Instant Pot Crack Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Instant Pot Crack Chicken recipe is a creamy, cheesy, and incredibly flavorful dish that’s ready in no time. With tender shredded chicken blended with cream cheese, ranch seasoning, cheddar, and crispy bacon, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 ounce ranch seasoning mix
- 8 slices bacon, fried and crumbled
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the chicken breasts, chicken broth, cream cheese (whole brick), and ranch seasoning mix into the Instant Pot.
- Step 2: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing.
- Step 3: Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Step 4: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
- Step 5: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks.
- Step 6: Whisk the remaining liquid in the pot with the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Step 7: Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Add the shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions, then stir everything together until well combined and melted.
Tips & Variations
- For extra spice, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when mixing in the cheese and bacon.
- Swap out cheddar cheese for pepper jack to add a bit of a kick.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer, more tender result.
- If you don’t have ranch seasoning mix, substitute with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and parsley.
Storage
Store leftover Crack Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can cook the chicken breasts in a slow cooker or on the stovetop, then follow the remaining steps to shred the chicken and mix in the cheese and bacon.
Is Crack Chicken good served with anything specific?
This dish goes well over rice, mashed potatoes, or even inside a sandwich or wrap for a hearty meal.
PrintInstant Pot Crack Chicken Recipe
Instant Pot Crack Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender shredded chicken cooked in a rich blend of cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and chicken broth, then mixed with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh green onions. This easy-to-make recipe uses the Instant Pot for quick cooking, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or game day snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 ounce ranch seasoning mix
Toppings and Mix-ins
- 8 slices bacon, fried and crumbled
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Instant Pot: Add the chicken breasts, chicken broth, cream cheese (whole block), and ranch seasoning mix directly into the Instant Pot.
- Seal and Cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Release Pressure: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them thoroughly using two forks.
- Make Sauce: Whisk the remaining liquid and cream cheese in the Instant Pot until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the shredded chicken to the pot, then add shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions. Stir everything together until well combined.
Notes
- The bacon should be cooked ahead of time until crispy and crumbled for the best texture.
- You can substitute chicken thighs if preferred, but cooking time may vary slightly.
- For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables.
- Make sure to use full-fat cream cheese for a richer sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Keywords: Instant Pot Crack Chicken, Cream Cheese Chicken, Ranch Chicken, Easy Instant Pot Recipes, Bacon Cheddar Chicken
