Looking for a creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy dish that’s wildly addictive and super easy to make? This Pepper Jack Crack Chicken delivers all that and more. Made with tender shredded chicken, rich cream cheese, melty Pepper Jack, ranch seasoning, and crispy bacon—this recipe is pure comfort food in every bite. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, game day, or meal prepping for the week, it’s guaranteed to disappear fast!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep: Only 10 minutes of prep time—let the slow cooker or skillet do the rest!
- Crowd-pleasing: Rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor—it’s perfect for feeding a hungry group.
- Versatile: Serve it over rice, in sandwiches, on baked potatoes, or with low-carb sides.
- Two cooking methods: Make it in a slow cooker or on the stovetop for flexibility.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 6 slices)
- ½ cup chicken broth (optional, for slow cooker)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
Slow Cooker Method
- Prepare the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Sprinkle with ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Pour in chicken broth if using.
- Add Cream Cheese: Place dollops of the softened cream cheese on top of the chicken.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until chicken is cooked through and tender (165°F / 74°C).
- Shred: Remove chicken and shred it with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix with the melted cream cheese.
- Finish: Stir in shredded Pepper Jack cheese and crumbled bacon until fully melted and combined.
- Serve: Top with green onions and serve hot.
Stovetop Method
- Cook Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken breasts for 6–7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Remove and shred.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add cream cheese, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Combine: Stir in shredded chicken, Pepper Jack cheese, and crumbled bacon. Cook until heated through and creamy.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
- Low-carb: Serve with cauliflower rice, lettuce wraps, or roasted veggies.
- Classic comfort: Spoon over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.
- Sandwich style: Pile onto toasted buns with extra cheese for the ultimate crack chicken sandwich.
Make Ahead & Storage
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet or microwave.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Tips for Success
- Use a block of cream cheese: It melts more smoothly than whipped or spreadable versions.
- Shred while warm: Chicken is easiest to shred when still warm—use two forks or a hand mixer for speed.
- Adjust the spice level: Use Monterey Jack instead of Pepper Jack for a milder version, or add red pepper flakes for more heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Skip the cooking steps and stir shredded rotisserie chicken into the melted cream cheese mixture for a faster meal.
What can I use instead of ranch seasoning?
You can substitute with 1 tsp dried dill, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp dried parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Can I make this recipe keto-friendly?
Absolutely—just serve with low-carb sides and use keto-friendly bacon and seasoning.
Nutritional Info (per serving)
Servings: 6
Calories: ~450
Fat: 35g
Protein: 28g
Carbs: 3g
Fiber: 0g
Final Thoughts
This Pepper Jack Crack Chicken is rich, cheesy, and totally irresistible. Whether you use your slow cooker or a skillet, it’s a quick and satisfying dish that’s great for busy weeknights or entertaining friends. Serve it hot and watch it disappear fast!
Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later and share it with your fellow comfort food fans!