A creamy, savory dish featuring tender chicken smothered in a cheesy, chicken-packed sauce with a hint of ranch seasoning. I love how it blends bold flavors and satisfying textures while staying low-carb—perfect for a comforting weeknight meal without the carb overload.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I enjoy how effortless Keto Crack Chicken is to prepare—just a few ingredients, a single pot, and you’ve got a creamy, hearty dish that feels indulgent but fits within keto guidelines. The cheese and bacon add richness, while the ranch flavor gives it that tangy kick. It’s one of my go-to meals that hits the flavor jackpot without extra carbs.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
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Cream cheese
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Shredded cheddar cheese
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Parcooked bacon, chopped
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Ranch seasoning blend (preferably low-carb)
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Garlic powder
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Salt and pepper
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Optional: fresh chives or green onions, chopped
directions
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Preheat the oven to 375 °F (190 °C) or set a slow cooker on low/high depending on cooking method.
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Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
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Oven method: Place chicken in a baking dish, top with cream cheese cubes, shredded cheddar, bacon pieces, and sprinkle ranch seasoning evenly.
Slow cooker method: Layer chicken in the cooker, scatter cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, and ranch seasoning over top. -
For oven: bake 25–30 minutes until chicken reaches 165 °F and cheese is bubbly.
For slow cooker: cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, until chicken shreds easily. -
If using slow cooker, shred the chicken in the sauce and stir well to combine.
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Garnish with fresh chives or green onions before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
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Prep: 10 minutes
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Cook:
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Oven: 25–30 minutes
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Slow cooker: 2 hours high / 4 hours low
Total time depends on method, but the slow cooker version is nearly hands-off.
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Variations
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I sometimes swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra heat.
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I stir in a handful of spinach or broccoli florets about 10 minutes before the end of cooking for added color and nutrition.
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To switch protein, I’ve used chicken thighs for juicier texture or even turkey breast chunks.
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For extra flavor, I sprinkle in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
storage/reheating
I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it gently in a skillet over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of heavy cream if the sauce is too thick. You can also microwave individual portions for about 60 seconds, stirring midway.
FAQs
Is this recipe truly keto-friendly?
Absolutely. It’s low in carbs, high in fat from cheeses and cream cheese, and packed with protein—ideal for keto meal plans.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. I prep everything the night before and store it in the fridge; then I just bake or slow-cook when ready for dinner.
What can I serve with this dish?
I like serving it over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or alongside steamed broccoli for a complete low-carb meal.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes—I freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. I thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
Can I use a ranch dressing packet?
I use a low-carb ranch seasoning packet or my own blend of dried herbs—just check the carb content to stay on target.
Conclusion
Keto Crack Chicken is a flavorful, fuss-free dish that feels special but comes together easily. The creamy cheese, smoky bacon, and ranch-infused chicken make it a repeat favorite in my kitchen. Give it a try—I think it’ll become your go-to low-carb comfort dinner as well.
PrintKeto Crack Chicken
Keto Crack Chicken is a rich and creamy low-carb dish featuring tender chicken, cream cheese, cheddar, and bacon all infused with savory ranch seasoning. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make meal that’s keto-friendly and full of bold flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (oven) or 2–4 hours (slow cooker)
- Total Time: 40 minutes (oven) or up to 4 hours (slow cooker)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking/Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning (low-carb)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) or set slow cooker on low/high.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Oven method: Place chicken in a baking dish. Top with cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, and ranch seasoning. Bake for 25–30 minutes until chicken is cooked through (165°F) and cheese is bubbly.
- Slow cooker method: Layer chicken in cooker. Add cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, and ranch seasoning. Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours. Shred chicken in the sauce and stir to combine.
- Garnish with chives or green onions and serve warm.
Notes
- Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for variety.
- Add spinach or broccoli during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Use chicken thighs or turkey chunks for alternative proteins.
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra spice.
- Store leftovers in fridge up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg