Easy Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Rotini

Are you like me and looking for an easy recipe to make during the week? Whether it’s homeschool, errands, or work, nothing beats dinner in the crockpot. This family-friendly crack chicken rotini combines crispy bacon, tender chicken, and is finished with ranch seasoning and cream of chicken soup. Top it off with melty, creamy cheese and it truly lives up to its name.

Crack Chicken Rotini in a white bowl, ready to serve.

Here's a quick overview of this recipe:

• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Servings: 4-5 people
• Family friendly: Yes, we loved it!
• Total prep and cook time: 3 hours

This is the perfect easy-clean-up, busy midweek recipe that kids and adults will love.

What Makes This Crack Chicken Rotini So Different?

Traditional crack chicken includes the main ingredients of chicken, ranch seasoning and cream cheese. This recipe adds rotini pasta as well as black pepper, bacon, cheddar cheese and cream of chicken. All of these ingredients work together to create a creamy, flavorful dish.

What Inspired This Recipe?

My days lately have been long and busy and I wanted to make something delicious, yet simple. I found this recipe through Insanely Good Recipes and it was an insanely good recipe. I did omit the yellow onion, salt, and fresh parsley. I replaced the penne with rotini and the Colby jack cheese with cheddar cheese. 

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or stored for later. Add a side of green beans, mashed potatoes or sourdough bread and you have yourself a full, delicious meal.

FAQ

Can I use any type of cheese?
Yes. We used cheddar cheese but feel free to adjust based on your liking. Keep in mind, the flavor of the cheese will affect the taste and flavor profile. 

Can I cook this on low?
Yes. We used one large chicken breast and cooked it on high for 2-3 hours. If you want to cook yours on low, keep an eye on it after 4-5 hours. The best way to tell if the chicken is cooked is by shredding it. If it shreds easily, it should be done or close to done.

Can I add more seasonings?
Yes. While I only used black pepper, you can add salt, garlic powder, onion powder, or any seasonings you would like. Keep in mind that the different seasonings can influence the flavor and taste of the overall meal. 

Can I use more than one chicken breast for a bigger family?
Absolutely! If you use more than one chicken breast, the cook time will be longer. 
- Up to three chicken breasts: 4-5 hours on high, 6-7 hours on low

Does tri-color pasta taste different than regular pasta?
Barely. It is colored due to spinach and tomato powder and plain semolina (grainy flour) but it is very light and you can hardly taste a difference. The texture is the exact same. You likely won't notice a difference once combined with other ingredients.  

Who Will Love This Crack Chicken Rotini?

My 15 year old son loved it and I loved it. This is an easy slow cooker recipe that both kids and adults can enjoy.

If You Enjoy Slow Cooker Recipes, You May Like

Ingredients For Crack Chicken Rotini

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• *6 oz rotini pasta (we did tri-color but you can use any type)
• One large chicken breast
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 pieces of bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• *1 ranch seasoning packet
• 1 can cream of chicken soup

Ingredients for Crack Chicken Rotini lined up on a countertop.

Note: In the photo I did not include all of the ingredients. This is a photo of the main ingredients only. 

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Rotini

✓ Step #1: Add ingredients to a slow cooker - In a slow cooker add chicken, chicken broth and black pepper. Cook on high for 2 hours. 

✓ Step #2: Cook the pasta - On the stove, cook the pasta according to package instructions (typically 10-12 minutes). Drain and set aside.

✓ Step #3: Cook the bacon - On the stove, cook the bacon until crispy. Cut into pieces. 

Crispy chopped bacon for Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Rotini.

✓ Step #4: Shred the chicken - After 2 hours, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Add the following ingredients - cream cheese, 1 cup cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning packet, cooked rotini pasta, and cream of chicken soup. Cook on high for 40 minutes. 

Ingredients for Crack Chicken Rotini in a slow cooker, ready to cook.

✓ Step #5: Add bacon and remainder cheese - After 40 minutes, add the remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese and stir to combine. Top with bacon.

Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Rotini topped with crispy bacon.

✓ Step #6: Serve - Serve straight from the slow cooker to bowls. Add a side of sourdough bread and green beans for a full meal.

Crack Chicken Rotini in a slow cooker, ready to serve.

How to Store and Reheat

Store pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for 2 minutes or until warm.

About the Author

Abbie Guerrero is the creator of Savvy with Abbie and has been blogging since 2009. She has developed over 800 original recipes and shares thoughtful book reviews and personal reflections. Writing has been a lifelong passion and a meaningful form of self-expression.
Recipe and photos by Abbie Guerrero. All photos are original.

Did You Enjoy This Crack Chicken Recipe?

Did you love this recipe as much as we did? Let me know your comments and thoughts below.

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