Description
This ultra-creamy and savory slow cooker chicken combines tender shredded chicken thighs with the irresistible flavors of bacon, cheddar, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning for a satisfying low-carb meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Components:
- 1.5 lbs Boneless (Skinless Chicken Thighs, trimmed of excess fat if desired)
- 12 oz Cream Cheese (cut into cubes)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (medium or sharp recommended)
Flavor & Aromatics:
- 6 slices Bacon (cooked until crisp, drained, and crumbled)
- 3 Tablespoons Homemade Ranch Seasoning* (or one 0.75-1 oz packet, check ingredients for added sugar/carbs)
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
Garnish & Optional:
- 1/3 cup Sliced Green Onions (mostly green parts)
- 1-2 teaspoons Hot Sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot (optional))
- *Note on Homemade Ranch Seasoning: Combine dried parsley (dill, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Many recipes are available online; choose one without added sugar or maltodextrin for low-carb/diabetic needs.)
Instructions
- Arrange the chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker insert (minimum 3-quart size recommended).
- Sprinkle the homemade ranch seasoning and garlic powder evenly over the chicken.
- Distribute the cubes of cream cheese over the top of the seasoned chicken.
- Secure the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on the LOW heat setting for 3 to 4 hours, or on the HIGH heat setting for 1.5 to 2.5 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and very tender. Avoid lifting the lid during the cooking cycle.
- Once the cooking time is complete, use two forks to shred the chicken directly within the slow cooker insert. The chicken should shred very easily.
- Stir the shredded chicken thoroughly, incorporating the melted cream cheese until a creamy sauce forms and coats the chicken evenly.
- Stir in the crumbled cooked bacon. If using, stir in the optional hot sauce now.
- Spread the chicken mixture into a relatively even layer within the slow cooker. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese uniformly over the top.
- Place the lid back on the slow cooker and let it sit for about 10 minutes, or just until the cheddar cheese is fully melted and gooey.
- Serve the cheesy bacon ranch chicken hot, garnished generously with the sliced green onions.
Notes
Low-Carb Serving Suggestions:
- Serve in crisp lettuce cups (butter lettuce or iceberg work well).
- Spoon over steamed zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Use as a filling for low-carb wraps or stuffed bell pepper halves.
- Serve alongside celery sticks or cucumber slices for dipping.
Nutrition Facts (per serving, 1/4 of recipe): Calories 765 | Total Fat 61 g (Saturated Fat: 30.5 g) | Total Carbs 8 g (Fiber: 0.5 g, Sugars: 3 g, Net Carbs: 7.5 g) | Protein 45 g | Sodium 1090 mg | Cholesterol 270 mg
These values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients and preparation. Sodium will vary based on bacon, cheese, ranch seasoning, and added salt.
Nutrition
- Calories: 765
