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Crack Chicken Meal Prep - Creamy, Savory, and Weeknight Easy

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer)
  • Low-sodium chicken broth: 1 cup
  • Ranch seasoning: 2 tablespoons (store-bought packet or homemade)
  • Cream cheese: 8 ounces, softened (use light/Neufchâtel if desired)
  • Plain Greek yogurt: 1/2 cup (2% or 0%)
  • Cheddar cheese: 1 cup shredded
  • Bacon: 4 slices, cooked and crumbled (or use turkey bacon)
  • Green onions: 4, thinly sliced
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Optional heat: Red pepper flakes or hot sauce
  • Sides for meal prep: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts; cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
  • Olive oil or avocado oil: 1 tablespoon (if searing or sautéing)
  • Salt: To taste (go light if your ranch mix is salty)

Method
 

  1. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry. Sprinkle with ranch seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. If using a saltier ranch mix, skip extra salt for now.
  2. Choose your cooking method: Slow cooker: Add chicken and broth. Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2–3 hours.
  3. Instant Pot: Add chicken and broth. Cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes, then natural release for 5 minutes and quick release the rest.
  4. Stovetop: Sear chicken in a little oil 2–3 minutes per side. Add broth, cover, and simmer on low 12–15 minutes until cooked through.
  5. Shred the chicken: Transfer cooked chicken to a bowl. Shred with two forks or a hand mixer. Keep the cooking juices in the pot.
  6. Make it creamy: Whisk cream cheese into the warm cooking liquid until smooth. Stir in Greek yogurt and garlic. If it’s too thick, splash in a bit more broth; too thin, simmer briefly to reduce.
  7. Add the mix-ins: Stir in shredded cheddar until melted. Fold in the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and two-thirds of the green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you like heat.
  8. Prep the sides: While the sauce comes together, steam or roast your veggies and cook your rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. Keep seasonings simple—olive oil, salt, and pepper work well.
  9. Assemble meal prep bowls: Divide rice or cauliflower rice among 4–6 containers. Spoon crack chicken on top. Add a side of veggies. Garnish with the remaining green onions.
  10. Cool and store: Let containers cool uncovered for about 15–20 minutes, then seal and refrigerate.