Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches, affectionately known as “Crack Chicken.” This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a decadent, creamy, and flavorful filling, perfect for loading up on your favorite buns. Featuring tender shredded chicken, rich cream cheese, zesty ranch seasoning, melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a hint of freshness from scallions, each bite is a delight to the senses. Designed for ease and convenience, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights, gatherings, or whenever you crave something utterly satisfying. Embrace the simplicity and let your slow cooker do all the work, resulting in a meal that’s sure to become a repeat favorite in your home.
Ingredients
1–2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
16 ounces cream cheese, cubed
2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix (or 1 packet)
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
12 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
4 scallions, chopped
Buns for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place chicken breasts in the basin of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Season: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning over the chicken. Add cubed cream cheese on top.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
- Shred and Mix: Once the chicken is cooked through, stir to distribute the cream cheese sauce evenly, then shred the chicken with two forks. Stir in the bacon, scallions, and 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese.
- Melt Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top, cover, and allow to melt for about 10 minutes.
- Serve: Pile the creamy chicken mixture onto buns and enjoy.
Notes
- Substitutions: Feel free to customize this recipe to fit dietary preferences. Use low-fat dairy products for a lighter version or plant-based substitutes for a vegetarian twist.
- Cooking Tips: For the best texture, don’t overcook the chicken. Cooking on low heat is preferable for optimal tenderness.
- Serving Suggestions: While these sandwiches are a meal on their own, pairing them with a light side, such as a vegetable salad or roasted veggies, can balance out the richness.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months, making it a great make-ahead meal option.
- Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to keep the mixture moist and creamy.
- Instant Pot Option: For those who prefer using an Instant Pot, the recipe includes instructions for adapting the cooking process, offering flexibility based on your available kitchen appliances.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 704 kcal per serving