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Slow Cooker Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken

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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 765
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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.

Method
 

  1. Arrange the chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker insert (minimum 3-quart size recommended).
  2. Sprinkle the homemade ranch seasoning and garlic powder evenly over the chicken.
  3. Distribute the cubes of cream cheese over the top of the seasoned chicken.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Stir the shredded chicken thoroughly, incorporating the melted cream cheese until a creamy sauce forms and coats the chicken evenly.
  7. Stir in the crumbled cooked bacon. If using, stir in the optional hot sauce now.
  8. Spread the chicken mixture into a relatively even layer within the slow cooker. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese uniformly over the top.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
Estimated Nutrition Information (Per Serving - 1/4 of recipe)
  • Calories: 765
  • Total Fat: 61g
  • Saturated Fat: 30.5g
  • Cholesterol: 270mg
  • Sodium: 1090mg (will vary based on bacon, cheese, ranch seasoning, and added salt)
  • Total Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
  • Total Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 45g
  • Net Carbs: 7.5g
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates calculated using standard food databases (USDA standard references where applicable) and may vary based on specific ingredients, brands (especially bacon, cheeses, ranch seasoning), homemade seasoning components, and measurement accuracy. Sodium content is particularly variable. This is a very rich dish; portion control is recommended.