a crowd.
Casserole Base Ingredients
The base of your crack chicken casserole includes chicken, bacon, cheese, and ranch seasoning. You’ll also need pasta or rice and extra cheese for the top.
Key Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups of cooked pasta or rice
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup of cooked, shredded chicken
- 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
Assembly Instructions
To assemble the casserole, mix cooked pasta or rice with chicken, bacon, and ranch seasoning. Then, mix softened cream cheese with shredded cheddar cheese. Pour this over the pasta or rice mixture and stir until coated.
Tips for Assembly:
- Use a large mixing bowl to combine all the ingredients.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Top with additional shredded cheese for an extra-crispy top layer.
Baking Tips
Bake the casserole at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes. The top should be golden brown and the casserole heated through.
| Baking Temperature | Baking Time | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 350°F (175°C) | 25-30 minutes | Golden brown top, heated through |
Follow these steps for a delicious crack chicken casserole. It’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Your Crack Chicken
To enjoy your crack chicken for days, it’s key to know how to store and reheat it. Doing it right keeps the flavor and texture great. This makes it a perfect meal for the week.
Refrigeration Guidelines
Store your crack chicken in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Cooked crack chicken stays good in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Cool it down to room temperature within two hours to stop bacteria from growing.
Freezer-Friendly Packaging
Freezing is a great way to keep your crack chicken longer. Use containers or bags made for the freezer. Remove air to avoid freezer burn. Label them with the date and what’s inside. Frozen crack chicken lasts up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge or cold water for quick thawing.
Best Reheating Methods
There are several ways to reheat your crack chicken. The microwave is quick; just cover it and heat on high for 1-2 minutes. Or, reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. For even heating, use the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Make-Ahead Tips
Crack chicken is great for meal prep. Prepare the ingredients ahead, then assemble and refrigerate or freeze. It’s perfect for busy nights. Just cook it when you’re ready for a tasty, easy meal.
As “Crack chicken has become a staple in many households due to its simplicity and flavor.” – a quote that many home cooks agree with. They love how easy and tasty it is.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your crack chicken for days. It’s a versatile and convenient meal option.
Conclusion
You’ve now found out how easy and tasty a crack chicken recipe is. It’s a dish that will quickly become a favorite in your home. Its creamy sauce, crispy bacon, and melted cheese make it a hit with everyone.
This recipe works well in a slow cooker or Instant Pot, fitting your cooking style. You can also make it fit different diets, like keto-friendly options.
With crack chicken, you can make many dishes. Try it in sandwiches, dips, casseroles, or stuffed veggies. The fun part is you can make it ahead and keep it for later.
Now that you know how to make this yummy crack chicken recipe, try adding your own twist. Use different ingredients and find new ways to serve it. Make it your own!