Hidden Valley Ranch Crack Chicken Instant Pot

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EASY Instant Pot Crack Chicken Recipe

Instant Pot Crack Chicken is the recipe everyone is talking about! It is ridiculously simple to make and the taste is incredible. How can you go wrong with shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, cheese and bacon? Let me answer that for you – you can’t! Just a small handful of ingredients and dinner is ready!

Can You Put Raw Chicken In The Instant Pot

Absolutely! In fact, this Instant Pot Crack Chicken Recipe With Rice And Broccoli was cooked from raw! Meanwhile, I bet you’re wondering, Can you cook frozen chicken in the Instant Pot? That is also a yes! You can drop it right in and cook according to your recipe.

In this Instant Pot Crack Chicken Recipe With Rice And Broccoli, you get juicy chunks of chicken, bacon galore, and a rich and creamy, cheesy ranch base. Plus you can hide in some veggies for added flavor and a convenient way to get your kids to eat them.

Troubleshooting Recipes With Cream Cheese:

Sometimes we get comments on recipes that reference curdling of cream cheese. Yes, this can happen! In general you don’t want to add cold cream cheese to a boiling hot recipe. The cream cheese will heat up, but by the time the center is melted, much of it will have curdled. This leaves not-so-tasty looking white flecks throughout your recipe. And yup they are there to stay! Here are a few hacks that can keep this from happening.

  • Cream cheese must always be softened, or close to room temperature before mixing into a recipe.
  • Slice cream cheese block into sections, about 8 or 10 for the full 8 oz block. This can help the cheese melt evenly, instead of the center staying cold while the edges are too hot.
  • Don’t add to a boiling pot. Allow the temperature of the chili to come down a few degrees before adding dairy products. Extreme temperature differences can cause curdling.
  • Don’t leave your pot cooking for hours. This is a common mistake. Even with recipes like Rotel cheese, if you leave the heat on too long- you get a curdled mess. Reduce to warm or lowest setting for food safety. Do not leave hot food out all day for food safety reasons.
  • I hope you get a chance to make this Crack Chicken Chili. It’s great with a slice of French bread, cornbread or cornbread muffins, or just on it’s own with some Fritos chips! Enjoy!

    Print Your Recipe Here:

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    Cooks Notes: Tips For Perfect Chicken

    • IF the sauce is too thick, stir in a bit of water.
    • IF the sauce is too thin, make a slurry with cornstarch and a little cold water mix until smooth. Stir the mixture into the hot liquid until its blended.
    • You can use a Ranch Seasoning packet if you want, but I suggest making it from scratch. The store-bought stuff has too much sodium.

    Why Is My Chicken Still Raw After The Instant Pot Finished Cooking

    Pressure Cooker Crack Chicken

    This has never happened to me with this recipe, but several commenters have reported it happening to them. Heres my best guess: the pot may never have reached pressure.

    Sometimes, if theres something stuck to the bottom of the pot , itll prevent the pot from sealing therefore it never actually gets to the pressure cook stage.

    Unfortunately, the Instant Pot doesnt give a warning or an indication that something is wrong most of the time, so theres no way to know it hasnt properly sealed unless youve been watching it, and see that it never kicks on to the timer.

    Another possibility is that your sealing ring wasnt fully in place, also preventing the pot from sealing. This has happened to me many times.

    The pot will start counting down, but you might see that theres still steam coming out the top thats a good indicator that the sealing ring is out of place, so you should turn the pot off, flip the valve to vent, and remove the lid. Double check the ring, and make sure its really firmly in place, and try again.

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    The Easiest Way To Shred Chicken Breasts For Crack Chicken

    *Pro tip: shred your chicken in a stand mixer and save yourself the agony of shredding it with two forks. Yes, it adds another dish to this otherwise one-pot meal, but its so worth it in this case.

    Just drop the whole cooked breasts into the mixing bowl with the paddle attachment, turn the mixer to low for about 30 seconds, then get on with your life. See for yourself!

    Turn the pot back to Sauté mode, and add the softened cream cheese to the broth mixture. Stir it for a few minutes, until it melts into this creamy goodness I use a whisk at the end to really combine it all.

    Add the shredded chicken back into the pot and stir it all up, til its all nice and evenly coated in your creamy, bacon-y, ranch-y sauce.

    Top it with shredded cheese and chopped green onions, and serve it over brown rice or on slider buns. Or, take it one-step further, and make my familys new favorite: Instant Pot Crack Chicken Pasta Casserole!

    Trust me, yall, your family is going to love this Instant Pot Crack Chicken recipe. Even my TODDLER eats it willingly! I know, I know, I wouldnt believe me either, so I documented him happily sitting in his chair, taking bites of his own volition.

    Why Crack Chicken Is The Best First Instant Pot Recipe

    This recipe is my favorite recommendation for a first Instant Pot recipe.

    I love that it uses multiple functions of the pot pressure cooking, sauté mode, natural pressure release so it gives new users a chance to really get familiar with their new device.

    But since its still a really simple recipe, with basic ingredients, it uses all those functions in a straight-forward manner, to help get over the intimidation.

    Plus, I love that it has several steps that would traditionally require multiple pots and pans, but are all done within the Instant Pot:

    • Sauté bacon: 1 frying pan
    • Cook chicken: one pot
    • Mix in cream cheese and cheese: 1 bowl

    Sounds like a lot of dishes to me but instead, with the magical Instant Pot we have just one pot to clean! That earns 1,000 points in my book.

    Its also a great introduction to the Manual / HP / NPR / QR / Keep Warm Instant Pot language.

    And finally, its pretty much foolproof. Everyone needs a WIN for their first recipe, or theyre likely to get turned off from using the pot again. Instant Pot Crack Chicken is going to be delicious, pretty much no matter what happens.

    SO, now that Ive convinced you that this is THE best Instant Pot starter recipe lets get to it, shall we?

    Read Also: How To Make Shredded Chicken In The Instant Pot

    Cast Iron Keto Ranch Chicken Thighs

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    Special Equipment For This Recipe

    Ranch Crack Chicken | Slow Cooker | Keto-Friendly

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    • Instant Pot I recently upgraded to this model and I love it!

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    AND DONT FORGET, IF YOUVE MADE THIS RECIPE, LEAVE A COMMENT AND PLEASE GIVE IT A STAR RATING LETTING ME KNOW HOW YOU ENJOYED IT!

    Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @the_chunky_chef on Facebook and Instagram!

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    What Is Slow Cooker Crack Chicken

    This easy dinner recipe that is made in a slow cooker is all the rage on the internet. Its the combo of cheddar cheese, Ranch seasoning, and bacon as crack.

    Looking for more Easy Chicken Recipes? Try my Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken or my Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken!

    Nettie is a wife and mother who is passionate about cooking and baking. With 5 children, Nettie insists that all meals, snacks, and desserts come together quickly! You will find a wide variety of easy yet scrumptious recipes on her very popular website Moore or Less Cooking

    Be sure to follow me on and tag #mooreorlesscooking so I can see all the wonderful recipes that YOU make from this site!

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    How To Make Crack Chicken In The Instant Pot

    If youre just getting started with the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker, be sure to follow my directions. Youll want to insert the stainless steel insert into the pressure cooker. In the insert, add in the chicken broth, chicken breasts, ranch seasoning, Italian seasoning, and the cream cheese cut into 1 oz. squares. Yes, the cream cheese gets added to the pressure cooker before it cooks. Sometimes it will hold its shape while cooking and other times, it will just help to soften it.

    Next, plug the pressure cooker in and turn it to ON. Secure the lid on top and set the Steam Release Handle to the SEALED position. This is the knob on top of the pressure cooker by the handle. Select the MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK button on the panel. Use the and set it to 15 minutes. The pressure cooker should then beep and say ON which means it is working to come to pressure. Once it comes to pressure, it will beep and count down from 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, the Instant Pot will beep to indicate its done. Since meat should always be naturally released, keep the SEAL position on for at least 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, turn the Steam Release Handle to the VENTING position.

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    Instant Pot Crack Chicken Recipe

    Oh, how we love the taste of a crack chicken recipe. Were a busy family and easy crockpot dinners are my jam. There are days where the thought of dinner has not crossed my mind before noon, but I think to myself, for sure I cant do grilled cheese again. So, I whipped up this Instant Pot Crack Chicken recipe and it was divine!

    How To Make Instant Pot Chicken And Dumplings

    Pin on Food
  • Cook the bacon: Turn Instant Pot to saute setting. When display says HOT add in the bacon and cook until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to move the bacon pieces to a paper towel lined plate. Discard all but 1 Tbsp of the bacon grease.
  • Saute onions and garlic: Add in the onions and saute in the bacon grease for about 4 minutes. Add in the garlic and saute for 30 seconds. Pour in the broth and scrape bottom of pot so that nothing is sticking.
  • Layer in the ingredients: Add in the chicken, veggies, ranch dressing mix and finally the pieces of biscuits and dont stir.
  • Pressure cook: Cover Instant Pot and secure the lid. Make sure valve is set to sealing position. Set the manual/pressure cook button to 3 minutes. When time is up let pot sit for 5-10 minutes and then move the valve to venting. Remove the lid.
  • Add in dairy and bacon: Spoon some of the hot soupy mixture into the half and half to temper it then pour it all back into the pot. Stir in the cheese and the bacon.
  • Season to taste: Add a pinch of kosher salt and some black pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and serve. Garnish with parsley, if desired.
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    Is Crack Chicken Low Carb Or Keto

    If you eat this chicken by itself without adding it on a pita or bun, it is low carb. However, you could wrap it up in a lettuce leaf. I like to use the butter lettuce since it has nice, large sturdy leaves. Or wrap it up in some low carb tortillas. This makes an absolutely delicious wrap sandwich. You can even serve this as a dip along with pita chips!

    How To Make Creamy Ranch Chicken In The Slow Cooker

    You can easily make this recipe in your slow cooker. Simply add all the ingredients to you slow cooker, excluding the egg noodles, stir everything together and cook on LOW for 4 hours. After 4 hours, take out the chicken, then add it back to the slow cooker along with the egg noodles, and continue cooking for 1 more hour on LOW. Stir everything together and serve.

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    What Is Crack Chicken

    My Crack Chicken recipe is delicious and its named such because ranch seasoning, bacon, and cheddar are a winning combination that so many people love together. Ive come to learn that you either love or hate this cream cheese ranch chicken recipe. For every 10 people that love it, there is one that doesnt and thats okay. If youre suspect to the ingredients, try adding only 4 oz. cream cheese and reducing the ranch seasoning. Then, if youd like, add more cream cheese to the mixture once everything is tossed together. I like to add some hot sauce into the mix because it adds additional flavor without the distinct hot sauce taste.

    My favorite way to serve up this cheesy shredded chicken is on a toasted bun or wrapped in lettuce. The Crack Chicken filling is perfect for a sandwich in much the same way Sloppy Joes are, too.

    Can You Freeze Crack Chicken

    Instant Pot ULTRA Crack Chicken CookingwithDoug Style Ranch Bacon Chicken

    Yes, you absolutely can.

    • Let it cool down completely then transfer it to a large freezer bag or airtight container. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
    • When ready to serve, remove from freezer the night before and let thaw in the fridge overnight.
    • Reheat and serve.

    TO REDUCE YOUR POINTS TO “4”, USE FAT FREE CREAM CHEESE.

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    How To Make Crockpot Chicken Ranch Tacos:

    • Add Chicken Crock Pot Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot. We use frozen chicken.
    • Mix in Ingredients Pour salsa on top and sprinkle with taco seasoning and ranch dressing mix.
    • Cook Chicken Ranch Tacos Cover and slow cook on low for 8 hours. Cook on high for 4 or 4 ½ hours. Cooking time will vary based on your crock pot.
    • Shred the chicken Shred chicken and put back in the crock pot to soak up juices.
    • Serve and Enjoy Serve on tortillas or rice for an amazing weeknight meal.

    How To Make Crockpot Crack Chicken

    This is so easy, youll wonder why you havent tried it sooner.

  • Slow Cooker: In the bottom of a slow cooker place the chicken. Sprinkle with dry ranch dressing. Cut the cream cheese into cubes and place over the chicken and seasoning.
  • Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4.
  • Shred: Shred the chicken and top with bacon and cheese. Cover till melted. Garnish with green onions.
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    Variations Of This Recipe

    • Other Protein this chili is great with other mild proteins, like turkey or pork. You can also used ground chicken, turkey, or pork as well.
    • Spicy if you like some heat, you have several options! Use HOT diced green chiles, add a diced jalapeno to the mix, add some cayenne pepper, and/or use Pepper Jack cheese instead of cheddar.
    • Mild I think this chili is mild, but just to be safe, make sure youre using MILD diced green chiles, and take note of the fact that where you live can effect the chili powder. In the UK, chili powder is spicy chili peppers that have been dried and ground into a fine powder. American chili powder is a blend of spices which includes a very small amount of spicy ground chilis.
    • Slow Cooker this chili can absolutely be made in the slow cooker/crockpot! See the written directions below the recipe in the Recipe Notes section.
    • Stovetop chili/soups like this really dont take too long on the stovetop, so if youd rather use that method, see the written directions below the recipe in the Recipe Notes section.
    • Cooked Chicken if you already have cooked and shredded chicken, either from a rotisserie chicken, or leftovers, you can just add the chicken and all the other ingredients to a pot on the stove and simmer about 10 minutes, or use your Instant Pot and and use the Saute mode.

    What Is Keto Crack Chicken

    Pin on Instant Pot

    Suffice it to say, the collective brain of the Internet has decided that the delicious combo of ranch seasoning, cheese, and bacon is now simply termed crack.

    I didnt just make this up, its true. Youve got crack bread, crack dip and tons more.

    So naturally, Crack Chicken is simply cheese, bacon, and ranch andyou guessed itchicken! Its super popular and tastes just as good as it sounds.

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