Crack Chicken: A Keto-Friendly Superfood?

Crack chicken is a popular dish that combines chicken, bacon, cheese, and ranch seasoning. It is often made in a slow cooker or instant pot and can be served in a variety of ways, such as in a sandwich, wrap, or on its own. The dish is called crack chicken because it is supposed to be addictive, in the same way that drugs are. The recipe is also keto-friendly, as it is low in carbohydrates.

Crack chicken ingredients

Crack chicken is a delicious, addictive, and comforting meal that is also keto-friendly. It is made with a mouth-watering combination of chicken, bacon, cheese, and ranch seasoning. The following is a detailed list of ingredients for a standard crack chicken recipe:

Chicken

Boneless and skinless chicken thighs or breasts are the preferred choice for this recipe. You can use frozen chicken, but it may increase the cooking time. Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavourful, but chicken breasts are also suitable.

Bacon

Thick-cut bacon slices, cooked and chopped or crumbled, add a salty, savoury crunch to the dish. You can cook the bacon using an air fryer, grill, or oven before adding it to the chicken.

Cheese

Cheese is a key ingredient in crack chicken, adding creaminess and flavour. The standard recipe calls for cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. However, you can also use other types of shredded cheese, such as Colby, Monterey Jack, Pimento, Swiss, or Gouda.

Ranch Seasoning

Ranch seasoning is what gives crack chicken its distinctive flavour. You can use a store-bought ranch seasoning packet or make your own by mixing onion powder, garlic powder, dried dill, salt, and mustard powder.

Spices and Seasonings

In addition to the ranch seasoning, you can add various spices and seasonings to enhance the flavour of your crack chicken. This may include garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, dried chives, black pepper, and celery salt.

Green Onions

Freshly sliced green onions add a mild onion flavour and a pop of colour to the dish. You can use both the green and white parts of the onion.

Chicken Broth

If you're using an Instant Pot to cook your crack chicken, you'll need to add chicken broth or water to the liner before adding the other ingredients. This is necessary for pressure cooking.

Optional Ingredients

While the ingredients mentioned above form the basis of crack chicken, you can also add or substitute some ingredients to customise the dish to your taste. Here are some optional ingredients:

• Olive oil: Used for frying the bacon and chicken.
• Butter: Adds flavour and helps with frying.
• Salt and pepper: Used to season the chicken before cooking.
• Jalapeno: Adds spice and heat to the dish.
• Greek yogurt: Can be blended with cottage cheese as a substitute for cream cheese.

How to make crack chicken

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts
• Cream cheese
• Ranch seasoning
• Bacon
• Green onions
• Spices: dried parsley, dried dill, dried chives, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper
• (optional) Shredded cheese: cheddar, Colby, Monterey jack, pimento, swiss, gouda, or a combination of cheeses

Method:

Slow Cooker:

• Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker in a single layer.
• Sprinkle the chicken with all the herbs and spices.
• Arrange the pieces of cream cheese evenly over the chicken.
• Cook the chicken for 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low, until the chicken is easy to shred.
• Shred the chicken and stir to mix with the cream cheese.
• Stir in the shredded cheese, bacon bits, and green onions.
• Cover and let sit for 5-10 minutes or until the cheese has melted.

Instant Pot:

• Pour chicken broth into the liner of the Instant Pot.
• Add chicken and sprinkle ranch seasoning over chicken.
• Secure lid. Pressure cook on high for 15 minutes.
• Do a quick release, open lid and shred chicken.
• Switch to SAUTE mode and stir in cream cheese and bacon until cheese is melted.
• Top or stir in shredded cheese.
• Garnish with green onions.

Oven:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Pound chicken breast or thighs until they are about 1/4 inch thick to ensure even cooking.
• Place chicken in a single layer of a 9x13 baking dish.
• In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, ranch seasoning, shredded cheese, and bacon.
• Spread over the chicken. Top with remaining shredded cheese.
• Bake chicken in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked.
• Remove and top with green onions.

Crack chicken nutritional information

Crack chicken is a delicious, creamy, and addictive keto dish that combines chicken, bacon, cheese, and ranch seasoning. It is a comforting and convenient meal that can be prepared in various ways, including the slow cooker, pressure cooker, or oven. Here is a detailed breakdown of the nutritional information for crack chicken:

Macronutrient Distribution:

Per serving, crack chicken typically provides around 242 calories. The macronutrient distribution can be summarized as follows:

• Fat: Approximately 62% of the calories come from fat. This includes the fat from the chicken, bacon, cheese, and cream cheese.
• Carbohydrates: Crack chicken is very low in carbohydrates, with only about 1% of calories coming from carbs. This makes it suitable for ketogenic diets.
• Protein: About 36% of the calories are derived from protein. Chicken is an excellent source of high-quality protein, contributing to this percentage.

Ingredients Breakdown:

• Chicken: Boneless and skinless chicken thighs or breasts are commonly used. They provide lean protein and form the basis of the dish.
• Bacon: Bacon adds a salty, savory flavor and a crispy texture to the dish. It also contributes to the fat content.
• Cheese: Cheddar cheese is often used, but other varieties like Colby, Monterey Jack, or a combination of cheeses can be melted on top or mixed in.
• Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds a creamy texture and flavor to the dish. It blends well with the spices and other ingredients.
• Ranch Seasoning: This seasoning blend adds a unique flavor profile to the dish. It typically includes dried parsley, dill, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
• Green Onions: Freshly sliced green onions are sometimes used as a garnish or mixed into the dish for a mild onion flavor.

Preparation Methods:

The nutritional information may vary slightly depending on the preparation method:

• Slow Cooker: This method allows the flavors to develop slowly over time, resulting in tender and juicy chicken.
• Pressure Cooker/Instant Pot: Using a pressure cooker can yield similar results to the slow cooker but in a shorter amount of time.
• Oven: Baking the dish in the oven can create a crispy, golden finish while keeping the inside creamy and tender.

Serving Suggestions:

Crack chicken is versatile and can be served in several ways:

• Sandwiches: It can be served as a hearty sandwich filling between keto-friendly buns or lettuce wraps.
• Dip: Crack chicken can be served as a dip with low-carb vegetables like celery or bell peppers, or with tortilla chips for non-keto dieters.
• Complete Meal: For a well-rounded meal, serve crack chicken with sides like cauliflower rice, keto-friendly coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a healthy salad.

Storage and Reheating:

• Storage: Crack chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for later use.
• Reheating: It can be reheated in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Adding a small amount of butter or chicken broth can help keep it moist.

Crack chicken serving suggestions

Crack chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

As a Sandwich

For a hearty meal, serve the crack chicken as a sandwich. Use high-quality rolls, such as those from a bakery, and top the chicken with extra sharp cheddar cheese. Broil the sandwich until the cheese melts, and add toppings like sliced red onion and barbecue sauce.

As a Dip

Crack chicken can also be served as a dip with low-carb vegetables like celery or bell peppers for scooping. For those not on a keto diet, tortilla chips are a great option for dipping as well.

With Sides

Crack chicken goes well with a variety of sides, such as coleslaw, roasted potatoes, mashed cauliflower, or a salad. For a low-carb option, serve it with cauliflower rice or spaghetti squash.

In a Wrap

For a lighter option, serve the crack chicken in a wrap. You can use a low-carb wrap, lettuce wrap, or even a cheese taco shell.

As a Topping

The crack chicken can also be used as a topping for rice, enchiladas, or tacos. It can also be served as a dip with bread, crackers, or tortilla chips.

In a Casserole

You can also turn the crack chicken into a casserole by baking it in the oven with some additional ingredients like pasta or vegetables.

Crack chicken storage and reheating instructions

Storage

Crack chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It can also be frozen for up to six months. However, freezing is not recommended as it may cause the cream cheese to separate. If you do choose to freeze your crack chicken, it is best to consume it within three months.

Reheating

There are several ways to reheat crack chicken:

• Microwave for 20-second intervals until warm.
• Reheat in a preheated oven.
• Place in a pot over medium heat on the stove until heated through.
• Use a slow cooker on the Warm or Low setting.
• Reheat in a saucepan on the stove, adding a bit of fat (e.g. butter) or chicken broth to prevent drying out.

Frequently asked questions