Easy Crock Pot Crack Chicken Recipe for Busy Weeknights
Easy Crock Pot Crack Chicken is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to keeping it creamy and flavorful. The crispy bacon and melted cheese on top make this dish irresistible. Jump to the recipe or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Refreshing Sparkling Fruit Punch Recipe for Summer Parties and Easy Spring Zucchini Basil Soup Recipe for Dinner.
Why This Easy Crock Pot Crack Chicken Recipe for Busy Weeknights Is Pure Comfort
- Creamy and comforting chicken dish
- Ready in just 4 hours with minimal effort
- Better than takeout and family-friendly
- Perfect for meal prepping and freezing
What You'll Need for Easy Crock Pot Crack Chicken Recipe for Busy Weeknights
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix
- 1 packet (1 oz) au jus gravy mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ranch dressing mix
- au jus gravy mix
- chicken broth
- cream cheese
- sour cream
- cheddar cheese
- bacon
- Optional: green onions, chopped
- Optional: crushed tortilla chips
📝 Ingredient Notes
- chicken breasts: You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Crock Pot Slow Cooker — Ensures even cooking and perfect results every time. → See on Amazon
- Meat Thermometer — Prevents overcooking and ensures food safety. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Crock Pot Crack Chicken Recipe for Busy Weeknights
- Step 1: Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Step 2: Sprinkle ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix over the chicken.
- Step 3: Pour chicken broth over the chicken.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
- Step 5: Remove chicken from crockpot and shred using two forks.
- Step 6: Stir in cream cheese and sour cream until well combined.
- Step 7: Stir in shredded cheese and crumbled bacon.
- Step 8: Return chicken mixture to crockpot and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes.
- Step 9: Serve hot with optional toppings.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Crock Pot Crack Chicken Recipe for Busy Weeknights
- : For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the crockpot before adding the chicken mixture back in.
- Common mistake and fix: If your chicken is still frozen, add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time. If the chicken is not fully thawed, it may not cook evenly.
- : To make this recipe in the Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 15 minutes with a 10-minute natural release.
Storing & Reheating Easy Crock Pot Crack Chicken Recipe for Busy Weeknights
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make-ahead tip: This recipe can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Freezing Easy Crock Pot Crack Chicken Recipe for Busy Weeknights
Freeze cooked and cooled chicken mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Stir halfway through.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For an extra kick, add a teaspoon of hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
- Best substitution: Substitute the chicken broth with beef broth for a richer flavor.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the chicken and seasonings in the crockpot the night before. Cover and refrigerate. In the morning, add the chicken broth and cook as directed.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If the chicken is not cooking evenly, stir it halfway through the cooking time.
Want to level up this recipe?
Crock Pot Slow Cooker — Ensures even cooking and perfect results every time. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Crock Pot Crack Chicken Recipe for Busy Weeknights
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix
- 1 packet (1 oz) au jus gravy mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Seasonings
- ranch dressing mix
- au jus gravy mix
- chicken broth
- cream cheese
- sour cream
- cheddar cheese
- bacon
Optional Toppings
- green onions, chopped
- crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
- Step 1: Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Step 2: Sprinkle ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix over the chicken.
- Step 3: Pour chicken broth over the chicken.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
- Step 5: Remove chicken from crockpot and shred using two forks.
- Step 6: Stir in cream cheese and sour cream until well combined.
- Step 7: Stir in shredded cheese and crumbled bacon.
- Step 8: Return chicken mixture to crockpot and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes.
- Step 9: Serve hot with optional toppings.
Notes
- Chef tip: For an extra kick, add a teaspoon of hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
- Best substitution: Substitute the chicken broth with beef broth for a richer flavor.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the chicken and seasonings in the crockpot the night before. Cover and refrigerate. In the morning, add the chicken broth and cook as directed.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If the chicken is not cooking evenly, stir it halfway through the cooking time.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked and cooled chicken mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Stir halfway through.
- Make ahead: This recipe can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 42g
- Fat: 32g
- Carbs: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Cholesterol: 140mg
- Sat. Fat: 18g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Crock Pot Crack Chicken Recipe for Busy Weeknights FAQs
Yes, you can make this ahead and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
If your chicken is dry, it may not have cooked long enough. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Yes, you can make this in the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes with a 10-minute natural release.
This recipe pairs well with rice, noodles, or a side salad. For a winter meal, try serving it with a side of crusty bread.
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time. If the chicken is not fully thawed, it may not cook evenly.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Crock Pot Crack Chicken Recipe for Busy Weeknights and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
