Instant Pot Crack Chicken

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This is literally 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 dish so much that we make it at least once a 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.

Can I Used Shredded Chicken To Make Crack Chicken?

Yes you can. If you don’t want to use cubed or diced chicken, you can add skinless chicken breasts sliced and enjoy shredding the chicken once the meal is cooked.

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 one 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 Sides To Serve With This Crack Chicken Recipe?

Midwesterners love their crispy, delicious crack chicken! If you’re looking for side dishes to serve with your crack chicken recipe, 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 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.

Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Cooking Times

(makes 4 sandwiches or 4 bowls)

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Total time: 25 minutes

Can You Freeze Instant Pot Crack Chicken?

Yes, you can! 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.

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.

Crack Chicken Instant Pot Ingredients

• 3 boneless chicken breasts, approximately 1 pound
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 
• 1 package ranch seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 6-8 slices cooked bacon (or 1/4 cup bacon bits)
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic 
• 1 teaspoon sriracha 
• Green onion to garnish

How To Cook Instant Pot Crack Chicken

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

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

Close the Instant Pot lid and seal the valve. Select high pressure for 7 minutes.

Once it is done cooking, allow it to naturally release for 10 minutes. After the 10 minutes, manually release.

Open the Instant Pot. Remove some of the liquid and set aside. 

Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode. 

Add in the cream cheese, and 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. 

Top your crack chicken with crispy bacon and green onions. 

Otherwise, enjoy on crackers, or a bun as a sandwich!

Crack Chicken is a super easy Instant Pot or slow cooker recipe for the creamiest, easiest chicken ever! If you are looking for a new family favorite meal with hardly any prep time, this is it! This is one of those recipes that once you try it, you will make over and over again.

MORE CHICKEN RECIPES FOR YOUR INSTANT POT

• Monterey Jack Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
• Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken
• Instant Pot Chicken Wings Jalapeno Jelly BBQ

About Angela Milnes

Angela Milnes is a Qualified Early Years Teacher who has specialised in teaching. She has a wealth of experience teaching young children and adults. Angela has also taught cooking classes and loves to share both family recipes and easy instant pot recipes here on The Instant Pot Table. Follow her on Pinterest!