Creamy Smoked Gouda Crack Chicken

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender shredded chicken in a velvety sauce of smoked gouda and cheddar, infused with garlic and herbs, perfect for serving over cauliflower rice or low-carb vegetables. This american-inspired slow cooker (keto) ready in about 250 minutes pairs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, Diced onion, Minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 240 min Serves 6 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Top with 1/2 cup diced onion, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1/4 cup chicken broth, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook on low for 3 hours, or until chicken is tender enough to shred easily.
  2. Step 2: Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup smoked gouda cheese, and 1/2 cup sour cream until fully melted and creamy.
  3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for an additional 1 hour, or until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce thickens to coat the back of a spoon.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Smoked Gouda Crack Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 250 minutes (10 min prep + 240 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Creamy Smoked Gouda Crack Chicken?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep diced onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Smoked Gouda Crack Chicken?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Creamy Smoked Gouda Crack Chicken for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Creamy Smoked Gouda Crack Chicken keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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