Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch is an easy 6-ingredient meal where the crock-pot does all the work. The creamy, cheesy, and comforting flavors are cooked in one easy pot; just add the pasta. It is a hearty slow cooker meal the whole family will love.
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This recipe is born out of the need for easy, quick meals that the entire family will love. That is how this Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta came about. It is packed with flavor, and my granddaughters always request it!
The best part is that it is easy to assemble, and you just turn on your slow cooker and go about your day. Other crock pot favorites that I love include Slow Cooker Cube Steak and Crockpot Pot Roast. Perfect for busy nights when you want a comfort meal with little effort.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Set it and forget it meal - Just a few minutes of prep and your slow cooker takes care of the rest.
- Family Friendly - Even picky eaters love this one.
- Pantry items - Made with simple, easy-to-find ingredients you might already have on hand.
- Perfect for leftovers - It reheats beautifully.
Reader Review: "My kids love this dish, it always goes fast. " - Jacque
Ingredients
- Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless works best.
- Cream Cheese: For best results use full-fat cream cheese works best for this.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: You can use any cream soup.
- Ranch Seasoning: You will need about one packet.
- Onion: To add a sweet flavor.
- Linguini Pasta: You can use whatever you have on hand for this.
- Bacon: For a smoky, salty crunch.
- Colby Jack Cheese: This cheese melts perfectly into the dish and complements the ranch.
Tim's Tip: Don't overcook the chicken, cook it until it is tender and easy to shred to keep it from drying out.
Recipe Video
How to make Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch
1. Layer the base: Place the chicken breast in the bottom of your slow cooker and top with sliced onion.
2. Add the creamy layer: Cover the chicken with cream soup and sprinkle the ranch seasoning across the top. Cube the cream cheese and add it on top so it melts into a creamy sauce.
3. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for approximately 5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreddable.
4. Mix it all: Cook your linguini pasta according to package directions. Once ready, add it to the chicken mixture along with ½ of the bacon and Colby-Jack cheese. Stir to combine.
5. Finish and serve: Top the chicken bacon ranch pasta with any remaining bacon and enjoy. Serve warm.
Substitutions and Variations
- Add in vegetables - frozen peas, spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli will add some color and a boost of flavor.
- Substitute the protein - Not a fan of chicken breast, feel free to use chicken thighs or even a shredded rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Try a different cheese - Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even mozzarella will work.
- Add some spice - Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce.
Tims Tips
- Thin the sauce if needed - You can add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
- Shred Chicken - Once cooked, shred the chicken right in the slow cooker so it soaks up all the flavor.
- Crisp the bacon - Cook the bacon until crispy before adding it in. That will add the best texture.
- Cube the cream cheese - Cutting the cream in cubes will help it melt faster and more evenly.
What to Serve with Ranch Chicken
- Green Beans - A family-loved side for sure.
- Garlic Rolls - Perfect for soaking up all the sauce.
- A tossed salad with our homemade buttermilk ranch dressing.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker - I love this classic set-and-go crock pot.
- Ladle - Perfect for scooping out a serving of dinner.
- Colander - Needed to drain the pasta after cooking.
Storage
Refrigeration: Store cooled leftover Creamy Ranch Slaw Cooker Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: This recipe freezes well, and that makes it perfect for meal prep. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave until warmed through. If frozen, allow to thaw before reheating.
FAQs
Yes! Chicken thighs work great and will be even more tender and juicy. Just use the same cook time.
Absolutely. Any pasta you have on hand will work. Penne, rotini, or fettuccine are all great options.
You can use a low-calorie cream soup and a reduced-fat cream cheese. The sauce could be slightly less rich.
What are the "must-haves" on your family menus? Let me know your family's favorite recipes in the comments! I love gathering ideas from fellow cooks!
Made this recipe? Let me know!
Recipe
Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch
Equipment
- 1 Crock Pot
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb Chicken Breasts
- ½ Onion
- 8 oz Cream Cheese
- 2 Cans Cream of Chicken Soup
- 2 tablespoon Ranch Seasoning
- 10 oz Linguini Pasta
Mix Ins
- ½ cup Bacon Divided
- 1 cup Colby Jack Shredded
Instructions
- Layer the base: Place the chicken breast in the bottom of your slow cooker and top with sliced onion. 1.5 lb Chicken Breasts ½ Onion
- Add the creamy layer: Cover the chicken with cream soup and sprinkle the ranch seasoning across the top. Cube the cream cheese and add it on top so it melts into a creamy sauce. 2 Cans Cream of Chicken Soup 2 tablespoon Ranch Seasoning 8 oz Cream Cheese
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for approximately 5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreddable.
- Mix it all: Cook linguini according to package directions. Once ready, add it to the chicken mixture along with ½ of the bacon and Colby-Jack cheese. Stir to combine. 10 oz Linguini Pasta ½ cup Bacon 1 cup Colby Jack
- Finish and serve: Top with any remaining bacon and enjoy. Serve warm.
Video
Notes
- Thin the sauce if needed - You can add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
- Shred Chicken - Once cooked, shred the chicken right in the slow cooker so it soaks up all the flavor.
- Crisp the bacon - Cook the bacon until crispy before adding it in. That will add the best texture.
- Cube the cream cheese - Cutting the cream in cubes will help it melt faster and more evenly.
Nutrition
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Casey L says
SO EASY! This was a huge winner with the kids!