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- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast - 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup chopped green onions - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon black pepper - Salt to taste In this recipe, chicken is the star. I always use boneless, skinless chicken breast for a tender dish. The ranch seasoning mix adds a punch of flavor. Cream cheese makes the sauce creamy and rich. Chicken broth keeps everything moist during cooking. Shredded cheddar cheese adds a nice touch at the end. Green onions give a fresh crunch that brightens the dish. - Extra green onions - Additional cheese For garnishes, I like to add extra green onions for color. You can also sprinkle more cheddar cheese on top. These little touches make the dish even more fun and tasty. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, I place the chicken breasts in the bottom of my slow cooker. I make sure they fit snugly without crowding. Next, I sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix evenly over the chicken. This adds a burst of flavor right from the start. Now, I layer the softened cream cheese on top of the chicken. I like to break it into smaller pieces for easy mixing later. Then, I pour the chicken broth over the mixture. This helps keep everything moist as it cooks. I season with garlic powder and black pepper, adding just a pinch of salt to taste. These spices make the dish pop! I can choose to set the slow cooker on low or high. If I set it on low, it cooks for about 6 to 7 hours. On high, it cooks for about 3 to 4 hours. I find that cooking on low gives the chicken a more tender texture. This is key for that melt-in-your-mouth feel! Once the cooking time is up, I use two forks to shred the chicken right in the cooker. This lets the chicken soak up all the creamy sauce. Next, I stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and blends well. Finally, I mix in the chopped green onions for a fresh finish. This adds a nice crunch and brightens the dish! To achieve the best flavor in your Slow Cooker Crack Chicken, use fresh ingredients. Fresh chicken and herbs make a big difference. Always sprinkle the ranch seasoning evenly. It helps blend the flavors well. Monitor the cooking time closely. Cooking too long can dry out the chicken. Aim for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. If you can, check it 30 minutes before the end time. This way, you ensure the chicken stays tender and juicy. For sides, steamed veggies pair well with this dish. You can also serve it over rice for a hearty meal. If you want to try something fun, serve it in tortillas as wraps. This makes for a great hand-held meal. Top your wrap with extra green onions and cheese for added flavor. You can also add a side salad for freshness. If you like meal prepping, this dish is perfect. You can cook it on the weekend and enjoy it all week. Just store it in airtight containers in the fridge. To make it in advance, follow the recipe and let it cool. Then, divide it into portions. You can also freeze it for later. When ready to eat, just thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on low heat until warm. This keeps the flavors fresh and delicious. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor of the dish. Consider adding chopped fresh parsley, dill, or thyme at the end for added freshness. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can increase the amount of cream cheese or add a splash of heavy cream at the end. Make it Spicy: For a kick of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. Leftover Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken. {{image_2}} Want to add some heat? You can make your Crack Chicken spicy! Just slice up some jalapeños or splash in your favorite hot sauce. The spice balances the creamy flavors well. It gives each bite a kick you will love. If you like more heat, add more jalapeños. This will make your dish even more exciting. If you're watching carbs, try using cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. It gives a nice texture and is low in carbs. Simply cook the cauliflower rice as you normally would. Serve your creamy Crack Chicken over it. You will still enjoy all the great flavors without the extra carbs. You can also make this dish in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop. For the Instant Pot, cook on high for about 10-12 minutes. Use natural release for best results. If you choose the stovetop, sauté the chicken, add the ingredients, and cover. Simmer on low for about 30-40 minutes. Both methods give you a delicious meal, just with different cooking times! To store leftovers safely, let the chicken cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well to keep out air. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you have a lot, divide it into smaller portions. This way, it cools faster and stays fresh longer. Always label the container with the date to track freshness. Freezing is a great way to keep your crack chicken longer. First, let the chicken cool completely. Then, scoop portions into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bags with the date and contents. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, move it to the fridge a day before. This helps it thaw slowly and keeps the texture nice. To reheat, the best method is the stovetop. Place the chicken in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also use the microwave. Just place it in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it. Heat for a minute at a time and stir in between. This helps it warm evenly without drying out. Enjoy the creamy, savory goodness just like when you first made it! Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just add about 1-2 hours to your cooking time. If you cook on low, aim for 7-8 hours. On high, cook for 4-5 hours. Always check that the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety. If you need a substitute, try a mix of dried herbs. Combine equal parts of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried dill. You can also use Italian seasoning or a mix of thyme and parsley. These will still give you a nice flavor. To make this dish dairy-free, swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free cream cheese. You can also use cashew cream or a nut-based yogurt. For cheese, try a dairy-free cheese alternative. These options will keep your dish creamy without dairy. In this post, I shared how to make a creamy ranch chicken dish using simple ingredients. I covered the main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, and variations to suit your taste. Remember, you can spice it up or make it low-carb. This dish is easy to prep ahead, making dinner stress-free. It tastes great served with your favorite sides or wrapped in a tortilla. Enjoy experimenting with the recipe, and don't forget to try new flavors to make it your own!

Creamy Herb Chicken Delight

A delicious and creamy chicken dish cooked in a slow cooker, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • 1 oz ranch seasoning mix
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup chopped green onions
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • to taste salt

Instructions
 

  • Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  • Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix evenly over the chicken.
  • Add the cream cheese on top of the chicken, then pour the chicken broth over the mixture.
  • Sprinkle the garlic powder and black pepper, and season with salt according to your taste.
  • Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  • Once done, shred the chicken using two forks directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with all the creamy sauce.
  • Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined.
  • Before serving, mix in the chopped green onions for a fresh touch.

Notes

Serve the creamy chicken over rice or in tortillas, garnished with green onions and cheddar cheese.
Keyword chicken, creamy, herb, slow cooker