Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz.) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom, if preferred)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 6 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped chives or green onions, for garnish
Instructions:
1.
Prep the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. No need to chop them up yet; they’ll shred easily later.
2.
Add the Seasonings:
- Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper over the chicken.
3.
Add the Creamy Ingredients:
- Place the cream cheese (cut into cubes), sour cream, and cream of chicken soup over the chicken.
4.
Cook the Casserole:
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and shreds easily with a fork.
5.
Shred the Chicken:
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix everything well.
6.
Add the Cheese:
- Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Let it melt and combine into the creamy mixture.
7.
Add the Bacon:
- Crumble the cooked bacon and stir it into the casserole mixture, reserving some for topping.
8.
Finish and Serve:
- Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese and the reserved crumbled bacon on top of the casserole.
- Cover again for a few minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with chopped chives or green onions before serving.
Tips:
- Chicken Variations: You can use chicken thighs for more flavor and moisture, or even use chicken breast tenderloins or cubed chicken.
- Make It a Meal: Serve this casserole with a side of veggies, mashed potatoes, or over rice for a complete meal.
- Add Veggies: If you’d like to sneak in some vegetables, add broccoli, spinach, or peas into the casserole mix before cooking.
- Make Ahead: You can prep everything the night before, refrigerate it, and cook it the next day.
This Slow Cooker Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken Casserole is cheesy, creamy, and packed with flavors that everyone will love. Plus, it’s so simple that you’ll want to make it again and again for a comforting weeknight meal! Enjoy!