If you're on the hunt for a mouthwatering dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds, look no further than this Easy Instant Pot Crack Chicken! With its creamy texture, zesty ranch flavor, and the irresistible crunch of bacon, this dish is the ultimate comfort food that’s ready in just 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend gathering, this recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that will leave everyone asking for your secret! Dive into this article to discover how to create this sensational dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- Green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by cutting chicken breasts into large, even-sized chunks to ensure uniform cooking.
- Place chicken breasts into the Instant Pot inner pot, spreading them in a single layer for even heat distribution.
- Sprinkle the entire packet of ranch seasoning mix evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring complete coverage.
- Pour chicken broth around the chicken, which will help create steam and prevent burning during pressure cooking.
- Cut cream cheese into cubes and distribute them across the chicken to help create a creamy sauce during cooking.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing position, and select high pressure cooking mode for 10-12 minutes.
- Once cooking completes, perform a quick release of pressure to prevent overcooking the chicken.
- Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the pot, mixing it with the creamy ranch sauce that has formed.
- Stir in crumbled bacon pieces, mixing thoroughly to distribute throughout the shredded chicken.
- Transfer the crack chicken to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped green onions.
- Serve hot as a main dish, over rice, in sandwiches, or as a dip with crackers or vegetables.
Tips
- Cut Chicken Evenly: For uniform cooking, make sure to cut your chicken breasts into large, even-sized chunks. This will help them cook evenly and prevent any pieces from being undercooked.
- Layering is Key: When placing the chicken in the Instant Pot, spread it out in a single layer. This ensures even heat distribution and helps achieve that perfect texture.
- Don’t Skip the Broth: Pouring chicken broth around the chicken is essential for creating steam and preventing the meat from burning during pressure cooking. It also adds extra flavor to the dish!
- Cream Cheese Magic: Cut the cream cheese into cubes and distribute them across the chicken. This will melt beautifully during cooking, creating a rich and creamy sauce that binds all the flavors together.
- Quick Release for Perfect Chicken: Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick release of pressure to avoid overcooking the chicken. This step is crucial for keeping the meat tender and juicy.
- Shred Right in the Pot: Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the pot. This allows the chicken to soak up all the creamy ranch sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Bacon Boost: Stir in crumbled bacon pieces after shredding the chicken for that crispy texture and smoky flavor that takes this dish to the next level.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your crack chicken hot over rice, in sandwiches, or as a dip with crackers or vegetables. The possibilities are endless, and it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 135mg
