Introduction

Easy Instant Pot Crack Chicken is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Loaded with shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and Ranch seasoning, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it on buns for a delicious sandwich or enjoy it as a hearty dip.

Easy Instant Pot Crack Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

10 slices bacon (cooked)
2.5 lbs chicken breast (boneless and skinless)
1 (8 oz) cream cheese package (cubed)
1 oz Ranch dressing dry seasoning mix (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
3/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
8 oz cheddar cheese (shredded)
6 hamburger buns
Chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the bacon: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and arrange a rack in the lower third of the oven. Lay the bacon slices in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake until deep golden-brown and crispy, about 15 to 20 minutes, checking around 12 minutes to avoid burning. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the chicken: Add the chicken breasts and cubed cream cheese to the Instant Pot.
Add seasoning and broth: Sprinkle Ranch seasoning mix, minced garlic, onion powder, and paprika over the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth.
Pressure cook: Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure and open the lid.
Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and shred it using two forks.
Make the cheese sauce: Switch the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and whisk the cream cheese mixture in the pot until well combined.
Add cheddar cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and mix until melted and smooth.
Combine chicken and sauce: Turn off the Instant Pot, add the shredded chicken back into the cheese sauce, and stir until fully combined.
Add bacon and serve: Stir in the cooked bacon pieces if desired. Serve the mixture on hamburger buns topped with extra bacon, cheese, and chopped green onions.

Tips & Variations

Use precooked bacon to save time, or cook it fresh for extra crispiness.
Adjust Ranch seasoning to your taste preference for milder or stronger flavor.
Serve the chicken on sliders or over rice for a different meal option.
For extra creaminess, add a splash of sour cream or mayonnaise before serving.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain creaminess if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and can add extra moisture and flavor. Adjust cooking time if needed to ensure they are fully cooked.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken mixture for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, and stir well to restore the creamy texture.

Easy Instant Pot Crack Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 93 reviews

This Easy Instant Pot Crack Chicken recipe is a creamy, cheesy chicken dish loaded with bacon and flavored with ranch seasoning. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it uses your Instant Pot for fast pressure cooking, resulting in tender shredded chicken mixed into a rich cheese sauce. Serve it on hamburger buns topped with chopped green onions for a comforting and flavorful sandwich everyone will love.

Author: Nora
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Instant Pot
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Dairy

10 slices bacon (cooked)
2.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, cubed
8 oz shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings and Liquids

1 oz Ranch dressing dry seasoning mix (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
3/4 cup chicken broth (or water)

Other

6 hamburger buns
Chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook Bacon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and arrange a rack in the lower third of the oven. Lay the bacon slices in a single layer on the baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until deep golden-brown and crispy. Check after 12 minutes to prevent burning. Remove and set aside.
Add Chicken and Cream Cheese: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts into the Instant Pot. Add the cubed cream cheese on top of the chicken.
Add Seasonings and Broth: Sprinkle the ranch dressing seasoning mix, minced garlic, paprika, and onion powder over the chicken and cream cheese. Pour in 3/4 cup of chicken broth or water.
Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once done, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. Open the lid carefully.
Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts and transfer them to a large bowl or cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken finely.
Make Cheese Sauce: Switch the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and whisk the cream cheese mixture remaining in the pot until smooth and well combined.
Add Cheddar Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Turn off the Instant Pot. Add the shredded chicken back into the cheese sauce and stir thoroughly to combine.
Mix in Bacon: Chop or crumble the cooked bacon slices. Fold the bacon pieces into the cheesy shredded chicken mixture.
Serve: Spoon the crack chicken mixture onto hamburger buns. Garnish with additional bacon, cheese, and chopped green onions if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your crack chicken sandwiches.

Notes

For faster preparation, use precooked bacon.
You can adjust the amount of ranch seasoning to taste.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated.
This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
To make this recipe lower fat, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese and cheddar.

Keywords: Instant Pot Crack Chicken, Crack Chicken, Cream Cheese Chicken, Ranch Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipe, Pressure Cooker Chicken