Description
A tender, juicy slow cooker chicken dish featuring a rich, creamy sauce made with ranch seasoning, cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and crispy bacon. Perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet (1 oz / 28g) dry ranch seasoning mix
- 8 ounces (225g) full-fat brick-style cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups (200g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 6 to 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- 1/2 cup (120g) full-fat sour cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (120ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- Optional: 2 stalks green onions, sliced
- Optional: 1 cup (150g) green peas
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped dill pickles
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: If breasts are uneven, pound to even thickness. Place in a single layer in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Make the ranch sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together ranch seasoning, minced garlic, and chicken broth until dissolved. Add softened cream cheese and whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Combine: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring the chicken is coated.
- Cook: Cover and cook on High for 3-4 hours or Low for 6-7 hours, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is tender.
- Add cheese and bacon: Once chicken is cooked, stir sauce gently. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and half of the crumbled bacon over the top. Cover and let sit for 5-10 minutes until cheese melts.
- Finish and serve: Stir everything together gently. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Serve immediately, topped with remaining crispy bacon and sliced green onions.
Notes
Ensure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps. Use sharp cheddar for better flavor and melting. Drain bacon grease to prevent oily sauce. Chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts. This recipe does not freeze well due to dairy content.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours (High) or 6-7 hours (Low)
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 35
Keywords: crockpot chicken, ranch chicken, slow cooker dinner, creamy chicken, bacon cheddar chicken, easy weeknight dinner, meal prep