The Best Slow Cooker Crack Chicken & Rice Recipe Ever Made

Life gets hectic, but this mouthwatering slow cooker crack chicken & rice recipe solves dinnertime drama in one delicious pot.

Creamy textures and bold flavors combine effortlessly for a meal you’ll crave again and again.

We’ve perfected a comfort food classic that feels like a warm hug.

Shredded chicken melts into a rich, cheesy sauce that sticks to every grain of rice.

Minimal prep means maximum enjoyment without spending hours in the kitchen.

No complicated techniques or fancy ingredients required – just pure, simple deliciousness.

Buckle up for a dinner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

How to Store Crack Chicken & Rice

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chicken and rice to freezer-safe containers, where they'll maintain quality for up to 3 months.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying and restore creamy texture.
• Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and maintain moisture.

Serving Slow Cooker Crack Chicken & Rice

• Crisp Green Salad Boost: Prepare a light, zesty mixed green salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the rich, creamy chicken dish.
• Wine Pairing Pleasure: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay to complement the creamy texture and balance the ranch seasoning's bold flavors.
• Crunchy Sidekick Support: Add buttery garlic breadsticks or crispy garlic toast to provide a delightful textural contrast and soak up the delicious sauce.
• Bright Vegetable Contrast: Roast asparagus spears with lemon zest and olive oil to introduce a fresh, slightly acidic element that enhances the overall meal's depth.

Crack Chicken & Rice with Slow Cooker Edits

• Keto-Friendly Version: Replace rice with cauliflower rice and use low-carb cream cheese. Swap ranch seasoning for homemade keto-friendly spice blend to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute cream cheese with cashew cream or coconut cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese for similar flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwestern Style: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap ranch seasoning for taco seasoning. Top with fresh cilantro and serve with salsa for extra kick.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and keep remaining ingredients consistent for plant-based protein option.

FAQs

The name comes from its addictively delicious flavor combination of cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and tender shredded chicken that makes it incredibly tasty and hard to stop eating.

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add about 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked and tender.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. You’ll need to use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and check that the ranch seasoning mix is gluten-free to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

• Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

While a slow cooker is recommended for optimal tenderness, you can adapt this recipe to a Dutch oven or large skillet by cooking the chicken on low heat and monitoring moisture levels carefully.

Slow Cooker Crack Chicken & Rice That’s Creamy and Addictive

• Time-Saving Wonder: Requires only 10 minutes of initial preparation and cooks unattended, perfect for busy weeknights or hectic family schedules.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines classic flavors of ranch, cheese, and chicken that appeal to both kids and adults, making it a guaranteed family favorite.
• Versatile One-Pot Magic: Easily customizable with optional add-ins like frozen peas or different cheese varieties, adapting to personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

Slow Cooker Crack Chicken & Rice: Ingredient List

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy main protein that creates the base of the dish, best when fresh and boneless.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances chicken flavor, helps tenderize meat during slow cooking.

• Cream Cheese: Provides rich, smooth texture and tangy flavor, softened for easy mixing.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds creamy consistency and extra chicken flavor, helps bind ingredients.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds sharp, cheesy taste, shredded for even distribution.

• Ranch Seasoning Mix: Delivers zesty, herbal flavor profile, adds depth to the overall dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for final flavor adjustment, helps balance other seasonings.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish that provides mild onion flavor and visual appeal, chopped for serving.

• Rice: Serves as hearty base, absorbs flavors of other ingredients.
• Frozen Peas: Optional vegetable that adds color, texture, and slight sweetness.

Slow Cooker Crack Chicken and Rice Assembly Guide

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Breasts

Unwrap the chicken breasts and gently place them into the bottom of your slow cooker.

Make sure they sit flat and are not overlapping too much.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Base

• Cream of chicken soup
• Softened cream cheese
• Ranch seasoning mix
• Chicken broth

Pour all ingredients over the chicken and use a spatula to mix everything together until it forms a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the chicken evenly.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat for 6-7 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.

The chicken should become super tender and easily fall apart when touched with a fork.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Use two forks to pull the chicken apart directly in the slow cooker.

Drag the forks in opposite directions to create tender, juicy shreds.

Mix the chicken thoroughly with the creamy sauce.

Step 5: Prepare the Rice

In a separate saucepan, cook the rice following package instructions.

Use water to create fluffy, perfectly cooked grains that will blend beautifully with the chicken mixture.

Step 6: Combine and Finish the Dish

• Cooked rice
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Frozen peas (optional)

Stir everything together until the cheese melts and all ingredients are heated through and well combined.

Step 7: Final Seasoning

Taste the dish and sprinkle in salt and pepper as needed.

Give it a final gentle stir to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the creamy chicken and rice into bowls and top with freshly chopped green onions.

Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness.

Creamy Crack Chicken & Rice, Made Easy in a Slow Cooker

• Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts to reduce fat and keep the dish light while maintaining tenderness.
• Add enough liquid and avoid overcooking to ensure the chicken remains moist and juicy throughout the slow cooking process.
• Adjust ranch seasoning mix quantity based on personal preference, starting with less and adding more to taste.
• Substitute cream of chicken soup with a gluten-free alternative and use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening.
• Incorporate extra vegetables like spinach or broccoli to increase the dish's nutritional value and add more color and texture.

Slow Cooker Crack Chicken & Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy “slow cooker crack chicken & rice” brings together tender chicken, melted cheese, and savory ranch seasoning for an irresistible comfort meal. Hearty ingredients combine effortlessly, promising a delightful dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 (8 ounces/227 grams) package cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups (454 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 (10.5 ounces/298 grams) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups (270 grams) uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) water
• 1 cup (150 grams) frozen peas (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Green onions, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Nestle chicken breasts into the base of the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly placed.
2. Drizzle cream of chicken soup over the chicken, then strategically dollop softened cream cheese around the protein. Sprinkle ranch seasoning mix generously and pour chicken broth to create a savory liquid foundation.
3. Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the mixture to simmer on low temperature for 6-7 hours or accelerate the process on high for 3-4 hours until chicken reaches perfect tenderness.
4. Utilize two forks to meticulously shred the cooked chicken directly within the slow cooker, thoroughly incorporating the meat into the luxurious creamy sauce.
5. Simultaneously prepare rice in a separate cooking vessel, following package instructions and utilizing precise water measurements to achieve fluffy texture.
6. Introduce cooked rice into the slow cooker, gently folding in shredded cheddar cheese and optional frozen peas. Stir carefully to distribute ingredients evenly and generate uniform temperature throughout the dish.
7. Conduct a comprehensive flavor assessment, calibrating salt and pepper levels to enhance overall taste profile.
8. Elevate presentation by sprinkling chopped green onions across the surface, creating a vibrant visual and aromatic finishing touch before serving the comforting meal piping hot.

Notes

• Swap chicken breasts with thighs for more flavor and moisture, preventing dry meat during long cooking times.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth and ranch mix to control salt levels, making the dish more diet-friendly.
• Customize for gluten-free needs by selecting gluten-free cream of chicken soup and checking ranch seasoning mix ingredients.
• Prep ingredients night before and store in refrigerator to save morning cooking time, ensuring quick and easy meal assembly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg