Instant Pot Crack Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Instant Pot Crack Chicken recipe is a creamy, cheesy, and savory delight that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. With tender shredded chicken combined with bacon, cheddar, and ranch flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 ounce ranch seasoning mix
- 8 slices bacon, fried and crumbled
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the chicken breasts, chicken broth, cream cheese (whole brick), and ranch seasoning mix into the Instant Pot.
- Step 2: Place the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing.
- Step 3: Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Step 4: Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
- Step 5: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks.
- Step 6: Whisk the liquid and cream cheese in the pot until it becomes smooth and creamy.
- Step 7: Return the shredded chicken to the pot, then add the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions. Stir everything together to combine.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try adding garlic powder or smoked paprika to the ranch seasoning before cooking.
- You can substitute the chicken breasts with boneless, skinless thighs for a juicier result.
- Serve this dish over rice, pasta, or inside toasted buns for a delicious sandwich.
- If you prefer less creamy texture, reduce the amount of cream cheese to 6 ounces.
Storage
Store leftover crack chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to keep it moist.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the Instant Pot cooking time to 15 minutes to ensure the chicken cooks through.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, Instant Pot Crack Chicken is low in carbs and high in fat and protein, making it a great option for a keto diet.
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Instant Pot Crack Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Instant Pot Crack Chicken is a creamy, comforting dish made with tender chicken breasts cooked in a flavorful ranch and cream cheese sauce, enhanced with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and fresh green onions. This quick and easy recipe uses the Instant Pot to deliver melt-in-your-mouth chicken in under 30 minutes, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 ounce ranch seasoning mix
Toppings
- 8 slices bacon, fried and crumbled
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the Instant Pot. Add chicken broth, the entire brick of cream cheese, and ranch seasoning mix on top of the chicken.
- Seal and Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the high pressure cooking setting and set the timer for 10 minutes to cook the chicken thoroughly.
- Release Pressure: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes after cooking completes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure by turning the valve to venting.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks until finely pulled apart.
- Make Sauce: Whisk the liquid and softened cream cheese in the Instant Pot until smooth and creamy to create a rich sauce base.
- Combine and Heat: Return the shredded chicken to the pot, then add shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions. Stir everything together until the cheese melts and ingredients are well incorporated.
Notes
- For best results, use chicken breasts that are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- If you prefer less salty bacon, rinse crumbled bacon in hot water before adding.
- This recipe can be served over rice, mashed potatoes, or in sandwich buns as a chicken melt.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Make sure to properly seal the Instant Pot valve to prevent any steam leaks during pressure cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Instant Pot Crack Chicken, crack chicken recipe, creamy ranch chicken, shredded chicken, bacon cheddar chicken, easy Instant Pot meals
