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
Scale
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