Keto Crack Chicken Recipe

This incredibly addictive Keto Crack Chicken is a game-changer for low-carb eating. With just 5 minutes of prep time and your trusty slow cooker doing all the work, you’ll have a deliciously creamy, cheesy chicken dish that’s packed with flavor. The combination of cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, and perfectly seasoned chicken creates a meal so good you’ll understand exactly why they call it “crack” chicken!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that becomes wonderfully tender and shreddable in the slow cooker.
• Dried herbs (parsley, dill, chives): This herb trio creates the perfect savory flavor foundation.
• Garlic powder & onion powder: These provide aromatic depth without the hassle of chopping fresh garlic and onions.
• Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of spice to balance the creamy elements.
• Cream cheese: Creates that irresistibly creamy texture and tangy flavor that makes this dish so addictive.
• Cheddar cheese: Provides that delicious melty goodness and sharp flavor contrast.
• Bacon bits: Adds smoky, salty crunch that takes this dish over the top.
• Green onions: Brings a fresh, mild onion flavor and pop of color to finish the dish.

Variations

Spice It Up

Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.

Change Your Cheese

Try pepper jack for spice, colby jack for mildness, or a mix of your favorites.

Veggie Additions

Mix in spinach, diced bell peppers, or mushrooms in the last hour of cooking for added nutrition.

Protein Swap

Use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for even more moisture and flavor.

How to Make Keto Crack Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in your slow cooker in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap too much for even cooking.

Step 2: Season

Sprinkle all those wonderful herbs and spices evenly over the chicken. Don’t skimp here – this is where the flavor magic happens!

Step 3: Add Cream Cheese

Cut the cream cheese into pieces and arrange them evenly over the seasoned chicken. This helps it melt more uniformly.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken shreds easily with two forks.

Step 5: Shred and Mix

Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, then stir everything together until the cream cheese is fully incorporated.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and chopped green onions until everything is well combined and the cheese is melted.

How to Serve

Main Dish Options

Serve over cauliflower rice for a complete keto meal, or alongside a simple side salad with vinaigrette dressing.

Stuffed Options

Use as a filling for lettuce wraps, hollowed-out bell peppers, or stuffed zucchini boats.

Dip Version

Serve warm with pork rinds, cucumber slices, or celery sticks for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Toppings Bar

Create a topping station with extra bacon, different cheeses, sliced jalapeños, and sour cream for a fun, customizable dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually develop and get even better overnight!

Freezing

Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. The texture may change slightly but will still be delicious.

Reheating

Gently reheat in the microwave at 70% power, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of heavy cream if it needs more moisture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?
While it’s always best to use thawed chicken for food safety reasons, if you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add about 1-2 hours to your cooking time and make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before shredding.

Is this recipe truly keto-friendly?
Absolutely! With high fat content from cream cheese, cheddar, and bacon, plus protein from chicken, and minimal carbs, this recipe fits perfectly into a ketogenic diet. Each serving contains only a few grams of carbs, mainly from the cream cheese and green onions.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot instead?
Yes! Add all ingredients except cheddar, bacon, and green onions to your Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then do a 10-minute natural release. Shred the chicken, then stir in the remaining ingredients using the residual heat to melt the cheese.

How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
If your sauce is too thin after shredding the chicken, turn the slow cooker to high with the lid off for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The excess moisture will evaporate, leaving you with a thicker, creamier sauce.

This Keto Crack Chicken truly lives up to its name – it’s downright addictive! The combination of tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon creates comfort food magic with minimal effort. Whether you’re strictly following a keto diet or just looking for a delicious, easy dinner option, this recipe deserves a regular spot in your meal rotation. Give it a try this week and watch how quickly it disappears from the table!

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