These creamy, flavorful sandwiches are an easy and delicious slow cooker meal, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (1 oz)
- 1 block cream cheese (8 oz), softened
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
- 6 sandwich buns
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded lettuce
- Sliced pickles
- Sliced cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or provolone)
Construction (Step-by-Step Directions)
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Place chicken breasts in the crock pot.
- Sprinkle ranch seasoning mix over the chicken.
- Add the softened cream cheese and chicken broth.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is tender and easily shreddable.
3. Shred and Mix
- Remove the chicken from the crock pot and shred it with two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix it into the creamy ranch sauce.
4. Assemble the Sandwiches
- Scoop the creamy ranch chicken onto sandwich buns.
- Add crumbled bacon and desired toppings like lettuce, pickles, or sliced cheese.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve warm with chips, fries, or a side salad.
Variations & Customizations
- Spicy Kick: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or mix in diced jalapeños.
- BBQ Ranch Flavor: Stir in ¼ cup BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.
- Buffalo Ranch Chicken: Replace half the chicken broth with buffalo sauce.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the ranch chicken in lettuce wraps or over a salad instead of on a bun.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese or substitute with a little mayo.
Tips for Success
- Use a Hand Mixer: For ultra-creamy, shredded chicken, use a hand mixer to shred and blend everything.
- Double the Recipe: This freezes well, so make extra for meal prep.
- Thicker Sauce: If the mixture is too thin, let it sit uncovered in the crock pot for 15 minutes before serving.
- Crispy Finish: Toast the sandwich buns for extra texture.
Nutrition Facts (Per Sandwich – Approximate)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
(Nutrition will vary based on buns and toppings used.)
Serving Suggestions
- With Sides: Serve with fries, sweet potato wedges, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad.
- As Sliders: Use smaller buns to make mini sandwiches for parties.
- Over Rice or Pasta: Skip the buns and serve the chicken over rice or pasta for a different twist.
- Topped with Crunch: Add crispy fried onions or crushed tortilla chips for a fun texture.
This creamy, tangy, and savory slow-cooker ranch chicken is a crowd-pleaser. Would you like suggestions for making it in an Instant Pot?