Description
Looking for a recipe that checks all the boxes for flavor, comfort, and convenience? This Easy Pepper Jack Crack Chicken Recipe is everything you want in a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup chopped green onions or chives (optional)
- ½ cup cooked turkey bacon or beef bacon bits (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Slow Cooker Method:
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and pepper over the chicken.
- Add the cream cheese (cut into cubes), chicken broth, and half of the shredded pepper jack cheese.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks, then return it to the crockpot.
- Stir everything together until fully combined. Add the remaining pepper jack cheese, chopped bacon (if using), and green onions.
- Cover again and cook on low for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese melts completely.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place raw chicken breasts in a greased baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, pepper, and chicken broth until smooth.
- Spread the mixture over the chicken and top with half of the pepper jack cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30–35 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Shred the chicken with forks directly in the dish. Mix and stir in remaining cheese and bacon.
- Return to the oven uncovered for 10 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
- Sprinkle green onions or parsley before serving.
Notes
Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture. Don’t skip the ranch seasoning—it’s the flavor base of the entire dish. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties. If the mixture seems too thick after cooking, add a splash of broth to loosen it. For extra heat, stir in a few slices of jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 6 hours (slow cooker) or 45 minutes (oven)
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 34g
Keywords: Easy Pepper Jack Crack Chicken Recipe