Imagine coming home after a long day to the irresistible aroma of chicken bacon ranch cooking in your crockpot.
It’s a meal that’s as easy as it is scrumptious, requiring minimal effort yet delivering maximum flavor.
Picture yourself combining tender chicken with creamy ranch sauce, topped with crispy bacon bits and gooey cheddar cheese.
Interested in discovering how to create this delightful dish that promises comfort on a busy weeknight? There’s more to explore!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Crockpot or slow cooker
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Measuring cup
- 1 Spoon
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time when preparing and cooking the Chicken Bacon Ranch Crockpot dish, you can follow this timeline:
Timeline for Chicken Bacon Ranch Crockpot
- Reading & Preparation (5 minutes)
- Read through the recipe instructions and gather all the necessary equipment and ingredients.
- Prep Work (10 minutes)
- Minute 0-3: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Minute 3-5: In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the ranch seasoning until well combined.
- Minute 5-7: Spread the cream cheese mixture over the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Minute 7-8: Pour the chicken broth over the cream cheese-covered chicken.
- Minute 8-10: Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours.
- Cooking Time (6 hours)
- Let the crockpot cook the chicken for 6 hours. During this time, you can attend to other tasks or prepare any side dishes you plan to serve with the meal.
- If you haven’t already cooked the bacon, you can do so during this time. Alternatively, you can use pre-cooked bacon to save time.
- Final Steps (10 minutes)
- Minute 0-5: After 6 hours, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks.
- Minute 5-7: Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix it with the sauce.
- Minute 7-9: Add the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese to the crockpot and stir well.
- Minute 9-10: Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Garnishing & Serving (5 minutes)
- Garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Recipe Instructions
Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
In a bowl, mix cream cheese and ranch seasoning until well combined.
Spread the cream cheese mixture over the chicken breasts.
Pour chicken broth over the cream cheese-covered chicken.
Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 6 hours.
Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks.
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix with the sauce.
Add crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese to the crockpot.
Stir well and let it rest for 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Serving Tips
- Mashed Potatoes: Serve the Chicken Bacon Ranch over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting and hearty meal.
- Steamed Vegetables: Pair with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans to add freshness and balance to the rich flavors.
- Rice: Serve the dish over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Pasta: Combine with cooked pasta, such as penne or rotini, for a filling pasta dish.
- Crusty Bread: Offer with slices of crusty bread to mop up every bit of the flavorful sauce.
Storage
To store Chicken Bacon Ranch Crockpot leftovers, place them in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Make certain the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Freezing
To freeze Chicken Bacon Ranch Crockpot, cool the dish completely.
Portion it into airtight containers and label with the date.
Freeze up to 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat Chicken Bacon Ranch Crockpot, use a microwave or stovetop on low heat.
Stir occasionally to guarantee even heating.
Add a splash of broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Bacon Ranch Crockpot is a delightful and easy meal to prepare.
With minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, it’s perfect for busy days.
The combination of tender chicken, creamy ranch, and savory bacon creates a dish that’s bound to please the whole family.
To guarantee the best flavor, use high-quality ingredients and don’t rush the cooking process.
The low and slow method is key to achieving juicy, flavorful chicken.
The addition of cheddar cheese and fresh parsley brings everything together beautifully.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and forgiving.
Feel free to customize it with additional seasonings or vegetables to suit your taste.
Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of this Chicken Bacon Ranch Crockpot meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
Absolutely, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts. They’ll add more flavor and stay juicy. I once swapped them in a similar recipe, and everyone raved about the rich taste. Just keep the cooking time the same.
Is There a Dairy-Free Alternative to Cream Cheese?
You can swap cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream. Blend soaked cashews with lemon juice and garlic for a creamy texture. I’ve used this before and it’s a lifesaver for lactose-intolerant friends!
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
To spice things up, add sliced jalapeños or a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the mix. Once, I tried adding hot sauce, and it gave the dish a delightful kick you won’t forget!
Can I Use Turkey Bacon Instead of Pork Bacon?
You can definitely use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon. I’ve done it before, and it’s delicious. Just crisp it up nicely to get that crunch. The turkey bacon adds a lighter, yet still savory, flavor.
What Are Some Side Dishes That Pair Well With This Recipe?
You’d love pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh garden salad. Once, I added roasted Brussels sprouts, and it was a hit! Just toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast. Enjoy!
Chicken Bacon Ranch Crockpot
Equipment
- 1 CrockPot or slow cooker
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Spoon
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese and ranch seasoning until well combined.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the chicken breasts.
- Pour chicken broth over the cream cheese-covered chicken.
- Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 6 hours.
- Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix with the sauce.
- Add crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese to the crockpot.
- Stir well and let it rest for 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
