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Easy Pepper Jack Crack Chicken Recipe

Easy Pepper Jack Crack Chicken Recipe

5.2 from 27 reviews

This Easy Pepper Jack Crack Chicken is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish made with tender chicken breasts, cream cheese, pepper jack cheese, ranch seasoning, and crispy bacon. Perfect for a quick weekday meal, it can be made in a slow cooker or on the stovetop, delivering a rich and spicy twist on classic comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale

Main 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)
  • 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 6 slices)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (optional, for slow cooker)
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper evenly over the chicken. If using the slow cooker, add 1/2 cup of chicken broth to prevent sticking and ensure the chicken stays moist during cooking.
  2. Add cream cheese: Dollop the softened cream cheese over the seasoned chicken breasts, distributing it as evenly as possible before cooking.
  3. Cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be tender and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked.
  4. Shred the chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it with the melted cream cheese mixture.
  5. Add cheese and bacon: Stir in the shredded pepper jack cheese and crumbled bacon until everything is well combined and the cheese has melted completely.
  6. Serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped green onions and serve it hot. Enjoy with your favorite side dishes.

Notes

  • You can omit chicken broth if you prefer a thicker sauce in the slow cooker.
  • If you don’t have ranch seasoning mix, substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried ranch seasoning or a mix of dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley.
  • For a stovetop version, cook chicken breasts in a skillet, then prepare the sauce directly in the same pan for easy cleanup.
  • Adjust the amount of pepper jack cheese if you want it more or less spicy.
  • This recipe pairs well with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables.

Nutrition

Keywords: pepper jack crack chicken, creamy chicken recipe, slow cooker chicken, ranch chicken, cheesy chicken, easy weeknight dinner