Instant Pot Crack Chicken Recipe

I’ve tried more versions of crack chicken than I care to admit — some too salty, others too runny, and a few that just didn’t hit the spot. This one? It’s the winner. Super creamy, packed with cheesy ranch flavor, and easy enough to whip up on a weeknight without breaking a sweat.

I make a double batch of this in the Instant Pot every other week — one half for dinner, the other half gets portioned into lunch bowls. Bonus: my family devours it, no questions asked. Even my picky eater goes back for seconds.

If you’ve never made crack chicken before, or want a version that’s actually worth repeating, this one’s for you.

What Is Crack Chicken Anyway?

If you’re new to the craze, “crack chicken” is a creamy mix of shredded chicken, ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and cheddar — often finished with bacon and green onions. It’s rich, satisfying, and dangerously easy to love (hence the name).

Ingredients (No Weird Stuff, Just the Good Stuff)

Here’s everything you’ll need:

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs!)
  
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
  
• 8 oz cream cheese, cubed (full-fat works best)
  
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  
• 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
  
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  

Pro tip: Got frozen chicken? No problem — just add 5 minutes to your pressure cook time.

How to Make Instant Pot Crack Chicken (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Load the pot
Lay your chicken in the bottom of the Instant Pot. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning over the top and pour in the broth.

Step 2: Pressure cook
Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Let it release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick release.

Step 3: Shred and stir
Shred the chicken right in the pot using two forks. It should be fall-apart tender. Add in your cream cheese and stir until it melts.

Step 4: Finish it up
Mix in the cheddar cheese, then sprinkle on the bacon and green onions. Boom — done.

Variations You’ll Actually Want to Try

Make it your own with these fun twists:

Variation	What to Change
Buffalo Crack Chicken	Add 1/4 cup hot sauce + extra cheddar
Low-Sodium	Use homemade ranch mix and skip added salt
Spicy Kick	Toss in jalapeños or red pepper flakes
Creamier Version	Add 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt at the end

Read also: Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks – Juicy Flavor!

How I Meal Prep with This Recipe

I portion leftovers into containers with:

• Steamed rice or cauliflower rice
• Roasted broccoli
• Extra sprinkle of cheese on top

Reheat in the microwave and you’ve got a killer lunch in under 2 minutes.

What to Serve It With

You really can’t go wrong, but here are some personal faves:

• Slider buns or wraps – for the ultimate sandwich
• Over mashed potatoes – rich on rich
• In a lettuce cup – crunchy, low-carb goodness
• With pasta – hello, comfort food

Straight from the bowl – because sometimes, that’s the vibe