Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch is a creamy, cheesy shredded chicken dinner made with ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and crispy bacon.
It is a true dump and cook recipe that works great for busy US weeknights, meal prep, sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or a simple protein to serve over rice or potatoes.
Timing and servings
Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken reaches 165 F and shreds easily.
Yield depends on how you serve it, but 1.5 lb chicken usually makes about 4 to 6 servings.
Ingredients
Base recipe
- 1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz block cream cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix, about 1 oz
- 4 to 5 slices cooked bacon, crumbled or chopped
Optional add ins
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
Slow cook
- Lightly spray the slow cooker with cooking spray or use a liner for easy cleanup.
- Add chicken breasts to the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle ranch seasoning over the chicken and place cream cheese on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is 165 F and shreds easily.
Shred and finish
- Shred chicken with two forks, then stir so the chicken gets fully coated in the cream cheese ranch sauce.
- Top with crumbled bacon.
- If using cheddar, sprinkle it on top and cook 15 to 20 minutes more until melted, then finish with green onions.
Tips for best results
Keep it creamy, not watery
If you start with frozen chicken it can release extra water and make the mixture watery, so thawing first usually gives the best texture.
Full fat cream cheese makes the creamiest sauce and holds up best.
Best bacon texture
Cook bacon separately until crisp, then add it at the end so it stays crunchy.
How to serve
Easy serving ideas
- Sandwiches on rolls or buns
- Lettuce wraps for low carb
- Over baked potatoes, rice, or egg noodles
- As a dip with chips or crackers
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days.
Reheat gently and add a splash of milk or chicken broth if you want to loosen the sauce.
Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch is creamy shredded chicken cooked low and slow with ranch seasoning and cream cheese, then finished with crispy bacon and optional cheddar. It is an easy dump-and-cook dinner that is perfect for sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or meal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken
1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
Sauce and seasoning
8 oz cream cheese (block)
1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
Finish
4 to 5 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
Optional
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Sliced green onions
Instructions
1. Spray slow cooker with cooking spray or use a liner.
2. Add chicken breasts to the slow cooker.
3. Sprinkle ranch seasoning over the chicken and top with cream cheese.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until chicken reaches 165 F and shreds easily.
5. Shred chicken with two forks and stir until coated in the creamy ranch sauce.
6. Top with crumbled bacon.
7. Optional: Add shredded cheddar, cover, and cook 15 to 20 minutes more until melted. Finish with green onions and serve.
Notes
For best texture, start with thawed chicken since frozen chicken can release extra liquid.
Add bacon at the end so it stays crispy.
If reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1/2 cup
