Pin it
When you're short on time and need something relaxing and filling, slow cooker crack chicken and rice saves the day. It’s got that creamy, cheesy ranch vibe everyone loves, and people can't stop talking about it. Kids are big fans—even picky eaters clean their plates!
Made this for a friends’ get-together once and it disappeared instantly. That amazing bacon and cream cheese smell fills your whole house and makes everyone think of home.
Tasty Ingredients
- Green onions, chopped: Fresh flavor and nice pop of color. Toss these on at the end for crunch.
- Bacon, cooked and crumbled: Crispy and salty—make it in a pan or the oven for max crunch.
- Cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts right in for gooey goodness. Go for fresh grated if you want it super melty.
- Chicken broth: Helps rice plump up and adds deep flavor. Low sodium versions help manage salt.
- White rice, long grain and uncooked: Soaks up all the goodness and stays sturdy. Pick a usual brand you trust for best results.
- Ranch seasoning: That classic zip that pulls everything together. Find a packet with decent herbs and less fake stuff if you can.
- Cream cheese: Let it soften first for easy mixing. Full fat keeps things extra rich.
- Cream of chicken soup: Creamy and savory. Look for low sodium if you’re watching the salt.
- Chicken breasts, boneless and skinless: These make a lean base and are easy to shred. Grab them nice and plump for best bites.
Easy Step-by-Step Directions
- Get Ready to Serve:
- Once it’s warm and creamy, scoop it onto plates and toss a handful of green onions on top, if you’re into that fresh kick.
- Add the Cheese and Bacon:
- When rice has soaked up all the liquid and is soft, pour in the shredded cheese and bacon crumbles. Close the lid for a bit and let everything get gooey.
- Cook Your Rice:
- Keep your slow cooker on high, toss in white rice, and let it go for half an hour to forty five minutes. Stir it a few times so rice doesn’t burn or clump on the bottom.
- Dump in Rice and Broth:
- Shake in your rice and pour over the broth. Mix it together until the grains are covered.
- Shred That Chicken:
- Carefully pull the chicken out and shred it with a couple forks. Put all the pulled chicken and any juice right back in the slow cooker.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Put the lid on and set it to low for six to seven hours or high if you want it quicker—three, maybe four hours. Chicken should pull apart nice and easy.
- Build Your Layers:
- Put the chicken breasts on the slow cooker’s bottom, then layer cream cheese across, toss on ranch mix, and cap it all off with the soup.
- Prep the Cooker:
- Spritz the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick spray so clean up is a breeze later.
Pin it
My nieces once asked for way more crunchy bacon on top and honestly, it vanished before I got any. I can’t get enough of a fresh hit from green onions at the end.
Smart Storage Tips
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in your fridge—they’ll be just fine for three to four days. Warm up single bowls in the microwave, or reheat a big batch on the stove with a splash of broth if you want it extra creamy. If freezing, let it cool, stash in a freezer-safe container, and pop in the fridge overnight to thaw before you reheat for best results.
Swap It Up
If you like your chicken on the juicier side, try using thighs. Want extra veggies? Toss in frozen peas or broccoli near the end. You can sub in brown rice—just let it cook longer and add a bit more broth. Need it gluten free? Go for gluten free cream soups and ranch packets, easy.
Fun Ways to Serve
This dish is plenty filling all by itself, but it’s awesome with a cold green salad or some steamed veggies, too. Wrap it up in a tortilla for a super easy lunch, or dish it up next to corn on the cob or roasted carrots. If you’ve got a crowd, put out toppings like tomatoes or avocado for fun extras.
Backstory & Why It’s Loved
People started making crack chicken and rice in home kitchens because it’s both simple and really hits the spot. The name comes from how quickly everyone digs in—it’s got that super creamy, cheesy ranch thing going. It’s like classic American casseroles, the kind that make you think of family potlucks or cozy nights in.
Pin it
It’s so cozy and creamy you’ll want this in your meal rotation all the time!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Could I swap in brown rice here?
Totally. Just know brown rice needs more time and a splash more broth. Let it cook longer in your slow cooker.
- → Is there a good cream cheese substitute?
Try Neufchâtel for the same creamy feel or blend Greek yogurt with some milk for a lighter swap.
- → Can you prep the bacon ahead?
Sure can. Crisp it up, crumble, and keep it aside. Add right at the end so it stays crunchy and tasty.
- → How do I stop rice from getting stuck in the slow cooker?
Give everything a stir while it cooks and make sure there's enough liquid so the rice stays soft.
- → Can you prepare this meal in advance?
Yep, it keeps great in the fridge. Just rewarm gently and splash in a bit of broth to bring back the creaminess.