The Ultimate Creamy Instant Pot Crack Chicken: Quick, Easy & Irresistible Recipe
Are you searching for a dinner recipe that’s incredibly satisfying, packed with flavor, and comes together in a flash? Look no further! This Instant Pot Crack Chicken recipe is a game-changer, promising a rich, creamy, and undeniably delicious meal on your table in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.
We have a very special treat for you today—an original recipe crafted exclusively for us by the incredibly talented Instant Pot expert, Corrie from Corrie Cooks! Corrie has a true passion for pressure cooking, having developed and shared over 1000 unique Instant Pot recipes, along with countless tips and tricks on his popular blog. His expertise ensures that this recipe is not only flavorful but also perfectly optimized for your Instant Pot, guaranteeing success every time. We are thrilled to feature his amazing crack chicken recipe, so let’s dive into what makes this dish so spectacular!
What is Instant Pot Crack Chicken? Why is it So Popular?
The term “Crack Chicken” has taken the internet by storm, and for good reason! It refers to an incredibly addictive combination of chicken, ranch seasoning, and cream cheese, often enhanced with bacon or pancetta. The name itself hints at its irresistible nature – once you start, you can’t stop! Our Instant Pot version elevates this beloved dish, making it exceptionally tender, extra creamy, and incredibly fast to prepare. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that delivers on flavor and convenience, making it a staple in many households.
Choosing the Right Chicken for Your Instant Pot Crack Chicken
For this delicious recipe, we recommend using boneless and skinless chicken breasts. They cook quickly and shred beautifully, absorbing all the creamy, savory flavors. However, you can absolutely substitute boneless and skinless chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat; they will yield an even more succulent and flavorful result due to their higher fat content. The key is to ensure your chicken is bone and skin-free for easy shredding and a smooth texture in the final dish. Whether you choose breasts or thighs, the Instant Pot guarantees perfectly tender chicken every time.
Versatile Ways to Serve Your Creamy Crack Chicken
One of the best things about Instant Pot Crack Chicken is its incredible versatility. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, allowing you to customize your meal based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions:
- Classic Comfort: Serve it over fluffy mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or a bed of white rice for a truly satisfying meal.
- Low-Carb Options: For a lighter, low-carb meal, dish it up with cauliflower rice, spiralized zucchini noodles (zoodles), or inside crisp lettuce cups. It’s also delicious as a filling for bell pepper boats.
- Creative & Fun: Use it as a filling for soft tortillas to make amazing tacos or quesadillas. It also makes a fantastic dip when served with tortilla chips or crackers for an appetizer or party snack.
- Hearty Meals: Spoon it into baked potatoes or sweet potatoes for a complete and wholesome dinner. You can even mix it with pasta for a quick and easy creamy chicken pasta dish!
No matter how you choose to serve it, this creamy crack chicken is sure to be a hit!
Pancetta Substitutions: Get That Crispy, Salty Crunch
Pancetta adds a fantastic savory, salty crunch to the crack chicken, elevating its flavor profile. If you don’t have pancetta on hand, there are several excellent alternatives that will work just as well:
- Bacon: This is arguably the most common and beloved substitute. Cook it until crispy, then crumble it over the top for a classic crack chicken experience.
- Prosciutto: Thin slices of prosciutto, crisped in the Instant Pot or a pan, offer a delicate yet intensely flavorful alternative.
- Turkey Bacon: For a leaner option, crispy turkey bacon can provide that desired texture and smoky flavor.
- Beef Jerky (Crumbled): While less traditional, finely crumbled beef jerky can add a surprising depth of savory, umami flavor and a chewy texture.
- Crispy Onions/Shallots: If you’re looking for a non-meat alternative, crispy fried onions or shallots can provide a delightful crunch and savory notes.
Feel free to experiment with these options to find your favorite!
How to Make Instant Pot Crack Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing this incredible crack chicken in your Instant Pot is surprisingly simple, even for novice pressure cooker users. The key is to follow a few straightforward steps to ensure a perfectly creamy and tender result.
Gather Your Ingredients
First things first, let’s gather all the components that make this dish so special. Having everything prepped and ready before you start cooking makes the process smooth and enjoyable.
For this recipe, you will need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 4 slices pancetta (or bacon/prosciutto)
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder (divided)
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 tsp dill weed
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried chives
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chicken stock or water
- Green onion, sliced for garnish
Pro Tip: Ensure your cream cheese is softened at room temperature. This will allow it to blend smoothly with the other spices and melt into the sauce effortlessly, preventing any lumps.
Crisping the Pancetta
The first step to unlocking incredible flavor is to crisp up the pancetta. This not only renders out delicious fat but also creates a beautiful crunchy topping for your finished dish.
Set your Instant Pot to “Saute” mode. Once hot, add the pancetta slices and cook until they are wonderfully crispy and golden brown. This usually takes just a few minutes. Remove the crispy pancetta, place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, and then crumble it once cooled. Set it aside; this will be your final garnish!
Seasoning and Searing the Chicken
Next, we prepare the chicken. Searing it briefly locks in juices and adds a layer of depth to the flavor profile.
Season your chicken breasts generously with paprika, salt, pepper, and half of the garlic powder. Use the “Saute” mode again (you can use the rendered pancetta fat for extra flavor, or add a tablespoon of olive oil if needed) and sear the seasoned chicken for about 2 minutes per side. This step creates a beautiful golden crust and helps prevent the chicken from becoming bland.
The Creamy Ranch Mixture
Now for the “crack” part! In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the remaining garlic powder, dill weed, onion powder, and dried chives. This blend of spices mimics the classic ranch flavor that makes crack chicken so irresistible. Mix until well combined and smooth.
Carefully spread this creamy spice mixture evenly over the seared chicken breasts in the Instant Pot. Then, pour in 1 cup of chicken stock or water. This liquid is essential for bringing the Instant Pot to pressure and creating the delicious sauce.
Pressure Cooking to Perfection
Lock the lid of your Instant Pot into place, ensuring the sealing valve is set to “Sealing.” Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and cook on High pressure for 12 minutes. This time is ideal for cooking chicken breasts to a perfectly tender, shreddable consistency.
Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a Quick Pressure Release (QR). Carefully turn the steam release handle to the “Venting” position to release the pressure rapidly. Once the float valve drops, you can safely open the lid.
Shredding and Finishing the Sauce
Remove the cooked chicken from the Instant Pot and shred it using two forks. It should be incredibly tender and fall apart easily. Return the shredded chicken to the Instant Pot, mixing it with the creamy sauce. Select the “Saute” mode again and cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step allows the chicken to fully absorb the sauce and thickens the sauce slightly, creating a richer, more cohesive dish.
Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your warm, creamy Instant Pot Crack Chicken immediately, topped generously with the crumbled crispy pancetta and freshly sliced green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor. This dish is truly a delight for the senses!
Tips for Instant Pot Crack Chicken Success
- Softened Cream Cheese: Don’t skip this! Soft cream cheese blends much better and prevents a lumpy sauce.
- Don’t Overcrowd: For best results, use a single layer of chicken breasts if possible. If you need to cook more, you might need to increase the liquid slightly.
- Deglaze the Pot: After searing the chicken, if you notice any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot, add a splash of chicken stock and scrape them up with a wooden spoon. This prevents a “burn” warning and adds flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce after shredding the chicken and adjust salt, pepper, or other seasonings as needed. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for an extra kick.
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to add a sprinkle of cheddar cheese or a dash of hot sauce to the pot during the final saute phase for extra flavor.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover Instant Pot Crack Chicken stores wonderfully! Place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave (stirring occasionally), or gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. This recipe also freezes well for up to 2-3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
More Comforting Instant Pot Recipes You’ll Love
If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and flavor of this Instant Pot Crack Chicken, you’re in for a treat! The Instant Pot is a master at creating delicious, comforting meals with minimal effort. Don’t miss these other fan-favorite pressure cooker recipes:
- Instant Pot Cheeseburger Casserole
- Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff
- Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings
- Instant Pot Beef Stew
Instant Pot Crack Chicken
Author: Jaclyn
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts skinless boneless
- 4 slices pancetta
- 1 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder divided
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 tsp dill weed
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried chives
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chicken stock or water
- Green onion sliced for garnish
Instructions
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Select “saute” and cook pancetta until crispy. Place on paper towels and crumble. Set aside.
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Season chicken with 1/2 tsp garlic, paprika, salt and pepper.
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Heat olive oil in the Instant Pot. Sear the chicken in for 2 minutes on each side.
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In a bowl, combine cream cheese with the rest of the spices.
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Place the cream cheese mix on the top of the chicken.
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Pour in the desired liquid (water or chicken stock).
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Close the lid and cook for 12 minutes on high pressure.
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Once the cooking cycle is done, do a quick pressure release.
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Open the lid, remove the chicken and shred it.
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Select ‘saute”, add the chicken back into the Instant Pot and cook with the sauce for 3 minutes.
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Serve warm, topped with pancetta and sliced green onions.
Nutrition
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