Get ready to fall in love with these Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches! This recipe combines the best of all worlds—juicy, tender chicken, rich and creamy ranch seasoning, smoky bacon, and gooey cheddar cheese, all packed into a perfectly toasted bun. These sandwiches are not only incredibly delicious but also super easy to make, requiring minimal prep and a handful of ingredients. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or whenever you’re craving some serious comfort food without all the fuss!
Why You’ll Love These Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches
Minimal Prep: Simply toss everything in the slow cooker, and let it do all the work while you go about your day.
Mouthwatering Flavor: Creamy ranch seasoning, crispy bacon, and melty cheddar cheese create an irresistible combination that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner, game day, or a casual gathering, these sandwiches are sure to please a crowd.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the ingredients ahead of time or even freeze the cooked chicken mixture for an easy meal later.
Ingredients
- 1-2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 16 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix (or 1 packet)
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 12 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 4 scallions, chopped
- Buns of your choice (brioche, potato, or regular hamburger buns work great!)
Ingredient Tips
Chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor. Thighs tend to stay juicier and shred easily, just like breasts.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: If you don’t have a packet of ranch seasoning, you can make your own by mixing 1/2 teaspoon dried dill, 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of black pepper.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a great contrast to the creamy sauce, but feel free to use your favorite cheese or a combination like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a bit of heat.
Bacon: For a quick shortcut, use pre-cooked bacon crumbles. Just be sure to drain any excess grease to keep the mixture from becoming too oily.
Buns: For an extra-special touch, toast the buns in a skillet with a bit of butter for added crunch and flavor.
Instructions Outline
Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the basin of a 6-quart slow cooker.
Season the Chicken:
Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix evenly over the chicken breasts.
Add the Cream Cheese:
Arrange the cubed cream cheese on top of the chicken.
Cook Low and Slow:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker, stirring to distribute the creamy sauce throughout.
Mix in the Bacon, Scallions, and Cheese:
Add the chopped bacon, chopped scallions, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is well combined.
Melt the Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the chicken mixture. Cover the slow cooker again and let the cheese melt for about 10 minutes.
Serve:
Spoon the creamy chicken bacon ranch mixture onto your choice of buns and serve immediately!
Serving Suggestions
These Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with a variety of sides to make a complete meal. Here are some ideas:
- Classic Potato Chips or Fries: A crispy side pairs perfectly with the creamy chicken filling.
- Coleslaw: The tangy crunch of coleslaw balances the richness of the sandwiches.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would complement the flavors well.
- Pickles or Pickled Vegetables: Add a tangy kick to cut through the creamy, cheesy filling.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Storing Leftovers:
Store any leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
Freezing Instructions:
The chicken mixture freezes very well. Once cooled, transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as needed.
Make-Ahead Tips:
Cook the bacon and chop the scallions in advance to save time on the cooking day. You can also assemble all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, just place the insert in the slow cooker and start cooking!
Variations
Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch:
Add 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce or hot sauce to the slow cooker for a spicy twist. This will give the sandwiches a tangy, spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with the creamy ranch dressing.
Barbecue Style:
Mix in 1/2 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce to the chicken mixture before adding the bacon and cheese. This adds a smoky, sweet flavor to the sandwiches.
Loaded Ranch Chicken Wraps:
Instead of serving on buns, wrap the chicken mixture in large flour tortillas with lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado for a delicious wrap option.
Keto-Friendly Option:
Serve the chicken bacon ranch mixture over a bed of lettuce or cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal.
Mexican-Inspired Twist:
Add 1/2 teaspoon of cumin and 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder to the seasoning mix, and use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. Serve on buns or tortillas with a side of guacamole.
Final Note
These Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches are the ultimate in comfort food with minimal effort required. Perfect for busy days when you want a meal ready and waiting for you when you walk in the door, they’re sure to become a new family favorite. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, these sandwiches are a hit every time!
Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 1-2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 16 ounces cream cheese cubed
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix or 1 packet
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 12 slices bacon cooked and chopped
- 4 scallions chopped
- Buns for serving
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the basin of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Sprinkle ranch seasoning mix evenly over the chicken.
- Arrange cubed cream cheese on top of the chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours, until chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and stir to combine with the creamy sauce.
- Add chopped bacon, scallions, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until well mixed.
- Sprinkle remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top and cover for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt.
- Serve the chicken bacon ranch mixture on buns and enjoy!