Creamy • Cheesy • Keto-Friendly
This Slow Cooker Crack Chicken is rich, creamy, cheesy, and packed with protein. Tender shredded chicken cooks low and slow with ranch seasoning and cream cheese, then gets finished with cheddar and crispy bacon for that signature “crack chicken” flavor.
It’s one of those set-it-and-forget-it meals that works for keto, low-carb, or high-protein eating — and it’s perfect for meal prep.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3–4 hours (LOW)
Servings: 4–6
Diet Style: Keto | Low-Carb | High-Protein
Ingredients & Their Purpose
The Protein Base
2 lbs (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Lean protein foundation that becomes ultra-tender when slow cooked.
The Flavor Layer
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
Delivers bold, herby flavor.
(Or 1 tbsp homemade: garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, paprika.)
Salt & pepper
Balances seasoning.
The Creamy Core
8 oz cream cheese, cubed
Creates the rich, creamy base.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Adds meltiness and savory depth.
½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
Adds smoky, salty contrast.
2–3 green onions, sliced
Fresh finish and color.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
Sprinkle evenly with ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Add Cream Cheese
Place cream cheese cubes on top of chicken.
Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours, until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 3: Shred
Remove chicken from slow cooker.
Shred using two forks.
Return shredded chicken to slow cooker.
Stir well so cream cheese blends into sauce.
Step 4: Finish
Stir in shredded cheddar and cooked bacon.
Allow to melt for 5–10 minutes on LOW.
Top with sliced green onions before serving.
Texture & Flavor Profile
Texture: Ultra creamy, tender shredded chicken
Flavor: Savory ranch, smoky bacon, cheesy richness
Mouthfeel: Rich but balanced
Serving Ideas
- Over cauliflower rice (keto option)
- In low-carb tortillas
- On sandwich buns
- Over salads
- Stuffed into baked potatoes
- In lettuce wraps
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving – 6 Servings)
Calories: ~350
Protein: ~36 g
Fat: ~22 g
Carbs: ~3 g
(Will vary depending on cheese and bacon brand.)
Common Problems & Fixes
Too thick:
Add 1–2 tbsp chicken broth.
Too salty:
Add extra shredded chicken or Greek yogurt.
Too greasy:
Use reduced-fat cream cheese and lean bacon.
Variations
Spicy Version
Add ½ tsp cayenne or diced jalapeños.
Extra Creamy
Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream.
High-Protein Boost
Add ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt.
Buffalo Style
Mix in 2–3 tbsp buffalo sauce.
Storage & Meal Prep
Refrigerator:
Store 3–4 days in airtight container.
Freezer:
Freeze up to 2 months.
Reheat:
Warm gently with splash of broth to loosen.
Why This Recipe Works
- Slow cooking keeps chicken juicy
- Cream cheese melts into natural sauce
- Ranch seasoning builds flavor fast
- Bacon adds contrast and texture
Minimal effort. Maximum flavor.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Crack Chicken is the kind of recipe that becomes a rotation staple. It’s creamy comfort food that fits low-carb goals and reheats beautifully.
Set it. Shred it. Serve it.
