- 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.