Chicken Bacon Ranch Crockpot Recipe

It seems that no matter where you go to eat, there’s some kind of chicken bacon ranch on the menu. You can get it on your pizza (even Dominos has it) you can get it on sandwiches (Subway), you can get it on a lettuce wrap (that’s the low carb version). It’s probably showing up everywhere because it’s easy to make and it’s tasty. But do you know where it tastes best? That’s right, at home. You can make chicken bacon ranch crockpot style and as usual homemade food tastes better than eating at fast food places.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Crockpot Recipe
Some people call it “Crack Chicken” because it’s so addictive

Let’s get right to the recipe. You’ll need some chicken. Recipes made with chicken thighs usually have more flavor than when you use the breasts but bacon and ranch are the stars in this dish. Go with chicken breasts. The bigger and meatier the better.

For the bacon, a nice smoked apple wood bacon that’s thickly sliced is best. Trader Joe’s has pretty good bacon. Turkey bacon is out for this recipe. You’re going to use the bacon fat in the crockpot too and turkey bacon really doesn’t have any. I can cook turkey bacon for the whole family and the pan is usually dry when I’m done. I guess that’s why it’s a “healthier option” than regular bacon. But this recipe, you want the extra flavor from the fat so use real bacon.

So far this recipe isn’t too complicated. And if you want to use ranch seasoning that you can buy in a packet at the supermarket then it will stay an easy recipe. But if you want to go the extra mile you can make your own ranch seasoning. It’s not hard and the flavor will usually be a little better. Here’s a great ranch seasoning recipe from Add a Pinch.

Then you’ll need about a cup of shredded cheddar cheese and some cream cheese.

Slice up the bacon, fry it up on a stove top and then put it in the slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients. Make sure to pour any bacon fat that’s left in the pan into the crockpot. You don’t want to waste that excellent source of flavor.

cooking bacon
Bacon makes everything better

Leave it in the crock pot on high for about 3-4 hours. After a few hours you’ll want to shred the chicken with two forks or those pulled pork shredder claws that everyone seems to have now a days. These claws work great with pulled pork too.

Before shredding the chicken into smaller pieces you may want to check it’s temperature with a meat thermometer. Remember the chicken needs to be over 165 degrees Fahrenheit. After you shred the chicken into smaller pieces it’ll cook faster.

chicken bacon ranch in the slow cooker
You have to cook it before you can eat it

Some people like to shred their chicken with an electric mixer. You the kind that you make cakes with. The chicken really needs to be fully cooked before you try doing this otherwise it’ll just make a mess and not really shred. I’ve had mixed results using this method so give it a shot and let me know in the comments below if it works for you.

So how do you eat this chicken bacon ranch crockpot style anyway?

Sandwich

Split a kaiser or a ciabatta roll and give it a toast. Then take a few scoops of the chicken bacon ranch and top with lettuce tomato and some ranch dressing.

chicken bacon ranch sandwich
Everything tastes good on a sandwich

Sliders

You can use Hawaiian Sweet Rolls to make chicken bacon ranch crockpot party appetizers. Take a whole pack of Hawaiian Sweet Rolls and cut through all of the rolls without separating them. Put the bottom half of all the rolls into a serving tray or casserole dish and scoop on a layer of the chicken bacon ranch. Then top with either cheddar cheese or you could also use some ranch dressing. Place the top half of the rolls on top and then slather it with a mixture of melted butter and fresh cut parsley. Bake at about 350 until warm. Cut them into individual sandwiches and serve.



Casserole

Put it a casserole dish and melt some cheese on top and there you go.

Low Carb Lunch

Low carb chicken bacon ranch
Lose the bread and use celery instead of a fork

This is great if you’re looking for a low carb lunch to take to work or school. Cut up some celery and use it as a spoon to eat your chilled chicken bacon ranch. Eating it this way is a little odd but you lose all the carbs by omitting the bread. It’s tasty when served cold. Or you can microwave it for 30 seconds to take the chill off and enjoy it hot also. Celery adds a nice crunch.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Crockpot Recipe

Chicken Bacon Ranch is turning up everywhere lately. Now it can turn up on your dinner table with this easy to make crockpot recipe. 

Ingredients
  

  • 3-5 boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup cheddar
  • 12 oz cream cheese
  • 2 packets ranch seasoning
  • 1 pound bacon

Instructions
 

  • Cook the bacon and set aside. Save bacon fat
  • Add cooked bacon with bacon fat and all ingredients to slow cooker
  • Cook on high for 3-4 hours. Make sure chicken has reached internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Shred chicken with two forks 
  • Serve warm or cold