Embarking on the keto journey need not mean giving up your favorite comfort foods, especially with our Instant Pot Crack Chicken Keto recipe. Bursting with creamy cheese, savory bacon, and tender chicken, this dish will have you coming back for more with each bite. Perfect for a quick dinner or a meal prep wonder, this recipe caters perfectly to those seeking low-carb and incredibly tasty options.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Equipments
- Instant Pot
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Mixing bowls
How to Make Instant Pot Crack Chicken Keto – Step By Step
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the Instant Pot. Make sure they’re evenly spread out to ensure they cook evenly. This step sets the foundation for our crack chicken, ensuring that every bite is tender and fully cooked.
Step 2: Add the Essentials
Pour chicken broth over the chicken to help keep it moist during cooking. Scatter the cream cheese on top, followed by the ranch seasoning mix. The creaminess of the cheese and the robust flavor from the ranch seasoning will infuse the chicken beautifully.
Step 3: Pressure Cook
Seal the lid and set your Instant Pot to cook at high pressure for 15 minutes. Once the timer goes off, allow the pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes before switching to quick release. Cooking under pressure helps meld the flavors together more intensely.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
After safely opening the lid, use a pair of forks to shred the chicken directly in the pot. Mix it well with the melted cream cheese and juices, fully coating each strand of chicken with flavor.
Step 5: Finish with Bacon and Cheese
Stir in the crumbled bacon and cheddar cheese until well combined and the cheese has melted completely, adding a rich, smoky flavor to the dish.
How to Serve Instant Pot Crack Chicken Keto
Serve this delightful Crack Chicken over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or on a bed of greens for added texture and nutritional value. A sprinkle of chopped green onions will brighten the dish and add a fresh crunch.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
To enhance the smoky flavor, try using smoked bacon and adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika. If you prefer your chicken spicier, incorporate a dash of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. Ensure your cream cheese is softened at room temperature to assist in its melting process.
Maximized Protein: High Protein Crack Chicken
For those looking to raise the protein levels, add an additional chicken breast or mix in canned chickpeas. This keeps your meal protein-packed and more filling, perfect after a heavy workout or for a busy weekday meal.
Low-Carb Luxury: Keto Crack Chicken with Veggie Boost
If carbs aren’t your thing, you might want to add more greens. Incorporate chopped broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrients and a bit of crunch. These vegetables add new dimensions of flavor and texture, maintaining the keto vibe.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover Crack Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer preservation, freeze for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, but increase the cooking time in the Instant Pot by 5 minutes.
- What’s the best way to reheat this dish? Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a touch of broth to restore moisture.
- Can I replace the ranch seasoning? Certainly, use a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs.
- Can I make this dish dairy-free? Substitute cream cheese with coconut cream and omit the cheese.
- What if I don’t have an Instant Pot? You can use a slow cooker, setting it for 4–6 hours on low.
A Flavorful Finale: Share and Enjoy
This Instant Pot Crack Chicken Keto recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser. We encourage you to try it at home and share your experience in the comments. Don’t forget to pass along the deliciousness by sharing this recipe with friends and family!
Instant Pot Crack Chicken Keto
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 lbs chicken breasts, boneless skinless
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 6 slices bacon cooked, crumbled
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- green onions for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the Instant Pot evenly.
- Pour in chicken broth, add cream cheese and ranch packet.
- Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
- Allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then quick release.
- Shred the chicken using two forks, mix well.
- Stir in bacon and cheddar cheese until melted and combined.