Instant Pot Crack Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Instant Pot Crack Chicken is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With tender shredded chicken, savory bacon, and a rich ranch seasoning, this recipe is 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, brick of cream cheese, and ranch seasoning mix to 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: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
- Step 5: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks.
- Step 6: Whisk the liquid and softened cream cheese in the pot until smooth and creamy.
- Step 7: Return the shredded chicken to the pot, then add shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions. Stir well to combine.
Tips & Variations
- You can substitute ranch seasoning mix with a homemade blend of dried herbs and garlic powder if preferred.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños.
- Serve over rice, pasta, or toasted bread for a satisfying meal.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain creaminess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and tend to be more tender and flavorful in this recipe.
Is it necessary to cook the bacon before adding it?
Yes, frying and crumbling the bacon before adding it ensures it stays crispy and adds the best texture and flavor to the dish.
PrintInstant Pot Crack Chicken Recipe
A creamy and flavorful Instant Pot Crack Chicken recipe featuring tender shredded chicken cooked with cream cheese, ranch seasoning, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and fresh green onions. This quick and easy meal is perfect served over rice, in sandwiches, or as a hearty dip.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (pressure cooking) + 10 minutes natural pressure release
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken and Broth
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup chicken broth
Seasonings and Dairy
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 ounce ranch seasoning mix
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Additional Toppings
- 8 slices bacon, fried and crumbled
- 4 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all the ingredients including chicken, broth, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions. Fry and crumble the bacon ahead of time.
- Add to Instant Pot: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts, chicken broth, a whole brick of cream cheese, and ranch seasoning mix into the Instant Pot.
- Seal and Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes to thoroughly cook the chicken and blend the flavors.
- Pressure Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release of any remaining pressure to safely open the pot.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot and shred them finely using two forks.
- Make Sauce: Whisk the cream cheese and cooking liquid remaining in the pot until smooth and creamy to form a flavorful sauce base.
- Combine and Finish: Return the shredded chicken to the pot and add the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions. Stir well to evenly combine all ingredients and melt the cheddar slightly.
Notes
- This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
- You can substitute ranch seasoning with your favorite seasoning blend if desired.
- For a spicier kick, add some chopped jalapeños or hot sauce when mixing the final ingredients.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened slightly for easier mixing if not melting fully in the Instant Pot.
Keywords: Instant Pot Chicken, Crack Chicken, Cream Cheese Chicken, Ranch Chicken, Easy Chicken Dinner
