This Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It's simple, and the slow cooker does all the work for you. Plus, it's one of those recipes the whole family loves!
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Why you'll love this recipe
✔️ Easy to find ingredients that you probably have on hand.
✔️ Crockpot crack chicken is a delicious meal, comforting and simple to make!
✔️ Shredded chicken recipes please even the pickiest eaters at your dinner table!
Ingredients
For the exact measurements for this easy dinner recipe, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Instructions
This overviews the instructions for making the slow cooker crack chicken recipe. For complete directions, scroll down to the bottom!
- Spray the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray.
- Add chicken breasts to the slow cooker. Sprinkle with ranch dressing, and top with cubed cream cheese. Cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Uncover and shred the creamy chicken with two forks or a hand mixer.
- Top chicken with shredded cheese and bacon bits. Cover until melted. Finish by sprinkling with sliced green onions. Serve and enjoy!
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Knife
FAQ's
It's not what you think, I promise! It's because of the seasonings. Years ago the seasoning was sold in a yellow container with just hatched baby chicks on it with broken or "cracked" shells!
You used frozen chicken, as it thaws it releases water and makes the casserole watery. OR the chicken was injected with water.
No, this recipe uses raw chicken. If your chicken is frozen, it's best to thaw it first.
Chicken will take 6-8 hours to cook in the slow cooker on low. You can cook it on high for 3-4 hours if you prefer. Personally, I feel the chicken is more tender cooked on low.
Actually, yes you can! If you're using frozen chicken, you may need to add an additional couple hours to the cooking time. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
Tips
- Be sure to spray your slow cooker well, or you can use a slow cooker liner for easy clean up.
- The bacon should be cooked crispy so the chicken mixture has crunch and texture.
- If you use frozen chicken breasts, thaw them first so your mixture isn't watery.
- Full-fat cream cheese really works best for this recipe.
- If you choose to cook this on high add a cup of chicken stock or evaporated milk so it doesn't dry out the chicken.
Variations
- If you don't have ranch dressing mix, you can substitute Italian dressing mix or Fiesta Ranch Mix.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used in place of chicken breasts.
- Change up this recipe by using turkey bacon instead of regular crispy bacon.
- Add veggies! Add 1 cup of bell peppers, mushrooms and/or zucchini in the last hour of cook time.
- Use any kind of cheese you like in this dish. Pepper jack is also great!
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add ¼ diced pepperoncini, banana peppers or a couple tablespoons of jalapeños.
Storage
Refrigerator - Store leftover crockpot crack chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer - This chicken can be cooked, then shredded or sliced and put into freezer bags or freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating - When reheating the chicken, add a little bit of milk or chicken broth to thin it a little bit. Heat in a saucepan over low heat until heated through. Or in the microwave for one to two minutes.
The BEST shredded chicken recipes
- This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is a simple meal when you don't want to spend much time in the kitchen. This easy recipe will quickly become a family favorite!
- This easy slow cooker teriyaki chicken recipe makes the most yummy shredded chicken and you can use the leftovers to make delicious chicken fried rice!
- Ranch Chicken in the Crockpot is perfect for busy weeknights! It's pure comfort food.
- Crockpot Angel Chicken has the creamiest gravy. It's so savory and delicious! Super easy, when you want to get dinner on the table quickly.
More easy crockpot recipes
- Crockpot Pork Chops - tender and juicy every time!
- Change up taco night with this Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup, it's a great recipe that even the picky eaters will enjoy.
- We love this easy recipe for Crockpot Orange Chicken. Just like your favorite restaurant, but only pennies per serving!
Related recipes
- Crockpot Steak and Potatoes is a terrific hearty dinner!
- Deliciously addictive Crack Dip is a hit at any party!
- Slow Cooker Santa Fe Chicken is full of flavor and is great for salads and burritos.
Serve with
- Serve on hamburger buns or slider buns, pretzel buns are especially yummy! This makes the best chicken sandwiches.
- It's great over tender egg noodles, baked potatoes or rice, this also makes a delicious lettuce wrap. There are so many different ways to enjoy it. Any way you serve it, it's delicious!
- Spread over a tortilla, and sprinkle with cheese. Fold and grill on both sides for an amazing quesadilla.
- Wrap in a flour tortilla, and sprinkle with cheese and salsa for a tasty burrito. YUM!
- Saute onions, carrots, and celery in a large Dutch oven. Then add chicken stock to leftover slow cooker chicken to make an excellent soup!
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What did you think of this yummy recipe? I hope you really enjoyed it! Have a comment of suggestion? I'd love to hear it. Please comment below.
Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces cream cheese cubed
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 green onions choppedd
- 6 slices crispy cooked bacon crumbled
Instructions
- Spray crockpot with a nonstick cooking spray.
- Place each boneless chicken breast in the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with cubed cream cheese. Sprinkle with ranch dressing. Cover, cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Uncover shredded chicken. Top chicken with shredded cheese and bacon crumbles. Cover until melted. Finish by sprinkling with sliced green onions. Serve and enjoy!
Debra says
O my word!! I just love ❤️ your post! My husband and I live in a 5th wheel trailer, and I try NOT to use my oven or stove if I can help it
It just gets too hot so I will definitely be making some of your crock pot recipes. I just have to cut the recipe in half or quarter for it's just the 2 of us..(Refrigerator is small) Thank you and what cook book?
Lois says
We had this for dinner and the the next day I used the chicken to make Tacos and and added sliced avocado, tomatoes and salsa and it was really good. Easy to make
Debra Clark says
That's great, I'm so glad you enjoyed the meal!!