Print

Easy Pepper Jack Crack Chicken Recipe

Easy Pepper Jack Crack Chicken Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 5 reviews

This Easy Pepper Jack Crack Chicken recipe is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts slow-cooked or stovetop-cooked with ranch seasoning, pepper jack cheese, cream cheese, and bacon. Perfect for a comforting meal, it’s garnished with fresh green onions for a mild bite and served hot. The recipe offers flexibility with two cooking methods and is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Dairy and Cheese

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese

Seasonings

  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 6 slices)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (optional, for slow cooker)
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper evenly over the chicken. Add the chicken broth if using to help prevent sticking and keep the chicken moist.
  2. Add Cream Cheese: Dollop the softened cream cheese over the chicken breasts, distributing it evenly to blend with the seasonings while cooking.
  3. 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 fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  4. Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine it with the creamy mixture.
  5. Add Cheese and Bacon: Stir in the shredded pepper jack cheese and crumbled bacon until everything is well combined and the cheese has melted into the sauce.
  6. Serve: Garnish the finished dish with chopped green onions and serve hot for a creamy, spicy, and savory meal.
  7. Stovetop Cooking – Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and browned. Remove from the skillet and shred the chicken.
  8. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir continuously over medium heat until the cream cheese melts and forms a smooth sauce.
  9. Combine and Melt: Add the shredded chicken back into the skillet, along with the shredded pepper jack cheese and crumbled bacon. Stir well until the cheese melts and all ingredients are fully incorporated.
  10. Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot immediately.

Notes

  • You can use mild or spicy pepper jack cheese depending on your heat preference.
  • Substitute cooked bacon with turkey bacon for a leaner option.
  • For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheese.
  • Slow cooker broth is optional but helps keep the chicken moist and enhances flavor.
  • Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freeze well for up to 2 months.
  • Serve with rice, tortillas, or over a green salad to complete the meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pepper Jack Crack Chicken, creamy chicken recipe, slow cooker chicken, easy dinner, cheesy chicken, ranch chicken, bacon chicken

Find it online: https://cheframi.com/easy-pepper-jack-crack-chicken-recipe/