Keto Crack Chicken (Slow Cooker) – Creamy Ranch Chicken with Bacon

Name: Keto Crack Chicken (Crock Pot)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 240 min
Total time: 255 min
Ingredients: 1/2 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; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Modified: May 20, 2026 · Published: May 31, 2024 by Vicky · 92 Comments · Contains affiliate links

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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!

Jump to:

Why You'll Love Keto Crack Chicken
Keto Recipes
Ingredients For Keto Crack Chicken in the Crock Pot
How to Make Keto Crack Chicken Crock Pot
Tips for best texture
What to Serve With This
FAQs For Crockpot Keto Crack Chicken
Keto Chicken Recipes
📖 Recipe
Optional Tools

A plate of creamy keto crack chicken in the crock pot sits on a white dish with text promoting the recipe.

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:

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.

Raw chicken breasts in a creamy, seasoned broth before cooking in a slow cooker.

Two seasoned chicken breasts cooked and resting in broth at the bottom of a slow cooker.

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.

Chicken being shredded inside a slow cooker using black meat claws.

Cubes of cream cheese scattered over shredded chicken in a slow cooker before melting.

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.

Slow-cooked chicken with melted cream cheese and seasonings, beginning to be stirred together.

Cream cheese and chicken mixture in a slow cooker, topped with crumbled cooked bacon before stirring

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.

Crack Chicken topped with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese and crispy crumbled bacon in a slow cooker.

Creamy crack chicken in a slow cooker, filled with shredded chicken, melted cheese, and crispy bacon bits.

You can sprinkle some more bacon on top of the crock pot crack chicken, since more bacon makes everything better!

A serving of slow cooker crack chicken on a white plate, with a bite being lifted by a fork.

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.

Overhead shot of crack chicken on a plate, showing melted cheese and bacon, with a red-striped napkin underneath.

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

Can I use frozen 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.

Why is my crack chicken watery?

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.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, you can, since thighs stay extra juicy. Trim excess fat if you don't want the finished sauce to feel greasy.

Can I double this recipe?

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.

How much ranch seasoning is one packet?

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).

What's the serving size?

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.

How do I store and reheat it without the sauce separating?

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.

Can I make this in the Instant Pot instead?

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)

Vicky

Creamy slow cooker keto crack chicken made with ranch seasoning, cream cheese, cheddar, and bacon. Easy to shred, great for lettuce wraps, bowls, or meal prep.

4.27 from 141 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 4

Total Time 4 15

Course Crock Pot Meal

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 347 kcal

Equipment

Crock Pot

Video

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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).

This nutritional information is approximate and was calculated using online calculators. Your nutritional information may vary depending on numerous factors.

Nutrition

Calories: 347kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 30gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 475mgPotassium: 520mgVitamin A: 495IUVitamin C: 2.4mgCalcium: 84mgIron: 0.7mg

Keyword chicken, crock pot, keto

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Optional Tools

If you make slow cooker recipes often, these are a few tools I reach for the most.

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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!