Slow Cooker Crack Chicken & Rice

If you’re looking for a dish that’s both ridiculously easy and totally irresistible, then Slow Cooker Crack Chicken & Rice is your new best friend. With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe transforms into a creamy, cheesy, flavor-packed meal that will make your taste buds do a happy dance. We’re talking tender chicken, fluffy rice, gooey cheese, and just the right amount of seasoning that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s comforting, it’s satisfying, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. Trust me, once you taste this dish, you’ll understand why it’s called “crack” chicken—it’s that addictive!

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Crack Chicken & Rice

Hands-Off Cooking

One of the best things about this recipe is how effortless it is. Just toss all the ingredients in the slow cooker, set it, and forget it! Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want a hearty meal with zero stress.

Comfort Food at Its Finest

This dish is pure comfort. It’s creamy, cheesy, and savory, with the perfect balance of flavors. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug, and it’s guaranteed to make you feel cozy and satisfied.

Family-Friendly

Kids and adults alike will love this meal! It’s easy to make and perfect for serving a crowd. Everyone will be happily digging into their plates, and you might just have to hide some leftovers for yourself!

Super Customizable

You can tweak this recipe to your liking. Want it spicier? Add some jalapeños or red pepper flakes. Want it richer? Add extra cheese or a dollop of sour cream. The possibilities are endless, and the flavor is always spot-on.

Ingredients in Slow Cooker Crack Chicken & Rice

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy, cheesy, irresistible meal:

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work great for this recipe. The slow cooker does all the magic, making the chicken juicy and tender.
• Cream Cheese: This gives the dish its signature creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Ranch Dressing Mix: The seasoning mix adds that signature “crack” flavor, making this dish savory and super addictive.
• Cheddar Cheese: A generous amount of shredded cheddar adds that gooey, melty goodness.
• Cooked Rice: This acts as the base of the dish, soaking up all the creamy, cheesy sauce.
• Bacon: For that crispy, smoky flavor that takes this dish to the next level. You can use pre-cooked bacon or make your own in the pan.
• Green Onions: Freshly chopped green onions for a bit of crunch and freshness to balance out all the creaminess.
• Chicken Broth: To ensure there’s enough liquid for the rice to cook in and to make the sauce nice and creamy.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are included in the recipe card below.)

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 450
• Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 1050mg
• Potassium: 450mg
• Calcium: 20% DV
• Iron: 8% DV

(Note: Nutritional values are based on a typical serving size and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-5 hours (on low)
• Total Time: 4.5-5.5 hours

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by placing your chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker. No need to sear them first—the slow cooker will do all the work, and the chicken will come out super tender.

Step 2: Add the Creamy Ingredients

Next, add the cream cheese on top of the chicken. Don’t worry about spreading it out—just place it right on top. Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix over the cream cheese and chicken.

Step 3: Pour in the Broth

Pour the chicken broth around the edges of the slow cooker. This will help create the creamy sauce that the rice will soak up as it cooks.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. You’ll know it’s ready when you can shred the chicken easily with two forks.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is done, take two forks and shred it right in the slow cooker. Stir everything together until the cream cheese and ranch mix are fully incorporated into the broth and chicken.

Step 6: Add the Rice and Cheese

Stir in the cooked rice and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined. If it looks too thick, add a little more chicken broth or a splash of milk to get it to your desired consistency.

Step 7: Top with Bacon and Green Onions

Finally, top the dish with crispy bacon and freshly chopped green onions for some extra flavor and crunch. Serve it up hot and enjoy!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Crack Chicken & Rice

With a Side Salad

A simple side salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette is a great way to balance out the richness of this dish. It adds a fresh, crisp contrast to the creamy chicken and rice.

With Garlic Bread

Pair this dish with some warm garlic bread to help scoop up all that cheesy goodness. You can’t go wrong with carbs on carbs!

As a Standalone Meal

This dish is hearty enough to be the main event, so sometimes you don’t need anything extra. Just serve it in bowls and enjoy!

Additional Tips

Make It Ahead of Time

If you’re short on time, you can prep this dish ahead of time! Place everything in the slow cooker the night before, store it in the fridge, and cook it the next day. It’s a great way to save time in the morning or for busy evenings.

Use Leftover Chicken

This recipe is perfect for using up leftover chicken! Just shred some cooked chicken and add it to the slow cooker with the other ingredients.

Make It Spicier

If you like a little heat, add some chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mix. It’ll add a kick without overpowering the dish.

Switch Up the Cheese

While cheddar is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses for more depth of flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A1: Yes! If you’re using brown rice, you may need to cook it separately and add it to the slow cooker at the end since brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice.

Q2: Can I make this recipe without bacon?
A2: Absolutely! You can skip the bacon if you prefer, or substitute it with crispy turkey bacon or even crumbled sausage for a different flavor.

Q3: Can I use frozen chicken?
A3: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs, but be sure to cook it on low for 5-6 hours instead of 4-5. Just be sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if it’s too thick.

Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
A5: Yes, this dish freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Q6: Can I make this in the oven instead?
A6: Yes! You can bake this dish in the oven by assembling everything in a casserole dish, covering it with foil, and baking at 350°F for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Q7: How do I make this dairy-free?
A7: To make it dairy-free, use a dairy-free cream cheese and non-dairy cheese. You can also substitute the heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk.

Q8: How many servings does this recipe make?
A8: This recipe makes about 6 servings, depending on portion size.

Q9: Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
A9: Absolutely! You can add peas, corn, or spinach to the slow cooker for more veggies. Just stir them in along with the rice and cheese.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes! If you’re feeding a crowd, feel free to double the ingredients. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Crack Chicken & Rice is the ultimate comfort food that’s as easy as it is delicious. It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or a meal prep winner. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this dish is sure to become a household favorite. So go ahead, set it and forget it, and enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal with no fuss at all!

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