Looking to make a slow-cooked dish that is perfect to serve for any game or movie night? This cream cheese "crack" chicken recipe is absolutely a must-try. Tender shredded chicken is cooked with cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and an assortment of toppings, for an explosion of flavor in every bite! The dish is prepared in a crockpot and has an extended cook time, so be sure to begin preparation early, and plan to coincide with when your company arrives.
The recipe below calls for what are, essentially, loaded baked potato toppings: bacon and cheddar cheese. However, this dish is very versatile, and you can feel free to use your own favorites if you'd like. This dish is also easy to multiply to be brought to larger events like picnics or other outdoor gatherings. Like most crockpot meals, it will only taste better the longer it sits!
Slow Cooker Cream Cheese "Crack" Chicken
6-8
10 mins
7 hrs 10 mins
7 hrs 20 mins
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thigh, trimmed
16 oz cream cheese
1 oz. packet ranch seasoning
8 slices bacon, cooked, drained, and crumbled
1½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Place the whole chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning over the chicken.
Place the cream cheese on top of the chicken.
Cover the slow cooker, and cook on low power for 7 hours. Avoid opening the lid during the cooking time.
Once cooking is done, remove the lid. Using two forks, carefully shred the chicken inside the crockpot. Mix the shredded chicken into the cream cheese so it becomes consistent.
Add the bacon pieces to the slow cooker, and stir to combine the mixture.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese completely over the chicken mixture, and re-cover with the lid. Allow to cook just until everything is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 10-15 mins.
Ladle the mixture into a bowl to use as a dip with tortilla chips, onto crusty rolls for sandwiches, or inside a baked potato for a great potato filling. Serve hot immediately.
Pro-tip: This dish could also be poured over tortilla chips, and served with diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and black beans for the ultimate chicken nachos!
Pro-tip: Not that this is a "diet dish," but you can reduce fat and calories by using boneless skinless chicken breast, reduced fat cream cheese, and half the bacon.