This is how to make your favorite crock pot crack chicken recipe as a keto meal. It has the same flavors, but only 4g net carbs per serving! When you are craving something new for dinner, try this chicken recipe.
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I love easy slow cooker meals.
You just can't beat the ease of putting everything in the pot, hitting the "on" button, and then walking away. Dinner is cooked and ready on time. No more standing over the stove and adding things in multiple steps!
And, this keto crack chicken recipe is exactly just that. It's a one-step slow cooker recipe that will give you more time to focus on other things.
You must give the dish a try. This crock pot recipe is loaded with flavor! In fact, it has a lot of the same flavors like a loaded baked potato - bacon, cheddar cheese, and onions. In my personal opinion, that combination of cheese and bacon is unmatched.
I finally know why they call this a "crack chicken recipe" - it's so addicting that you won't want to stop eating it!
Ingredients Needed For Keto Crack Chicken
All of the ingredients for this recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. First, here is some information about the substitutions you can make.
Chicken
For the meat, I used boneless and skinless chicken thighs since it's usually juicy and a bit fattier than chicken breasts.
But, if you prefer chicken breasts, you can swap them out. They are interchangeable and both taste perfect in this recipe.
Cheese
For the cheese, I used both shredded cheddar and cream cheese. If you don't have cream cheese, you can substitute it with mascarpone or ricotta cheese. It will still be super creamy!
Bacon and Onions
Don't forget the bacon! For keto, always avoid maple-cured bacon.
The green onions give it a lot of vibrant flavors and an additional crunch, but it is the herbs and spices that really set this apart from other recipes.
Ranch Seasoning
Typical crack chicken uses ranch dressing seasoning. I decided to use a combination of dried parsley, chives, dill weed, garlic powder, and onion powder and make some myself!
Please note: Check out the recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients used to make this low-carb recipe.
Quick Tips:
- Use a packaged ranch seasoning mix! If you want to use a packet of ranch seasoning mix in place of the herbs and spices I used, just make sure it is a keto-friendly version. Avoid anything that has wheat flour, corn starch, or added sugars in it.
- You can turn this into a skillet recipe with a few ingredients hacks. Use shredded rotisserie chicken and mix it in with the rest of the ingredients in a skillet. When all the ingredients are melted together, dinner is ready!
- You don't have to shred the cheddar cheese. If all you have is a block of cheddar cheese, just roughly chop it up so that it melts in the slow cooker.
- Use pork instead! Crack chicken is a very popular recipe that basically took over the internet. Even though everyone prefers to use chicken, try this recipe with a pork loin. It will shred up just as easily as the chicken and have the same light flavor too!
How To Make Crock Pot Crack Chicken
All of the exact steps for this recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. First, here are some step-by-step photos and even more tips about this delicious recipe.
Add Seasoned Chicken To Crock Pot
Place the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker first. This will help it cook completely and quickly.
Then, sprinkle the spices on top of the chicken.
Add The Cheeses
Cut up the cream cheese and lay them all around the chicken. If you spread them out evenly, they will melt at the same rate and make the chicken nice and creamy.
Let It Slow Cook
That's all you need to do before you let it cook all day at a low temp!
Shred Cooked Chicken
When you are about ready to eat, shred the chicken and then add the bacon and shredded cheddar cheese.
Serve and Enjoy!
Put the lid back on and allow the cheese to melt. Once it's done melting, it's ready to eat!
What To Serve With Cheesy Bacon Chicken
I'll admit that this is a very filling main course. From the bacon and chicken to the different types of cheeses, a little bit goes a long way. All you need to make this a complete meal is some more low-carb veggies!
This would taste amazing with some mashed cauliflower. You could even place the chicken on top of the cauliflower mash and make a hearty bowl.
Broccoli is another keto-friendly vegetable that tastes delicious with cheesy chicken recipes like this one. Make roasted broccoli on the side and top with extra cheese!
Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Crack Chicken
Before we get to the recipe, here are some questions people often ask about keto crack chicken.
Is ranch keto-friendly?
It can be... With that said, make sure to read the nutrition label before you use any pre-made seasoning packet. As long as it doesn't have any added sugars or grains, it is keto-friendly.
I prefer to make my own seasoning mixes from herbs and spices. I am able to control the taste better as well as use cleaner ingredients.
How do you store leftover keto crack chicken?
Just store your leftover crack chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week!
You will notice that the cheese will harden as it chills. To make it melted again, just heat it up in a saucepan over low heat and it will all melt and become creamy once again.
Can I use frozen chicken thighs or breasts?
Yes, you can certainly use frozen chicken instead of fresh or even thawed chicken. If you choose to use frozen chicken, just add a bit more time to your overall cooking time.
One thing that is important to remember is that you should always use boneless and skinless chicken pieces. This way, as it cooks, you won't find any chicken bones in your casserole!
Other Slow Cooker Recipes To Try
If you enjoyed this crock pot crack chicken recipe, here are some more slow cooker recipes you should try next.
These are some of my go-to's:
- Keto Mexican Chicken Soup is slightly-spicy with a creamy broth and it's perfect when you are craving Mexican food.
- Keto Crustless Pizza Chicken Casserole tastes just like your favorite pizza, but without the crust.
- Low Carb Pot Roast is a classic recipe and when you use a slow cooker, it makes a thick gravy that you can drizzle on top of mashed cauliflower.
- Pork Curry has all of the best Indian spices; but since you make it in your slow cooker, it takes almost no effort to make.
- Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli is another copycat recipe with traditional Asian flavors.
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Recipe
Keto Crack Chicken
Video
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs about 8 pieces
- 2¼ teaspoon dried chives
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 2¼ teaspoon dried dill weed
- 2¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- ⅔ cup chopped cooked bacon about 8 or 9 strips
- 1 ¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cups green onions
Instructions
- Place the chicken thighs into the bottom of the Crockpot.
- Sprinkle the ranch seasoning over the chicken.
- Cut the cream cheese into pieces and place it on top of the chicken.
- Close the lid of the Crockpot and cook on high for 4 hours without disturbing.
- Remove the lid, shred the chicken with two forks and stir the ingredients to combine well.
- Add the cheddar cheese, bacon and green onions to the top of the chicken, place the lid on the Crock Pot and allow the cheese to melt.
- Remove the lid and serve.
Notes
Low Carb Sweeteners | Keto Sweetener Conversion Chart
Nutrition
Additional Info
Notes on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs are not included in carb counts as it has been shown not to impact blood sugar. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Copyright
© LowCarbYum.com - Unauthorized use of this material without written permission is strictly prohibited unless for personal offline purposes. Single photos may be used, provided that full credit is given to LowCarbYum.com along with a link back to the original content.
Ash
Pretty good and simple! I used Simply 5 ranch powder and didn't have green onions. I did about 3 hours and 30 minutes. It does feel like it's missing something, I think it could use some garlic. I would not recommend adding salt unless you make your own seasoning. I also added 1/2 cup of water when adding in the chicken, because I was worried about it burning, but it ended up being fine. No need to add water.
Traci
Tastes delicious but 4 hours on high almost burned it. It smelled burnt so we checked it and the chicken was over 180 degrees Will use low in crockpot next time.
Elizabeth
I’d love to try this in my Instant Pot. Not sure the timing though for pressure cooking or if it would work.
Lisa MarcAurele
The only thing about pressure cooking is that dairy can curdle under pressure and this recipe likely doesn't have enough liquid to pressure cook without burning. So, you may want to add in broth or water and then add the cheese after the chicken has cooked.
Hayley
Can you add raw bacon with the raw chicken?
Then when you go to shred the chicken, chop the bacon?
Or is it just smarter to cook it separately?
Lisa MarcAurele
Bacon won't get crispy in the slow cooker. It will cook up soft.
April Worrall
Can I use canned chicken? If so, is the ratio 1:1?
Lisa MarcAurele
The ratio would be 1:1 but since canned chicken tends to have salt added, you should reduce or omit the salt.
Kerri
Hubby & I have been eating low carb (keto) for a few months now, and I've seen this recipe over and over so I decided to try it. I made it exactly as written, and for me it was too heavy, it's very thick, and creamy. It's probably just me, but I feel it's missing a liquid of some kind. Keep in mind hubby and I are not used to super rich, heavy meals so please know it's not your recipe at all, it's just hubby and I trying to get used to eating this way on a ketogenic diet (lifestyle)
We are still having a hard time using real butter! ????
So, I'm sure it's an amazing recipe for people who are used to it.
Peggy
try thinning it out w/water or bone broth.
Pam
I made it for the first time tonight (skillet version) and thought the same thing - I added chicken broth to thin out - it helped but still looks like a chicken salad - have to admit it's pretty tasty though!
Shells
Can you cook this on low for 6-8 hours?
Lisa MarcAurele
Yes. Slow cooking for 6 to 8 hours on low is an option.
Nancy Rickey
What is the serving size for this dish??
Lisa MarcAurele
I'd say it's about a cup and a half or so.
MICHAEL
No liquid?!?!?!? Just put chicken in the bottom of a cooker and turn in on HIGH?!?!?
Lisa MarcAurele
The cream cheese melts and provides the liquid needed.
Nancy Hoedebeck
I made this dish with frozen chicken breasts and the liquid from that was plenty of liquid for this fab recipe.
Lynann
How many chicken breasts did you use?
Lisa MarcAurele
It depends on the size of the breasts. It's better to go by the weight which is 2 pounds.
Jennifer Fisher
My whole family loves this, and I LOVE how it's also done in the crock pot - winner, winner chicken dinner!
Yang
This is so rich and tasty! Love the addition of bacon and green onion.
DT
Lisa, I have made many of your recipes with great success (and on repeat) but this one, I will file this one under 'to each their own'. This recipe crossed my radar a few times so I decided to go for it and followed it exactly as written. Super simple and I understand the flavours are something desirable for many but for my LC/keto loving family, we all found this combination far too rich and heavy for our tastes. I'm sure many others will love this, though! 🙂
Donny
Definitely need to add this to my weeknight dinner rotation!
Lisa
That looks delicious!
Jean Choi
SO creamy and amazing. it's so comforting!