Dinner

Easy Pepper Jack Crack Chicken Recipe

ByMarina Montclair October 23, 2025October 23, 2025

Introduction

This Easy Pepper Jack Crack Chicken is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. Made with tender chicken, pepper jack cheese, and a zesty ranch seasoning, it’s sure to become a family favorite in no time.

The dish shows three pieces of cooked chicken breast arranged side by side on a white plate, each piece topped with a layer of melted, creamy, pale yellow cheese mixed with small browned spots, giving a textured and bubbling effect. Fresh chopped green herbs are sprinkled over the cheese layer adding a touch of bright green. To the right side of the plate, there is a small bunch of leafy greens and some red pieces, possibly vegetables, adding color contrast. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, and close to the plate’s edge, there are some small green peppers or chilies. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 6 slices)
1/2 cup chicken broth (optional, for slow cooker)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Place the chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Sprinkle ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper evenly over the chicken. Add chicken broth if using to keep the chicken moist and prevent sticking.
Step 2: Dollop the softened cream cheese on top of the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
Step 4: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix it with the cream cheese and cooking juices.
Step 5: Stir in the shredded pepper jack cheese and crumbled bacon until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
Step 6: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot. Enjoy as is or with a side of rice, tortillas, or chips.

Tips & Variations

For a stovetop option, cook the chicken breasts in a skillet until browned and cooked through, then shred and mix with the cream cheese, ranch seasoning, spices, cheese, and bacon in the pan until melted and combined.
Use Monterey Jack cheese for a milder flavor or add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
To make it lower in fat, substitute part of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt.
Add crushed tortilla chips on top before serving for a crunchy texture.

Storage

Store leftover Pepper Jack Crack Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to prevent drying out. You can also freeze cooked, shredded chicken mixture for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a cooked chicken breast topped with a thick layer of melted cheese that is creamy white with golden browned spots, giving a slightly bubbly texture. Fresh green herbs are sprinkled over the cheese, adding bright green accents. The chicken sits on a white plate with some blurred green leafy garnishes and red vegetable pieces toward the right side. The background has a white marbled texture, giving a clean and fresh look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to swap pepper jack cheese with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend based on your preference.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can freeze the cooked chicken mixture in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Just thaw it completely in the fridge before reheating.