Short Description
Easy Pepper Jack Crack Chicken is a creamy, cheesy, and flavor-packed dish featuring shredded chicken, crispy bacon, ranch seasoning, and melted Pepper Jack cheese. This low-carb, keto-friendly meal is perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or serving over rice or veggies.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and cheesy – Melted Pepper Jack cheese adds the perfect spicy kick.
- Super easy – Minimal prep with just a few ingredients.
- One-pot meal – Cook everything in a slow cooker or skillet.
- Versatile – Serve as a sandwich, over rice, or in lettuce wraps.
- Great for meal prep – Stays fresh and reheats well.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Pepper Jack cheese (shredded)
- Ranch seasoning mix
- Garlic powder
- Bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- Green onions (chopped, for garnish)
- Chicken broth (optional, for slow cooker version)
Directions
Slow Cooker Method:
- Add the chicken – Place chicken in a slow cooker and sprinkle with ranch seasoning and garlic powder.
- Add cream cheese – Cut cream cheese into cubes and place over the chicken.
- Cook – Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken – Use two forks to shred the chicken, then stir in shredded Pepper Jack cheese and crumbled bacon.
- Serve and enjoy – Garnish with green onions and serve over rice, in sandwiches, or with veggies.
Stovetop Method:
- Cook the chicken – Sauté seasoned chicken in a skillet over medium heat until cooked through. Shred or chop.
- Melt the cheese – Add cream cheese and shredded Pepper Jack, stirring until smooth.
- Mix in bacon – Stir in cooked bacon and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 6 hours (slow cooker) or 20 minutes (stovetop)
- Total time: 6+ hours (slow cooker) or 25 minutes (stovetop)
Variations
- Spicy version – Add diced jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes.
- Low-carb/keto – Serve over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps.
- Extra creamy – Stir in a little sour cream or heavy cream.
- Crispy version – Bake under the broiler for a golden, bubbly top.
- Buffalo style – Add a drizzle of buffalo sauce for an extra kick.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Reduce cooking time and stir in shredded rotisserie chicken with the cheese.
How do I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream cheese and shredded cheese alternatives.
What should I serve with this dish?
Serve with rice, pasta, roasted veggies, or inside a sandwich.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Pressure cook on high for 10 minutes, then shred and stir in cheese and bacon.
How do I prevent the cheese from becoming too thick?
Add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream for a smoother consistency.
Can I use cheddar instead of Pepper Jack?
Yes! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack work well.
What’s the best way to make it extra crispy?
Top with shredded cheese and broil for 3-5 minutes until golden.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure your ranch seasoning is gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just use a larger slow cooker or skillet.
How can I make it lighter?
Use reduced-fat cream cheese and turkey bacon.
Conclusion
Easy Pepper Jack Crack Chicken is a creamy, cheesy, and flavor-packed dish that’s incredibly simple to make. Whether served as a sandwich, over rice, or in a low-carb wrap, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Try it today for a meal that’s comforting, spicy, and irresistibly delicious!
Print
Easy Pepper Jack Crack Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Pepper Jack Crack Chicken is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish packed with shredded chicken, crispy bacon, ranch seasoning, and melted Pepper Jack cheese. It’s perfect for serving over rice, in sandwiches, or as a low-carb meal with veggies!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional, for spice)
For Serving (Optional):
- Cooked rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes
- Lettuce wraps (for a low-carb option)
- Hamburger buns (for sandwiches)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Crockpot Method:
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle with ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Add cream cheese in chunks over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until chicken is tender.
Stovetop Method:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chicken breasts with 1 tbsp olive oil for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Shred the chicken and return to the pan.
Step 2: Shred & Add Cheese
- Shred the chicken in the crockpot using two forks.
- Stir in Pepper Jack cheese, bacon, and hot sauce (if using).
- Cover for another 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
Step 3: Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with green onions and serve over rice, in sandwiches, or in lettuce wraps.
Notes
- Make It Spicier: Add extra hot sauce or diced jalapeños.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps.
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Extra Creamy: Stir in ½ cup sour cream before serving.