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- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 packet ranch dressing seasoning mix - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup green onions, chopped - 1/2 cup bacon bits (optional for crunch) - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 tablespoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste When I make Keto Crack Chicken, I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They stay juicy and cook well. The ranch dressing mix adds a tasty kick. Cream cheese makes it rich and smooth. Don't forget the cheddar cheese; it melts beautifully. Green onions give a fresh touch, while bacon bits add a nice crunch. - Extra shredded cheddar cheese - Additional chopped green onions - Sliced jalapeños for heat - Sour cream for creaminess Feel free to get creative with toppings! Adding more cheese makes it even more decadent. Chopped green onions bring color and flavor. If you like spice, jalapeños are a fun choice. A dollop of sour cream can make each bite even better. This dish is great for a low-carb diet. Each serving has protein and healthy fats. The chicken provides lean protein, while cream cheese and cheddar add healthy fats. Overall, it's a filling meal that fits into a keto plan. - Approximate calories per serving: 400 - Carbohydrates: 3 grams - Protein: 30 grams - Fat: 30 grams This dish is not only tasty but also keeps you full without the carbs. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a hearty family dinner. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather all your ingredients. You will need: - 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 packet ranch dressing seasoning mix - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup green onions, chopped - 1/2 cup bacon bits (optional for crunch) - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 tablespoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste Next, place the chicken thighs into your slow cooker or Instant Pot. Sprinkle the ranch mix, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper on top. After that, spread the softened cream cheese over the chicken. Make sure it covers as much chicken as possible. If you’re using a slow cooker, cover it and cook on low for 6-7 hours. You can also cook on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will be tender and easy to shred when done. Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks. Mix the cream cheese into the chicken until it is well combined. This will create a creamy texture. Next, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and bacon bits, if you chose to use them. Mix until everything is melted and creamy. Finally, fold in most of the chopped green onions. Save some for garnishing later. For the Instant Pot method, seal the lid after adding the chicken and seasonings. Set it to high pressure for 15 minutes. When done, let the pressure release naturally. After the chicken is cooked, shred it with two forks. Mix the cream cheese into the chicken until well blended. Next, add the shredded cheddar cheese and bacon bits. Stir until melted and fully mixed. Lastly, fold in the majority of the green onions, reserving some for the top. This dish is creamy, savory, and perfect for a keto meal! To get the best texture in Keto Crack Chicken, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender. If you prefer, chicken breasts work as well but may dry out. Shredding the chicken after cooking is key. Use two forks to pull it apart. This helps mix in the cream cheese well. You can boost the flavor in many ways. Try adding spices like smoked paprika for warmth. Fresh herbs, like parsley or cilantro, can add a bright touch. If you like heat, add jalapeños or chili flakes. Don't forget to adjust salt and pepper to your taste. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten up the dish. One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. This makes it dry and tough. Always check the cooking time. If using a slow cooker, avoid opening the lid too often. This lets heat escape. Another mistake is not mixing the cream cheese well. Make sure to fold it in fully, so every bite is creamy and rich. Pro Tips Use Bone-In Chicken: For extra flavor, consider using bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless. The bones will add richness to the dish as it cooks. Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese such as mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique twist on the flavor profile. Add Vegetables: Incorporate vegetables like bell peppers or spinach into the mix for added nutrition and color. Store Leftovers Properly: To keep the dish fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken. {{image_2}} You can easily change up the cheese in this dish. Try using mozzarella for a stretchy, gooey texture. Parmesan adds a nice nutty flavor. If you like blue cheese, it gives a bold taste. Mix and match your favorites for a fun twist! Want a kick? Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the mix. You can also use pepper jack cheese for creaminess and spice. Adjust the heat level based on your taste. This spicy version will wake up your taste buds! For a dairy-free option, swap cream cheese with coconut cream. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. This makes the dish both dairy-free and paleo-friendly. You can still enjoy all the creaminess without the dairy! To keep your Keto Crack Chicken fresh, place leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure it’s cool before sealing. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. If you have a lot left, consider portioning it out for easy meals later. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use the microwave or stovetop. If you use the microwave, heat in short bursts to avoid drying it out. Stir occasionally for even heating. If using the stovetop, add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. If you want to freeze it, make sure to cool the dish completely. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Label them with the date for easy tracking. You can freeze Keto Crack Chicken for up to three months. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before warming it up. You can serve Keto Crack Chicken with many sides. A simple choice is steamed broccoli. Cauliflower rice is also great for a low-carb option. You might like a fresh salad with cucumber and tomatoes. For something warm, try zucchini noodles. These sides add color and nutrition to your meal. Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They will cook faster than thighs. Be cautious, as breasts can dry out more easily. If you use breasts, check for doneness sooner. Cooking times may vary, so adjust as needed. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F. To boost flavor, add spices like paprika or cayenne. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add brightness. You could also mix in some hot sauce for a spicy kick. Try using smoked cheese for a deeper taste. Adding garlic cloves or sautéed onions can enhance the dish’s aroma, too. This blog post covered all you need to know about Keto Crack Chicken. We talked about the key ingredients, ways to cook it, and tips for the best results. Exploring variations lets you make it your own. Proper storage ensures your leftovers stay fresh. Keto Crack Chicken is tasty and easy to make. Try out the ideas here and enjoy your meal. Happy cooking!

Keto Crack Chicken

A creamy and flavorful chicken dish perfect for a low-carb diet.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 packet ranch dressing seasoning mix
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup green onions, chopped
  • 0.5 cup bacon bits (optional for crunch)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Begin by placing the chicken thighs in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Season with ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Add the softened cream cheese evenly over the top of the chicken.
  • If using a slow cooker, cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and easily shredded. If using an Instant Pot, seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then allow for a natural release.
  • Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and mix the cream cheese into the chicken until fully combined.
  • Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and bacon bits (if using) until melted and thoroughly mixed.
  • Finally, fold in most of the chopped green onions, reserving some for garnish.

Notes

Serve warm in bowls, topped with remaining green onions and extra cheese if desired. This dish goes well with a side of steamed broccoli or cauliflower for a complete meal.
Keyword chicken, keto, slow cooker