Discover the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly delicious **Instant Pot Crack Chicken recipe**. Featuring tender, succulent chicken bathed in a rich, creamy sauce made from savory bacon, zesty ranch seasoning, luscious cream cheese, and sharp cheddar, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. Perfectly suited for a low-carb or keto lifestyle, it’s an effortless weeknight dinner that also offers a convenient slow cooker option for hands-off preparation.
The moment you try this crack chicken recipe, you’ll understand why it earned its name. Inspired by the irresistibly addictive flavors of the classic dip, this easy-to-make dish promises an unforgettable culinary experience that will leave you utterly hooked. Its rich, savory profile and tender texture make it a standout meal.
Enjoy this versatile chicken on its own, as a filling for **crisp lettuce wraps**, piled high on **soft buns** for a satisfying sandwich, or simply by the spoonful. No matter how you choose to indulge, prepare for an explosion of flavor. If you find yourself craving more delicious, shredded chicken recipes, be sure to explore my slow cooker buffalo pulled pork, Instant Pot meatball sub, or my buffalo chicken lettuce wraps for more fantastic meal ideas.
Why This Instant Pot Crack Chicken Recipe is a Must-Try
This Instant Pot Crack Chicken isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a game-changer for busy weeknights and a favorite for family meals. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your regular rotation:
- **Lightning-Fast Preparation:** Enjoy a homemade, intensely flavorful meal that’s on your table in **under 40 minutes** when using the Instant Pot. This makes it ideal for those hectic evenings when time is of the essence but you still want something delicious and satisfying.
- **Effortless Cooking & Cleanup:** Whether you opt for the Instant Pot or the **Crockpot (slow cooker)**, both methods offer minimal hands-on time and remarkably easy cleanup. The Instant Pot handles everything in one pot, while the slow cooker allows you to set it and forget it, leaving you with more free time.
- **Unbeatable Leftovers:** This dish magically tastes even better the next day! As it settles, the savory flavors of the bacon, ranch, and cheeses meld together, deepening the deliciousness. It’s perfect for meal prep, making lunches or quick dinners a breeze throughout the week.
- **Keto and Low-Carb Friendly:** For those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet, this recipe is a dream come true. It’s naturally low in carbohydrates while being rich in healthy fats and protein, keeping you full and satisfied without compromising on flavor.
- **Crowd-Pleasing Versatility:** Its universally loved flavors appeal to almost everyone, from picky eaters to gourmet enthusiasts. Plus, its adaptability means you can serve it in countless ways – from casual sandwiches to elegant lettuce wraps.
The “Crack” Behind the Chicken: What Makes It So Addictive?
The name “crack chicken” isn’t an exaggeration – it’s a testament to its incredibly **addictive flavor profile**. Once you taste the rich combination of ranch, cream cheese, and cheddar, you’ll find yourself instantly **craving more**. This harmonious blend creates a truly irresistible and iconic taste sensation. The savory notes from the bacon, the zesty kick of the ranch dressing mix, and the creamy richness of the cheeses come together to form a perfectly balanced and utterly delicious experience that few can resist. It’s a true staple in many homes for a reason.
Key Ingredients for Irresistible Crack Chicken
Crafting the perfect Instant Pot Crack Chicken relies on a few simple yet powerful ingredients that come together to create its signature flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- **Bacon:** Thick-cut, crispy bacon forms the flavorful foundation of this dish. Sautéing it in the Instant Pot not only provides those irresistible savory bits but also renders fat that infuses the chicken with incredible depth. Choose a good quality bacon for the best results.
- **Chicken:** For this recipe, I typically use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which shred beautifully after pressure cooking. However, boneless, skinless chicken thighs or even chicken cutlets would work equally well, offering a slightly richer flavor and juicier texture. Just ensure they are of similar thickness for even cooking.
- **Ranch Dressing Mix:** This is the star ingredient responsible for the iconic, “addictive” flavor of crack chicken. You can easily find ranch dressing mix in convenient packets in the seasoning aisle of almost any grocery store. For those who prefer, a homemade ranch seasoning blend can also be used for a fresher, customizable taste.
- **Chicken Stock/Broth:** A touch of chicken stock helps create a flavorful liquid base for the pressure cooking, ensuring the chicken stays moist and absorbs all the delicious seasonings. Low-sodium chicken broth is a great choice to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
- **Cream Cheese:** The secret to the incredible creaminess! Full-fat cream cheese, cut into chunks, melts down beautifully to create a rich, velvety sauce that coats every strand of chicken. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easier mixing and melting.
- **Cheddar Cheese:** Shredded sharp or medium cheddar cheese adds a layer of gooey, cheesy goodness. While pre-shredded cheese works, grating your own block of cheddar will yield a smoother, creamier melt. You’ll need about two cups for that perfect cheesy pull.
- **Green Onions:** Sliced green onions (scallions) provide a fresh, mild oniony bite and a vibrant color that brightens the rich chicken mixture. They are stirred in at the end for an extra layer of bold, aromatic flavor.
Mastering Instant Pot Crack Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide
Making this incredible crack chicken in your Instant Pot is surprisingly simple, yielding a fantastic meal with minimal effort. Follow these steps for perfect results every time:
Step 1 – Sauté the Bacon
Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the **”Sauté” setting**. Add the bacon slices and cook until they are wonderfully crispy and golden brown. This step is crucial for rendering out the fat and building the foundational savory flavor. Once cooked, remove the crispy bacon from the pot and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. This will keep the bacon perfectly crunchy for later.
Step 2 – Prepare the Chicken
Carefully drain most of the rendered bacon grease from the Instant Pot, leaving just a tablespoon or two for flavor. Place your chicken breasts directly into the pot. There’s no need to brown the chicken first, as the pressure cooking will infuse it with flavor and cook it thoroughly.
Step 3 – Pressure Cook for Flavor
Generously sprinkle the ranch dressing mix over the chicken. Pour in the chicken stock, then scatter the chunks of cream cheese around the chicken. Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, ensuring the vent is sealed. Set the Instant Pot to cook on **Manual (or Pressure Cook) for 15 minutes** on high pressure. After the cooking cycle, allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release of any remaining pressure. This method ensures incredibly tender, juicy chicken.
Step 4 – Shred the Chicken
Once the pressure has fully released, carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the Instant Pot. Place them on a cutting board and **shred the chicken** using two forks, or for an even quicker method, a hand mixer. The chicken should be incredibly tender and easy to shred. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot with the creamy sauce.
Step 5 – Finish and Serve
Add the shredded cheddar cheese, the crumbled cooked bacon, and the sliced green onions to the shredded chicken mixture in the pot. Set the Instant Pot back to the **”Sauté” setting** once more. Cook and stir continuously until the cheddar cheese is perfectly melted and all the ingredients are thoroughly combined, creating a thick, creamy, and irresistible chicken mixture. This final sauté brings everything together into a cohesive, cheesy delight.
Serving Suggestions
Your delicious crack chicken is now ready to enjoy! For classic crack chicken sandwiches, pile it high on soft hamburger **buns**. For a lighter, keto-friendly option, serve it in crisp **lettuce wraps**. This versatile dish is also fantastic over baked potatoes, pasta, rice, or simply scooped with a spoon!
Expert Tips for the Best Instant Pot Crack Chicken
Achieving perfect Instant Pot Crack Chicken is easy, especially with these helpful tips:
- **Avoid Overcooking the Chicken:** To ensure your chicken remains incredibly tender and juicy, use a meat thermometer. The chicken is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of **165° Fahrenheit**. Overcooked chicken can become dry and stringy, so keep an eye on it after the pressure release.
- **Homemade Ranch Seasoning Option:** If you don’t have a packet of ranch dressing mix on hand, or prefer to control your ingredients, you can easily make your own blend. A homemade mix often uses common pantry spices like dried dill, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- **Slow Cooker Adaptation:** For those who prefer the convenience of a slow cooker, this recipe adapts beautifully. Refer to the “Notes” section at the bottom of the recipe card for detailed instructions on **how to cook this crack chicken in the slow cooker**. It’s a fantastic option for a busy day when you want dinner ready without much fuss.
- **Storing Leftovers:** Leftovers are truly a treat with this dish. Once cooled to room temperature, transfer the crack chicken to an **airtight container** and store it in the refrigerator for up to **three to four days**. The flavors will continue to meld and develop, often tasting even better the next day!
- **Amplify the Spice:** If you enjoy a kick of heat in your food, consider adding **fresh jalapeño slices** directly into the pot with the other ingredients, or as a garnish when serving. A dash of cayenne pepper or a splash of your favorite hot sauce can also elevate the spice level to your liking.
- **Toasted Buns Make a Difference:** For an elevated sandwich experience, I highly recommend buttering and lightly toasting your hamburger buns before filling them with the warm crack chicken mixture. The slight crispness and added richness complement the creamy chicken perfectly.
Can You Freeze This Instant Pot Crack Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! This Instant Pot Crack Chicken recipe freezes exceptionally well, making it a perfect candidate for meal prepping. To freeze, ensure the chicken mixture is completely cooled. Transfer it to an **airtight, freezer-safe container** or heavy-duty freezer bags. Be sure to label it with the date. When you’re ready to enjoy, allow the frozen chicken to **thaw in the refrigerator overnight**. Reheat gently in a preheated oven at **350°F (175°C) for at least 30 minutes**, or until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat smaller portions on the stovetop or in the microwave.
More Delicious Recipes Featuring Shredded Chicken
Shredded chicken is a versatile ingredient that forms the base of many comforting and easy meals. If you love this Instant Pot Crack Chicken, you’ll surely enjoy these other fantastic recipes that also utilize shredded chicken:
- White Chicken Chili: A hearty and flavorful chili that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
- Chicken and Doritos Casserole: A fun, cheesy, and crunchy casserole that’s a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup: A comforting and zesty soup that’s incredibly easy to make in your slow cooker.
- Slow-Cooker Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole: Layers of chicken, green chiles, and cheese baked into an irresistible casserole.
Loved This Recipe? Pin It for Later!
Don’t let this amazing Instant Pot Crack Chicken recipe get lost! Be sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest board so you can easily find it whenever a craving strikes.
LIKE THIS RECIPE?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating and
leave a comment below the recipe!
Print Recipe
Instant Pot Crack Chicken
Equipment
- Crock-Pot Cook & Carry 6-Quart Oval Portable Manual Slow Cooker
- Instant Pot DUO60 6 Qt 7-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker
Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1 package ranch dressing mix
- 8 oz cream cheese cut into chunks, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 green onions sliced
Instructions
- Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting and cook the bacon slices until they are crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons of grease in the pot. Then, place the chicken breasts into the Instant Pot.
- Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix over the chicken. Add the chicken stock and scatter the chunks of cream cheese on top. Secure the lid, ensure the venting knob is in the sealed position, and cook on Manual (High Pressure) for 15 minutes. Once cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the Instant Pot, mixing it into the creamy sauce.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled cooked bacon, and sliced green onions to the chicken in the pot. Set the Instant Pot back to the “Sauté” setting and cook, stirring continuously, until the cheese is completely melted and the mixture is warm and gooey.
- Serve immediately on toasted buns for delicious sandwiches or in crisp lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Notes
**To make in the slow cooker:** Place chicken breasts and chicken stock in the slow cooker. Sprinkle with ranch dressing seasoning and top with chunks of cream cheese. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is easily shreddable. Remove chicken from the pot, shred, and then return it to the slow cooker. Stir in the cooked and crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions. Continue to cook for another 15-30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated. Serve on buns or in lettuce wraps.
Nutrition
