Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that's both indulgent and guilt-free? Meet the Healthy Crack Chicken, a delightful blend of creamy, savory flavors that will have your taste buds dancing! Whether you opt for the Instant Pot or slow cooker, this recipe promises a mouthwatering meal in just 35 minutes. Imagine tender chicken, rich cream cheese, and crispy bacon coming together in a symphony of deliciousness that your whole family will love. Don’t miss out on this culinary experience that’s as easy to make as it is to devour—read on to discover the secrets to this irresistible dish!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Ensure chicken breasts are thawed and pat dry with paper towels. Soften cream cheese at room temperature.
- Place chicken breasts in the Instant Pot or slow cooker in a single layer. Sprinkle ranch seasoning packet evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Pour chicken broth around the chicken, ensuring it doesn't wash off the seasoning. This liquid will help create steam and prevent burning.
- For Instant Pot: Close lid, set valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 15-20 minutes depending on chicken breast thickness. For slow cooker: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooking is complete, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the cooking liquid. If using Instant Pot, do a quick release of pressure.
- Add softened cream cheese to the shredded chicken and stir until completely incorporated and creamy.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture and allow it to melt. Stir gently to combine.
- Crumble cooked bacon over the top of the chicken mixture for added flavor and crunch.
- Garnish with chopped green onions just before serving.
- Serve hot over rice, in lettuce wraps, on a salad, or as a sandwich filling.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prep your ingredients in advance. Thaw the chicken and soften the cream cheese the night before for a quicker cooking process.
- Layering is Key: When placing the chicken in your Instant Pot or slow cooker, make sure they are in a single layer. This ensures even cooking and maximum flavor absorption from the ranch seasoning.
- Don’t Skip the Broth: Pour the chicken broth around, but not directly on the chicken. This helps keep the seasoning intact while providing the necessary moisture for cooking.
- Perfect Shredding: After cooking, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the cooking liquid. This allows the chicken to soak up all those delicious flavors.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Add some sliced jalapeños for heat, or swap out green onions for fresh herbs like cilantro for a different twist.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish is incredibly versatile—try it over rice, in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option, or as a filling for sandwiches. The possibilities are endless!
- Leftover Magic: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This dish makes for a fantastic lunch option!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 52g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 170mg
