Slow Cooker Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken Casserole

This creamy, flavorful, and easy-to-make casserole is a perfect comfort food meal that practically cooks itself. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• 1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch seasoning mix

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or homemade alternative)

• 1 cup sour cream

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

• 1 (16 oz) bag frozen diced potatoes (like hash browns) or cooked pasta (optional, for heartier casserole)

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• Black pepper to taste

• For topping: ½ cup chopped green onions or chives, extra bacon, ranch drizzle

Instructions

1. Prep the slow cooker: Lightly grease your slow cooker insert with non-stick spray or a little oil.

2. Layer the base: If using, spread frozen diced potatoes or cooked pasta evenly over the bottom of the slow cooker.

3. Add the chicken: Place chicken breasts or thighs on top of the potatoes/pasta. Season lightly with pepper.

4. Mix the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth. Pour evenly over the chicken.

5. Add cream cheese and bacon: Scatter cubed cream cheese and half of the crumbled bacon over the top.

6. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until chicken is tender and cooked through.

7. Shred & combine: Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return to the slow cooker. Stir everything together until well combined. The cream cheese should melt into the sauce.

8. Add cheese: Stir in 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

9. Top and melt: Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese and remaining bacon crumbles on top. Cover for another 10–15 minutes until cheese melts.

10. Serve: Garnish with green onions/chives and extra ranch dressing or drizzle if desired.

Serving Suggestions

• Over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles

• With a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad

• In a bread bowl for a fun presentation

• With garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up the sauce

Tips & Variations

• Lighter version: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, low-fat cream cheese, and reduced-fat cheese.

• Add veggies: Stir in frozen peas, corn, or chopped broccoli during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

• Spice it up: Add a can of diced green chiles or a dash of hot sauce.

• No potatoes/pasta: Serve the creamy chicken mixture over rice, toast, or baked potatoes.

Enjoy this hearty, hands-off meal that’s packed with classic flavors everyone loves!