Instant Pot Crack Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Easy Instant Pot Crack Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal. With tender shredded chicken, melted cheese, and crispy bacon, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser served on soft hamburger buns.
Ingredients
- 10 slices bacon (cooked)
- 2.5 lbs chicken breast (boneless and skinless)
- 1 (8 oz) cream cheese package (cubed)
- 1 oz Ranch dressing dry seasoning mix (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 8 oz cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 6 hamburger buns
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a rack in the lower third of the oven.
- Step 2: Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until crispy and golden brown, checking around 12 minutes to avoid burning. Set aside once cooked.
- Step 3: Add the chicken breasts and cubed cream cheese to the Instant Pot.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the Ranch dressing mix, minced garlic, onion powder, and paprika over the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth.
- Step 5: Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure before opening.
- Step 6: Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Set aside.
- Step 7: Switch the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Whisk the cream cheese mixture remaining in the pot until smooth and well combined.
- Step 8: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and mix until melted and creamy.
- Step 9: Turn off the Instant Pot and add the shredded chicken back into the cheese sauce. Stir to combine thoroughly.
- Step 10: Chop the cooked bacon and stir it into the chicken mixture if desired. Serve the crack chicken on hamburger buns topped with extra bacon, cheese, and chopped green onions.
Tips & Variations
- Use precooked bacon to save time, or cook from raw as described for maximum crispiness.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños.
- Swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Serve over rice or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to maintain creaminess. Avoid reheating in the Instant Pot on sauté to prevent burning the cheese mixture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and tend to be juicier. Adjust cooking time if using thicker cuts.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken mixture in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Instant Pot Crack Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Instant Pot Crack Chicken recipe is a creamy, savory dish combining tender shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, and flavorful ranch seasoning. Perfectly cooked in the Instant Pot, this rich and cheesy chicken mixture makes for an indulgent sandwich filling served on hamburger buns and garnished with green onions.
Ingredients
Meats
- 10 slices bacon (cooked and chopped)
- 2.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast
Dairy
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, cubed
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 oz Ranch dressing dry seasoning mix (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Liquids
- 3/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
Other
- 6 hamburger buns
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and arrange a rack in the lower third of the oven. Lay the bacon slices in a single layer on the foil-lined sheet.
- Bake Bacon: Bake the bacon until deeply golden-brown and crispy, approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Begin checking around 12 minutes to avoid burning. Once crispy, remove and set aside.
- Add Chicken and Cream Cheese: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cubed cream cheese into the Instant Pot.
- Season and Add Broth: Sprinkle the chicken with Ranch dressing dry seasoning mix, minced garlic, onion powder, and paprika. Pour in 3/4 cup of chicken broth (or water).
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. After cooking, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure and open the lid.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and transfer to a large bowl or chopping board. Use two forks to shred the chicken finely.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: Switch the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and whisk the cream cheese and cooking liquid until smooth and combined.
- Melt Cheese: Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the pot and stir until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Turn off the Instant Pot and return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir well to coat the chicken with the cheese sauce.
- Add Bacon and Serve: Stir in the chopped crispy bacon pieces. Serve the crack chicken mixture on hamburger buns, garnished with extra bacon, cheese, and chopped green onions as desired.
Notes
- You can use precooked bacon or cook your own in the oven as described.
- Adjust Ranch seasoning according to your taste preference.
- Natural pressure release helps keep the chicken tender and juicy.
- This dish works great as a dip or served over rice or salads if buns are not preferred.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer on Sauté mode a little longer before adding cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Instant Pot Crack Chicken, creamy chicken recipe, easy chicken recipes, ranch chicken, cheesy bacon chicken, comfort food
