Instant Pot Crack Chicken

Sharing is caring!

This is the best Instant Pot Crack Chicken recipe. Packed full of chicken breast, cream cheese, and shredded cheese, you’re not going to want to miss out on this simple weeknight dinner. My family loves this crack chicken Instant Pot crack chicken recipe so much that we make it every month. (and if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, it tastes great the next day, too!)

*I use affiliate links in this post. If you buy anything from my links I will earn a small commission*

What is Crack Chicken?

Crack Chicken is a chicken dish that combines chicken, bacon, ranch seasoning and cream cheese. The dish was invented by Lenny McNab in 2014, who called the recipe “crack” because it tastes so good. Crack Chicken is a great filling for sandwiches much the same way as a sloppy joe is.

Why Is It Called Crack Chicken?

The name is derived from the fact that it has an addictive flavor. It’s so good that you can’t stop eating it!

You can eat crack chicken on bread or make a crack chicken casserole and serve it on rice. You could also make crack chicken pasta.

The recipe is super versatile. Either way, this delicious chicken and cream cheese recipe is sure to be a winner-winner chicken dinner!

Is Crack Chicken Healthy?

This Instant Pot Crack Chicken recipe is made with high-quality ingredients and can be easily adjusted to fit most dietary needs. The cream cheese, bacon, and ranch seasoning add flavor but you can opt for low-fat or reduced-fat options to make it lower in calories.

You can also substitute the chicken breast for turkey or cauliflower for a healthier version.

If you’re looking for a low-carb option, you can skip the bread and serve the crack chicken with roasted vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers, or on top of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

This Instant Pot Crack Chicken recipe is easy to make and sure to please even picky eaters! Enjoy.

Can I Use Shredded Chicken To Make Crack Chicken?

Yes, you can use shredded chicken for this Instant Pot crack chicken recipe.

If you don’t want to use cubed or diced chicken, you can add skinless chicken breast or shredded chicken to the Instant Pot and make this crack chicken recipe.

The cooking time will be the same either way, so go ahead and do what works best for you.

Is this Instant Pot Creamy Chicken recipe spicy?

It can be…it all depends on how much spiciness you want it to have. If you’re a fan of spice, add in the hot sauce! Or better yet, add it separately to your own sandwich or bowl once you’ve made up this recipe. You don’t want to make it too hot that no one else is going to enjoy it!

What Is Ranch Seasoning?

Ranch seasoning or ranch powder is a popular dry seasoning mix made up of buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, herbs and spices.

It’s often used to make ranch dressing or dip. You can usually find it in the spice aisle of any grocery store. If you don’t have Ranch seasoning on hand, you could substitute Italian seasoning instead.

Instant Pot Crack Chicken Cooking Times

(makes 4 sandwiches or 4 bowls)

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Total time: 25 minutes

Crack Chicken Instant Pot Ingredients

Here are the ingredients for this creamy crack chicken recipe:

• 3 Boneless Chicken Breasts, approximately 1 pound
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil 
• 1 Package Ranch Seasoning
• 1 Cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• 8 Ounces Cream Cheese (I like cubed cream cheese best)
• 1/2 Cup Chicken Stock
• 6-8 Slices Cooked Bacon (or 1/4 cup chopped bacon bits)
• 1/2 Teaspoon Minced Garlic (or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 1 Teaspoon Sriracha Hot Sauce
• Green Onion To Garnish

How To Cook Instant Pot Crack Chicken

Here is a step-by-step guide for making this crack chicken instant Pot recipe:

Step One: Saute Chicken

Select sauté mode on the Instant Pot. Once hot, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add diced chicken. Sauté the chicken until fully cooked. 

Step Two: Add Ranch, Stock and Seasonings

Add ranch packet, chicken stock, garlic, and sriracha.

Step Three: Pressure Cook Crack Chicken

Close the Instant Pot lid and seal the valve. Pressure cooking on high pressure for 7 minutes.

Step Four: Naturally Release Pressure

Once the crack chicken is done cooking, allow it to naturally release for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, manually release any remaining pressure.

Step Five: Turn On Saute Mode

Open the Instant Pot. Remove some of the liquid and set aside. Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode.

Step Six: Add Cream Cheese And Cheddar Cheese

Add in the cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well until completely combined. If you feel that it is too dry for your liking, add back in your liquid a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

Step Seven: Garnish And Serve

Top your Instant Pot crack chicken with crispy bacon and green onions. Serve on a bread bun or with rice or pasta.

Should I Use Fresh Garlic Or Powdered Garlic?

It is totally up to you. Fresh garlic will give a more intense flavor and aroma, but if you’re in a rush or don’t have fresh garlic on hand, powdered garlic will work just fine. If using powder, use half of what the recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon instead of 1/2 teaspoon.

What To Serve With Crack Chicken

Midwesterners love their crispy, delicious crack chicken! If you’re wondering what to serve with crack chicken, you might try the following:  

• Crack Slaw  
• Cheddar Bacon Ranch Potatoes  
• Ranch Potato Casserole  
• Broccoli Cole Slaw  
• Sweet Potato Wedges  
• Orzo Salad  
• Potato Casserole       
• Creamy Macaroni and Cheese  
• Cornbread Salad  
• Oven Roasted Green Beans  
• Hash Brown Casserole  
• Pineapple Cole Slaw  
• Rice Pilaf  
• Quick and Easy Creamed Corn  

Can I Use Chicken Thighs For Instant Pot Crack Chicken?

Yes, if you wish, you can switch out the skinless chicken breasts for boneless skinless chicken thighs. The cooking time will be the same.

Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts In My Instant Pot?

A lot of people use frozen chicken breasts in their slow cooker and it works just as well as using fresh.

When you’re cooking the food, make sure to add a little extra cooking time for the food to fully cook. For this recipe add an extra 2 minutes for the frozen chicken breasts. If using frozen chicken breast, dice the chicken as you would fresh chicken and then add chicken to the pot.

If making Instant Pot crack chicken with frozen chicken then be sure to saute for a further 5 minutes and drain and water/liquid once done.

Can You Freeze Crack Chicken?

Yes, you can freeze crack chicken in the freezer! We’re all about making life easier at home, so let’s talk about how to freeze your crack chicken for later.

You can freeze this Instant Pot Crack Chicken recipe in an airtight container for a future date.

Steps to take when freezing your crack chicken are as follows:  

• Let the cooked, seasoned chicken come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Do not skip this step or your crack chicken will be super tough when you defrost it.
• Divide evenly among freezer-safe containers/bags and lay flat in the freezer to freeze flat for easy stacking.
• Label with the date and contents.

How Long Can I Freeze Crack Chicken In The Freezer?

Your Instant Pot crack chicken will stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. We recommend using it within that period for the best quality and flavor.

How To Thaw Crack Chicken?

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen crack chicken, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving. You can also reheat straight from frozen if you need to.

Reheating Crack Chicken In The Instant Pot:

Put your frozen pieces of crack chicken in the Instant Pot.

Add 1/2 cup water.

Set to manual and high pressure for 2 minutes.

When time is up, let your Instant Pot pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then remove the lid, carefully tilting it away from you.

Reheating Crack Chicken In The Microwave

To serve your crack chicken, reheat it in a microwave on 50% power for 5 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes until warmed through.

Reheating Crack Chicken In The Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F and spread the frozen crack chicken onto a baking sheet.

Cook for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Serve hot with your favorite sides. Enjoy!

How To Eat Crack Chicken

If you’re wondering how to eat with crack chicken, my top recommendations would be:

• As a Sandwich: Serve on a bun with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, and pickles.
• As A Salad: Top a bed of greens with crack chicken and your favorite dressing.
• As Nachos: Layer chips, cheese, crack chicken and salsa together for the perfect appetizer or snack.
• As Tacos: Enjoy it wrapped in a warm tortilla with your favorite taco toppings.
• As A Bowl: Layer crack chicken over cooked rice or quinoa and veggies for an easy meal.
• In A Wrap: Stuff it in a flour wrap with desired ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, etc. for an easy on-the-go idea.

What To Do With Leftover Crack Chicken?

When you’ve had your fill of warm, comforting crack chicken the night before, you can easily transform those leftovers into something just as delicious. From casseroles to sandwiches and salads, there are many ways to enjoy your Instant Pot crack chicken leftovers.

Crack Chicken Tortilla

Try wrapping it in a tortilla with cheese for a tasty quesadilla or serve it over a bed of greens for a tasty lunch.

Crack Chicken Pizza Crust

You can also add the chicken to a pizza crust, mix with cream cheese and jalapenos for an amazing dip, or even turn it into tacos. The possibilities are endless! Enjoy!

Would you adjust the time if you are using chicken tenders?

Yes, if you are using chicken tenders in the Instant Pot, adjust the time to 1 minute on high pressure. When time is up, let your Instant Pot naturally release for 10 minutes, then remove the lid and carefully tilt it away from you.

Mashed Potatoes As Side Dish For Crack Chicken

Mashed potatoes make an excellent side to accompany your Instant Pot crack chicken. Simply boil potatoes until tender, mash them with butter and milk, season with salt and pepper to taste, then top with a sprinkle of shredded cheese for added flavor and help make this dish incredibly delicious.

Ranch Mix As Topping For Crack Chicken

For an extra kick, you can top your crack chicken with a ranch mix made from mayonnaise, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder and various herbs. This combination is sure to add a delicious flavor to your dish!

A tasty salad is a great way to round out your crack chicken dinner. Natural greens like spinach, arugula and kale are always great options for a salad.

To add more flavor, you can also include ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots and bell peppers. Then top it off with a light dressing of your choice for a healthy and delicious side dish.

Lettuce Wrap for Crack Chicken

If you’re looking for a lighter option, try wrapping your crack chicken in lettuce wraps. The combination of the warm and crunchy chicken with the cool and crisp lettuce makes for a tasty and satisfying lunch or dinner.

Natural Release vs Quick Release For Crack Chicken

When cooking Instant Pot crack chicken, it’s important to know the difference between a natural release and a quick release. A natural pressure release is when you allow the steam to gradually escape until the pressure drops.

This results in more tender meat as it slowly cooks in its own juices. A quick release is when you manually open the valve to release the steam. This results in faster cooking, but also slightly dryer meat.

Adding Condiments For Crack Chicken

You can make your crack chicken even more delicious by adding condiments like hot sauce, BBQ sauce, honey mustard or ranch dressing for extra flavor. These sauces and dressings are sure to give your meal a unique twist and make it even more enjoyable.

How Much Saturated Fat in Crack Chicken

When it comes to saturated fat, Instant Pot crack chicken contains about 8 grams per serving. While this isn’t a lot, it is important to be mindful of what you eat and the amount of saturated fat in your diet.

Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or something fancier, Instant Pot crack chicken is a delicious and easy option. Enjoy it with mashed potatoes, salads or lettuce wraps for a tasty dinner that’s sure to please the whole family.

And don’t forget to top it off with your favorite condiments for an extra flavor kick! Happy cooking!

More Instant Pot Recipes You May Enjoy:

Here are a few Instant Pot Chicken recipes you may enjoy:

• Monterey Jack Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
• Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken
• Instant Pot Chicken Wings Jalapeno Jelly
• Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup
• Instant Pot Chicken Curry
• Instant Pot Poached Chicken
• Pressure Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
• Instant Pot Honey Chicken
• Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken
• Healthy Instant Pot Chicken and Quinoa
• Instant Pot Chicken Stew