Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 to 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Dairy & Cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, cut into chunks
- 1 to 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings & Mix-ins
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix (about 1 ounce)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup bacon bits (cooked thick-cut bacon crumbled or store-bought)
Optional Garnishes
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in an even layer at the bottom of the crockpot to ensure uniform cooking.
- Add the Ranch and Spices: Sprinkle the dry ranch dressing mix and garlic powder evenly over the chicken pieces so every bite is flavored.
- Layer the Cream Cheese: Cut the cream cheese into small chunks and scatter across the chicken to help it melt evenly during cooking.
- Cook Low and Slow: Set the crockpot on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred and Add Cheese & Bacon: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and bacon bits until melted and thoroughly combined.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with chopped green onions or fresh herbs for a pop of color and extra flavor before serving.
Notes
- Use thick-cut bacon cooked and crumbled for maximum crispiness instead of pre-packaged bacon bits.
- Shred the chicken in the crockpot to allow the creamy sauce to coat every bite perfectly.
- Adjust the amount of cheddar cheese based on your preference for cheesiness or substitute with pepper jack for a spicy variation.
- Keep the cream cheese cold before adding to avoid clumping; it will melt gradually during cooking.
- Cooking on low heat is recommended for tender chicken and better flavor development.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Keto Friendly
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
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