Description
This creamy ranch chicken is a rich and flavorful slow cooker meal that combines tender shredded chicken with a velvety, cheesy ranch sauce. With turkey bacon, Parmesan, and bell pepper for extra texture and taste, this dish is perfect for serving over pasta for a comforting dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 ½ to 2 pounds)
- 8 oz block of cream cheese, softened
- 1 envelope dry ranch seasoning mix
- 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 12 oz penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for topping
Instructions
Prepare the Slow Cooker
Spray a 5 or 6-quart slow cooker insert with non-stick cooking spray.
Add the Chicken
Place the raw chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
Make the Sauce
In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning, cream of chicken soup, and milk. Beat on low until combined, then increase to high for about a minute until mostly smooth (small cream cheese chunks will melt during cooking).
Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker
Stir the Parmesan cheese, diced red bell pepper, and crumbled turkey bacon into the sauce. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Cook the Chicken
Cover and cook on high for 3–4 hours or low for 6–8 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should be at least 165°F).
Shred the Chicken
Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks or an electric hand mixer.
Combine Everything
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce.
Cook the Pasta
While the chicken is mixing into the sauce, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and add the pasta to the slow cooker, stirring until fully coated.
Final Cooking Step
Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Serve and Garnish
Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add an additional ¼ cup of milk if needed.
- Substitute the pasta with rice or mashed potatoes for a different twist.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.