Name: Instant Pot Crack Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup chicken broth; 8 ounces cream cheese; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 1 tsp dill; 1 tsp chives; 1 tbsp parsley; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp onion powder; 3/4 tsp smoked paprika; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 tsp lemon juice; 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded); 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp hot sauce; 8 slices bacon (cooked); 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional); 2 tbsp water (optional); 1/4 cup green onions (sliced, optional)

I totally decided that this classic Instant Pot dish was in sore need of a makeover. We needed a tasty dinner and meal prep for the week, so I though Instant Pot Crack Chicken would fit the ticket for everyone in the house. It's perfect for a quick low-carb lunch, or you can carb it up by serving it over rice or tossed in pasta. This dish was even better the next day for a leftover weeknight supper. Creamy, cheesy, loaded with bacon, tons of spices, and topped with bacon. It's, oh so good!

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close up of instant pot crack chicken on white platter topped with sliced green onions shredded cheese and crumbled bacon

Instant Pot Crack Chicken is really awesome, especially when you make it from scratch and forget about the sodium heavy spice packets! Whether you make it keto, or full on with pasta there is something to please everyone in your family! Make this part of your regular meal planning.

Overhead shot of crack chicken on platter vertically topped with bacon cheese and green onions

Prep the Instant Pot Crack Chicken

Start by taking the chicken breasts and laying them in the bottom of the Instant Pot. Here is where I was thinking that this should be easy but should taste much better than just using a generic ranch seasoning packet. Season the chicken breasts with the garlic powder, dill, chives, parsley, cayenne pepper, pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika.

Next add a cup of broth, and this is very important. I tested the recipe using the popular ½ cup of broth, and I immediately got a burn notice. I use a 6-quart Instant Pot for my blog, and I found you definitely need that full cup for this Instant Pot Crack Chicken recipe.

I like to use Better than Bouillon for this to give it extra flavor, but I am in no way being compensated by the company to say this. Also, flip the chicken a little to get the breasts coated a bit with the spices. The spices and the broth are always good kitchen staples to keep on hand.

Next, cube the cream cheese and put it on top of the chicken.

overhead view of chicken breasts in an instant pot in broth topped with spices and cream cheese

Seal the lid on the Instant Pot according to the manufacturers instructions. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes and follow with a 10 minute natural pressure release.

Prep the extra's for the meal

While the chicken is cooking it's a perfect time to cook the bacon. You can pan fry, or bake in the oven at 425-degrees for about 20 minutes or until done to your desired level of crispiness.

Slice up some green onions and you are all set!

Finish preparing your meal

Once finished remove the chicken from the Instant Pot to a plate, and leave yummy broth in the pot. you might want to let it cool for a minute or two. 🙂

cooked seasoned chicken on white plate sitting on a mahogany cutting board with instant pot in background to the right and plate of cooked chicken to the left

Shred the chicken well for this Instant Pot Crack Chicken deliciousness. I used these handy shredder claws, which are also perfect for shredding pork or beef.

shredded cooked chicken on plate with shredding claw with instant pot in right background

Add the mayo, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese , Worcestershire sauce, some of your favorite hot sauce, lemon juice, and crumbled bacon to the pot.

overhead shot of instant pot with cooked chicken cheese crumbled bacon mayo and sour cream

Turn the pot on saute, and stir together well. Cook until the cheese is melted. If the mixture is to thin, add a cornstarch slurry to the mixture or additional cheese. If you are following a keto diet you can thicken with the additional cheese, xanthan gum, almond flour, or other substitute.

Don't forget it's important to use the full cup of broth or it will give a burn notice. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to one week in an airtight container. This is delicious served by itself, on a roll, in a pita, in a lettuce wrap, with pasta, or over rice.

crack chicken served on romaine lettuce on white plate topped with bacon green onions and cheese

If you enjoyed this you'll love Instant Pot No-Fail Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, Instant Pot Frittata: Keto, Whole 30, WW, or Instant Pot Herbed Lemon Salmon!

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