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You’re looking at cozy, creamy chicken that’s easy to toss together and comes out packed with flavor every time. Let your slow cooker do the hard work and you’ll end up with super tender chicken that works for sandwiches, ladled over rice, or, let’s be honest, eaten straight with a fork.
The first time I put this creamy chicken together was for a block party and everyone wanted seconds before anything else. Now I fix it anytime I’ve got people coming or just need easy leftovers to make the week go smooth.
Mouthwatering Ingredients
- Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless): These cook up juicy and tender in the slow cooker. Try to grab similar sizes so they cook evenly.
- Cream cheese: Gives you that lush, dreamy sauce all through the chicken. Let it warm up on the counter so it’ll melt easier when you add it in.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty and bold, cheddar takes it up a notch. Shred it yourself if you can—it melts way better that way.
- Bacon crumbles: Smoky bacon bits give a fun crunch and a little saltiness. Go fresh if you’ve got time, but the bagged stuff works in a pinch.
- Ranch seasoning packet: Packs all that herby, zesty flavor in one go. No need to pull out every spice jar.
Simple Step-by-Step
- Finishing touch:
- Sprinkle the last half cup of cheddar on top, or mix it right in and pop the lid back on for about 10 minutes to get it all melty and gooey before you dig in.
- Add the cheeses and bacon:
- Toss in all your bacon bits and a good handful-and-a-half of shredded cheddar. Stir it so it’s blended all the way through the creamy chicken mixture.
- Shred and stir:
- Grab two forks and shred the chicken right there in the slow cooker. Mix it into that creamy sauce until it’s all blended and super smooth.
- Let it do its thing:
- Pop the lid on and set your slow cooker to LOW for about 5 and a half hours. Don’t peek! Or, if you’re in a hurry, cook it on HIGH for around 3 hours.
- Top and season:
- Scatter ranch seasoning evenly over every piece of chicken. Dot all the cubed cream cheese on top to help it melt nicely.
- Get your slow cooker ready:
- Coat the inside with a little cooking spray so nothing sticks. Lay chicken breasts out in a single layer on the bottom.
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Cream cheese completely changes the game here. I tried it by accident when I’d run out of sour cream, and the result was so rich! Now my husband asks for this one every time. None of my other chicken go-tos compare for him anymore.
Effortless Storage and Reheat
Stash your leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for as long as three days. The flavors get even better by tomorrow. When you want to warm it back up, splash in a little milk or chicken broth. Go low and slow on the stove or set your microwave to half power, stirring it around so it doesn’t burn.
Easy Make Ahead Freezer Tips
If you want to stash this for a busy month, let the chicken cool all the way then scoop it into freezer bags or freezer-safe containers. Freeze flat to stack them easy. It keeps for up to three months. When you want it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and heat gently to get the best texture.
Tasty Ways to Eat It
This chicken makes a killer sandwich on a toasted brioche bun, but there’s so much more you can do. Scoop it over a baked potato and throw on some chives. It’s great packed into stuffed peppers or twice-baked potatoes. Keep it light by piling it in lettuce cups with fresh tomato and avocado. Or set it out as a crazy good dip for tortilla chips for your next hangout.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can frozen chicken be used in a slow cooker?
It's better not to cook frozen chicken in the slow cooker because it might not heat evenly. Let chicken fully thaw to make sure it cooks safely.
- → What can I use instead of ranch seasoning?
If ranch packets aren't handy, mix your own using dried herbs like parsley, dill, and chives, along with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Italian seasoning with some garlic can also taste great.
- → Can I swap cream cheese for a lighter version?
Absolutely, lighter cream cheese works too. The end result might be just a little less rich, but it'll still taste great and lightens things up.
- → What sides go well with this dish?
Pair this meal with roasted veggies, coleslaw, potato salad, or sweet potato fries. For something lighter, go with a green salad or steamed veggies on the side.
- → How can this be made without dairy?
Use dairy-free alternatives like almond or coconut-based cream cheeses. For the cheddar, opt for a meltable dairy-free cheese substitute.
- → Can this be made in an Instant Pot?
Sure! Use the pressure cook setting for 12-15 minutes if cooking fresh chicken. Let pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then do a quick release. Shred the chicken after cooking and mix it with the cheeses while on sauté mode.