Looking for a low-carb slow cooker dinner that doesn't taste like diet food? This keto crack chicken is rich and creamy (thanks to cream cheese), loaded with ranch flavor, and finished with bacon and cheddar.
The best part is that it's the kind of recipe that works for those following the keto plan, and everyone else, so you're not making two dinners. Before you start, check out the quick troubleshooting tips below (especially if you've had slow cooker chicken turn watery) so things go perfectly!
And if you're into this kind of low-effort, high-flavor dinner, don't miss our 20 Keto Crockpot Recipes - more slow-cooked goodness awaits!
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Discover a family-friendly Keto recipe for Crack Chicken in the Slow Cooker that everyone will love. No need for separate meals on your Keto diet - this easy slow cooker meal is for everyone! Chicken recipes for the win!
Why You'll Love Keto Crack Chicken
When it comes to crock pot recipes, the magic happens with the slow cooker doing all the heavy lifting. You just set it and forget it-and come back to a meal that tastes like you totally fussed over it.
This keto crack chicken is:
- Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor - with crispy bacon bits in every bite (yes, please!)
- Effortless to make - the slow cooker handles everything while you go live your life
- Family-friendly - picky eaters, keto folks, and carb lovers alike will all ask for seconds
- Totally versatile - serve it in lettuce cups, low-carb tortillas, or over rice or pasta if you're not doing keto
- Perfect for leftovers - it reheats like a dream, and you'll be glad to have extra
Keto Recipes
Finding time to cook can be a real struggle. And when you're on the keto diet, it can be even more challenging to come up with easy and delicious meals. But there are plenty of simple and tasty Keto recipes out there that won't require hours in the kitchen. Here are some of our favorites:
- Keto Chinese Chicken and Broccoli
- Keto Chicken Nuggets
- Keto Egg Roll in a Bowl
- Keto Chicken Pizza Crust Recipe
- Keto Taco Stuffed Peppers
- Keto Chicken Crockpot Recipes
Ingredients For Keto Crack Chicken in the Crock Pot
- Chicken broth - You can use homemade or canned. Low-sodium chicken broth is fine if you are watching your salt intake.
- Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning packet - This is the kind you would use to make salad dressing. You can also make your own ranch seasoning with this recipe from Mad Creations.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts - Defrosted.
- Cream Cheese - Be sure to use full-fat cream cheese and it makes the chicken creamier. Cut the cream cheese into chunks.
- Bacon - Make sure the bacon is cooked and crumbled before adding it to the keto crack chicken in the crock pot.
- Shredded cheddar cheese - If you are on a low-carb diet, it is better to grate your own cheese. You can use medium of sharp cheddar cheese.
How to Make Keto Crack Chicken Crock Pot
1. Mix broth and seasoning mix
To make this keto chicken recipe, start by adding chicken broth to your slow cooker. Stir in a packet of Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix until it has fully dissolved into the broth.
2. Add chicken, cover and cook
Next, add the defrosted chicken breasts. Cover the crockpot with the lid to keep the heat and moisture inside. Let the chicken cook for 4 hours on high heat for a quicker meal or 8 hours on low heat for a more slow-cooked, flavorful result. Do not open the lid while the chicken is cooking.
3. Shred chicken
After the cooking time has ended, shred the chicken in the pot with two forks or use these shredding claws. They are so much easier on the hands and make the shredding job much quicker. When you shred the chicken, it will absorb any leftover liquid.
Chicken should shred easily. If it doesn't, cook 20-30 minutes longer.
4. Add cream cheese
Now it is time to add the cream cheese. Cut the block of cream cheese into chunks and add them to the shredded chicken in the pot.
5. Stir and add bacon
Stir to combine the cream cheese into the chicken. Cream cheese is fully melted when the sauce looks smooth. Crumble the bacon and add it to the mixture in the slow cooker.
6. Add cheese, stir, and cover
Next, add the shredded cheese and stir all the ingredients together to incorporate everything.
Place the cover back on the crock pot and cook the chicken in there for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cream cheese has fully melted.
You can sprinkle some more bacon on top of the crock pot crack chicken, since more bacon makes everything better!
Tips for best texture
- For thicker, less-soupy crack chicken: After you shred the chicken, leave the lid off for 10-15 minutes on High so excess liquid can cook off. Then stir in the cheddar.
- For ultra-creamy sauce: Cut the cream cheese into cubes before adding it, and stir until the sauce looks smooth with no white streaks.
- For extra flavor: Cook the bacon until crisp and stir it in at the end so it stays crunchy.
- For serving as a dip: Let it sit for 5 minutes after the cheese melts-this helps it thicken up before you scoop it.
What to Serve With This
This is creamy and salty, so it pairs best with sides that add freshness, crunch, or a neutral base:
- Low-carb bases: cauliflower rice - Easy Spanish Cauliflower Rice , mashed cauliflower - Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower Recipe, or zucchini noodles
- Crunchy scoops: lettuce wraps, keto tortillas, celery sticks, cucumber rounds
- Simple veggie sides: roasted broccoli, air fryer green beans, sautéed zucchini
- Not keto? serve it over rice, pasta, or on sandwich buns for the family
Optional: If you want it more meal-prep friendly, portion it into containers with a veggie and a base so lunches feel complete.
FAQs For Crockpot Keto Crack Chicken
It's safest to thaw the chicken first so it cooks evenly and the sauce doesn't get overly watery. If you must start frozen, plan on a longer cook time and check that the thickest part reaches a safe internal temperature before shredding.
Slow cookers vary, and chicken releases liquid as it cooks. If it looks thin after shredding, leave the lid off for 10-15 minutes on High to reduce, or stir in a little extra cheddar to thicken.
Yes, you can, since thighs stay extra juicy. Trim excess fat if you don't want the finished sauce to feel greasy.
Yes, as long as your slow cooker isn't packed too tightly. Keep the chicken in a single layer if possible, because if it's stacked, it may take longer for it to cook through.
Packets vary by brand and size. If you're using bulk ranch seasoning, start with the amount listed on your container that equals one packet, then taste after shredding and adjust gradually (it's easier to add than to fix chicken that is too salty).
The recipe makes 8 servings. For most slow cookers, that's roughly ½ to ¾ cup per serving, depending on how much liquid remains after shredding.
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently (microwave at 50-70% power or low heat on the stove) and stir well. Cream cheese sauces stay smoother with slower reheating.
You can also freeze slow-cooker crack chicken. Place chicken in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Yes, you can follow our recipe for Instant Pot Crack Chicken. Just add the chicken, broth, and seasonings to the Instant Pot, then cook on high pressure for about 15 minutes. Quick release, shred the chicken, stir in the cream cheese and bacon, and you're good to go.
Keto Chicken Recipes
📖 Recipe
Keto Crack Chicken (Crock Pot)
Equipment
Video
Ingredients
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning packet
- 2 pounds of defrosted chicken breasts
- 8 oz package of Philadelphia Cream Cheese cut into chunks
- 8 slices cooked and crumbled bacon
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Add broth to slow cooker and whisk in ranch seasoning until dissolved.
- Add chicken in an even layer. Cover and cook 4 hours on High or 8 hours on Low (don't lift lid).
- Shred chicken in the slow cooker until it pulls apart easily.
- Add cream cheese. Stir until mostly melted and creamy.
- Stir in bacon and cheddar. Cover 5-10 minutes until fully melted, then stir smooth.
Notes
- If the sauce seems thin after shredding, cook uncovered 10-15 minutes on High to reduce.
- Chicken thighs work well; expect a slightly richer sauce.
- Serve as lettuce wraps, over cauliflower rice, or as a dip with celery/cucumbers.
- For serving size: about ½-¾ cup per serving (8 servings).
Nutrition
Optional Tools
If you make slow cooker recipes often, these are a few tools I reach for the most.
Crock-Pot Design to Shine 7 Quart Slow
YARWO Slow Cooker Travel Bag with BottomReynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (FitsLid Pocket Slow Cooker Lid Holder |
If you love the crockpot like me, then you know the best accessories can make cooking easier. From silicone lids and slow cooker liners to meat shredders and temperature probes, Amazon has got you covered. While you are at it, upgrade your crockpot!
Brelin Schubert says
Looks incredible! Wanting to make it for a group... curious if you think doubling it would work well?
Vicky says
I think doubling it would work fine as long as the crock pot is large enough.
Jamie Tibbles says
whats the serving size?
Amy says
Doesn anyone know the serving size?
Vicky says
I typically make this and use it while meal planning so I divide the whole thing into 8 equal servings.
Jamie Tibbles says
8 servings would that be 1 cup servings?
Vicky says
Roughly speaking, each serving should be about 1/8 of the total dish, which might be around ½ to ¾ cup per serving, depending on how much liquid remains.
Lynn says
I found the keto tortilla and make enchildas with crack chicken mix for the filling it is to die for
Vicky says
What a great idea!
Carter says
So excited to try this but I am allergic to chicken. Do you think this would be good with beef broth and pork?
Vicky says
I have not tried it that way, but I did find this recipe for Instant Pot Crack Pork. Hope this helps!
https://www.swankyrecipes.com/instant-pot-crack-pork.html
Tara says
I put 2 packets of ranch seasoning in mine and it’s perfect! My family loves it and I travel 3-4 days a week for work so i is usually eat on it the entire time I’m gone for dinner!
Vicky says
So glad you enjoy it and it is making your life easier. Thanks for commenting! 🙂
Grace says
Could this be made with chicken thighs?
Vicky says
Yes, chicken thighs work also.
Hal says
Hey guys I made this before and it was really good! Honestly it tastes like a chicken bake from Costco without the bread.
I have a big container of hidden valley ranch seasoning and I think part of the challenge is figuring out the right amount of seasoning to add to the dish. Anyone who made it and it was awesome have any thoughts about the ounces they used for one serving of this recipe? I’ve seen packets vary from ,5 ounces to 1.5 ounces per packet. Thank you!
Tim Hickey says
We made that and boy it sure didn’t last we just ate like we have not had chicken before. Very easy recipe. A Must try!
Vicky says
Thanks for taking the time to leave some kind words!
Suzanne M says
Do you know if this can be frozen? I'm looking for recipes to make and freeze into portions for my sister with mobility issues. Thanks!
Vicky says
Yes! This recipe freezes really well. Just let the chicken cool, then portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. When your sister is ready to enjoy it, she can thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave. It’s a great one to keep on hand for easy, no-fuss meals.