Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches (Crack Chicken) Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches, often called “Crack Chicken,” are a creamy, savory delight that’s perfect for busy days. Tender chicken mixed with cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and cheddar makes an irresistible filling. Serve it on toasted hoagie rolls with crispy bacon for a comforting meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 16 ounces cream cheese (2 boxes)
• 1 packet ranch seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 8 slices of bacon, crumbled
• 8 slices cheddar cheese
• 8 hoagie rolls

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the chicken breasts, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, shredded cheddar cheese, and garlic powder into the slow cooker. Stir slightly to combine.
2. Step 2: Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
3. Step 3: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix well with the creamy sauce.
4. Step 4: Toast the hoagie rolls lightly to your preference.
5. Step 5: Scoop the shredded chicken mixture onto each roll, then top with a slice of cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
6. Step 6: Serve warm and enjoy your delicious sandwich!

Tips & Variations

• For added flavor, try mixing in chopped green onions or a dash of hot sauce before serving.
• Use turkey bacon as a lower-fat alternative to regular bacon.
• To make it gluten-free, substitute the hoagie rolls with gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps.
• If you prefer a thicker filling, stir in a little sour cream or more shredded cheese before serving.

Storage

Store leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Keep rolls separate to maintain freshness. Assemble sandwiches just before serving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but increase the slow cooking time by about an hour on low or 30 minutes on high to ensure they cook thoroughly.

Is it possible to prepare this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the chicken and ingredients in a covered skillet over low heat or simmer in a saucepan until chicken is cooked and tender, then shred and mix the sauce. However, the slow cooker provides the best texture and ease.

Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches (Crack Chicken) Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 107 reviews

Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches are a deliciously creamy and savory meal featuring tender shredded chicken cooked low and slow with cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and cheddar. Topped with crispy bacon and extra cheddar, served on toasted hoagie rolls, these sandwiches are perfect for an easy, flavorful dinner.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 7 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 sandwiches 1x
• Category: Sandwiches
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Mixture

• 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 16 ounces cream cheese (2 boxes)
• 1 packet ranch seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 8 slices bacon, crumbled

To Serve

• 8 slices cheddar cheese
• 8 hoagie rolls, toasted

Instructions

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Add the chicken breasts, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, shredded cheddar cheese, and garlic powder into the slow cooker. Ensure everything is evenly distributed so the flavors meld well while cooking.
2. Cook the Chicken: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 7-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
3. Mix and Shred: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks and mix well with the creamy cheese and seasoning mixture to combine all flavors evenly.
4. Cook the Bacon: Meanwhile, cook the bacon slices separately until crispy. Once done, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
5. Assemble the Sandwiches: Toast the hoagie rolls to your liking. Scoop a generous portion of the creamy chicken mixture onto each roll, top with a slice of cheddar cheese and the crumbled bacon for added flavor and texture.
6. Serve: Serve the sandwiches warm, allowing the cheese to slightly melt, creating a rich and comforting meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Notes

• You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier sandwich filling.
• For a lower fat option, use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheddar cheese.
• Feel free to add pickles or lettuce for extra crunch in the sandwich.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
• If you prefer spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the slow cooker mixture.

Keywords: slow cooker chicken sandwich, bacon ranch chicken, crack chicken, creamy chicken sandwich, easy slow cooker recipes