Easy Pepper Jack Crack Chicken Recipe
This Easy Pepper Jack Crack Chicken recipe features tender shredded chicken combined with creamy cream cheese, spicy pepper jack cheese, smoky bacon, and flavorful ranch seasoning. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, it can be made easily in a slow cooker or on the stovetop, garnished with fresh green onions for a burst of color and freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours (slow cooker low) or 12-14 minutes (stovetop)
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (slow cooker) or 25 minutes (stovetop)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (optional, for slow cooker method)
Dairy and Cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
Additional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 6 slices)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Sprinkle ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper over the chicken. Add chicken broth if using to keep the chicken moist and prevent sticking.
- Add Cream Cheese: Dollop the softened cream cheese evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the cream cheese.
- Add Cheese and Bacon: Stir in shredded pepper jack cheese and crumbled bacon until the cheese melts and the mixture is well combined.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
- Stovetop Method – Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat; cook chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and browned. Remove and shred the chicken.
- Stovetop Method – Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Stovetop Method – Combine and Melt: Stir shredded chicken, pepper jack cheese, and crumbled bacon into the sauce. Mix well until the cheese is melted.
- Stovetop Method – Serve: Garnish with green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
- This dish can be served over rice, in tortillas as tacos, or with your favorite side vegetables.
- Using the chicken broth in the slow cooker helps keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Adjust the amount of pepper jack cheese if you prefer less spice.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and turkey bacon.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Pepper Jack Crack Chicken, Slow Cooker Chicken, Cream Cheese Chicken, Spicy Chicken Recipe, Easy Chicken Dinner
