The Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches Recipe
Weeknight dinners demand quick, mouthwatering solutions that satisfy even the pickiest eaters with this slow cooker chicken bacon ranch sandwiches recipe.
Tender chicken simmers slowly in a creamy, tangy blend of ranch seasoning and savory spices.
Crispy bacon adds a delightful crunch that elevates every single bite.
The magic happens when the ingredients meld together, creating a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Soft buns cradle the succulent chicken mixture, making each sandwich a hearty, irresistible meal.
This crowd-pleasing recipe promises to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Prepare to be the dinner hero your family can’t stop raving about.
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FAQs
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. They cook evenly and shred perfectly in the slow cooker, absorbing all the delicious ranch and cheese flavors.
Absolutely! You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker the night before, refrigerate, and start cooking in the morning. This makes meal prep super convenient for busy days.
Yes! The chicken mixture keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can reheat it easily and make multiple sandwiches throughout the week for quick lunches or dinners.
What Makes Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches a Crowd Favorite
Ingredients for Hearty Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches
Main Protein:Seasoning and Cheese:Flavor Enhancers:Essential Equipment for Chicken Bacon Ranch Perfection
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches
Step 1: Prepare Slow Cooker Base
Place chicken breasts into a 6-quart slow cooker basin, ensuring they are evenly spread across the bottom.
Step 2: Season And Enhance Flavor
Generously sprinkle ranch seasoning over the chicken breasts.
Strategically place cubed cream cheese on top of the seasoned chicken to create a rich, creamy base.
Step 3: Slow Cook To Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and initiate cooking process:Step 4: Transform Chicken
After cooking, gently stir to distribute the cream cheese sauce thoroughly.
Using two forks, shred the chicken into tender, bite-sized pieces.
Incorporate these ingredients:Step 5: Create Melty Topping
Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese across the top of the shredded chicken mixture.
Cover and allow cheese to melt completely for approximately 10 minutes.
Step 6: Assemble Delicious Sandwiches
Scoop the creamy, cheesy chicken mixture onto soft buns.
Serve immediately while warm and gooey.
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Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Description
Slow cooker chicken bacon ranch sandwiches combine tender shredded chicken with crispy bacon and creamy ranch dressing. Simple ingredients create a hearty meal that satisfies hunger and delights senses.
Ingredients
Main Protein:
- 12 lbs (5.4 kg) boneless skinless chicken breasts
Dairy Products:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, cubed
- 2 cups (226 grams) cheddar cheese, shredded
Flavor Enhancers and Garnishes:
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix (or 1 packet)
- 12 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 4 scallions, chopped
Serving:
- Buns for serving
Instructions
- Position chicken breasts in a 6-quart slow cooker basin, ensuring they are evenly spread.
- Generously dust ranch seasoning across the chicken surface, then strategically place cubed cream cheese on top for rich flavor infusion.
- Secure the slow cooker lid and allow chicken to cook thoroughly – 6 hours on LOW or 4 hours on HIGH temperature setting.
- After cooking, gently stir to integrate the melted cream cheese into a smooth sauce, then meticulously shred chicken using two forks.
- Fold crispy bacon pieces, chopped scallions, and most of the cheddar cheese into the shredded chicken mixture, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top, covering the slow cooker to let cheese melt completely for approximately 10 minutes.
- Transfer the creamy, cheesy chicken mixture onto soft buns, creating hearty and satisfying sandwiches ready to be devoured.
Notes
- Meal Prep Magic: Prepare this dish ahead of time by cooking chicken and storing in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- Bacon Flexibility: Use turkey bacon for a lighter option or skip bacon entirely for a vegetarian-friendly adaptation.
- Cheese Swap: Replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lower-fat version that maintains creamy texture and adds protein.
- Gluten-Free Friendly: Serve over cauliflower rice or use gluten-free buns to make this recipe accessible for different dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Marcus Reed
Founder & Food Content Creator
Expertise
Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation
Education
Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.
Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.