Description
Creamy, zesty slow cooker cream cheese crack chicken delivers irresistible comfort for weeknight dinners. Home cooks love this simple, cheesy dish that promises maximum flavor with minimal effort from start to finish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 chicken breasts
- 16 oz (454 g) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 slices cheddar cheese
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 8 hoagie rolls, sliced lengthwise
Instructions
- Preparation: Crumble bacon into fine pieces and grate cheddar cheese, setting aside for later garnish.
- Layering: Place whole chicken breasts in the slow cooker without overlapping, then generously season with ranch mix and garlic powder.
- Sauce Creation: Distribute softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar around and between chicken pieces, ensuring even coverage.
- Cooking Process: Secure slow cooker lid and set to high temperature, allowing chicken to cook for 3-4 hours until meat becomes incredibly tender and easily separates.
- Shredding and Mixing: Transfer chicken to a cutting board, pull apart using two forks, then return meat to the slow cooker and thoroughly blend with the creamy sauce.
- Sandwich Preparation: Slice hoagie rolls lengthwise and toast in a preheated 350°F oven for 3-5 minutes until edges turn golden and crisp.
- Assembly and Serving: Fill toasted rolls with the succulent chicken mixture, top with additional cheese and bacon crumbles, and optional broil for 1-2 minutes for a melted finish. Serve alongside a crisp salad or chips.
Notes
- Chicken Selection: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and easy shredding.
- Cream Cheese Tip: Use full-fat cream cheese at room temperature for smoother blending and richer flavor.
- Ranch Seasoning Hack: Adjust seasoning amount based on personal taste preferences; homemade mix works perfectly.
- Moisture Management: Avoid opening slow cooker lid frequently to maintain consistent temperature and prevent moisture loss.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 472
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1090 mg
- Fat: 31 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 98 mg