Easy Cheesy Chicken Casserole Slow Cooker Recipe

Whipping up a delightful chicken casserole in your slow cooker brings comfort right to your plate.

Lazy weekend cooking becomes effortless with this one-pot wonder.

Tender meat and hearty vegetables meld together, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your taste buds.

Perfectly seasoned ingredients simmer gently, infusing every bite with warmth and satisfaction.

Minimal prep work means more time enjoying conversations around the dinner table.

Skeptical home cooks will find this recipe surprisingly simple and incredibly delicious.

Grab a spoon and let the culinary magic begin!

What Makes Hairy Bikers Chicken Casserole Slow Cooker Special

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and walk away, letting the magic happen while you tackle other tasks or relax.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with creamy textures, savory chicken, crispy bacon, and cheesy goodness that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add veggies to match your family's taste preferences, making this recipe incredibly versatile and adaptable.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup required with this all-in-one meal that combines protein, pasta, and rich flavors in a single dish, saving you time and effort.

What Goes Into Hairy Bikers Chicken Casserole Slow Cooker

• Chicken: Protein that forms the base of this hearty casserole.
• Cream Cheese: Adds rich, creamy texture and depth of flavor.
• Pasta: Provides a satisfying base for the casserole.

• Sour Cream, Soup, Broth: Create a smooth, luxurious sauce for the casserole.
• Cheese: Adds melty, cheesy goodness and extra richness.

• Ranch Seasoning, Black Pepper: Brings zesty and spicy notes to the dish.
• Bacon, Green Onions: Provide additional flavor and crispy texture as topping.

Steps To Make Hairy Bikers Chicken Casserole Slow Cooker

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

Grab a mixing bowl and blend cream cheese, condensed soup, sour cream, chicken broth, ranch seasoning, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. The mixture should look silky and inviting.

Step 2: Layer the Protein and First Cheese Batch

Add shredded chicken into the creamy sauce, then sprinkle in half of the shredded cheese and half of the crispy bacon bits. Transfer this delightful mixture directly into your slow cooker, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let the magic happen. Cook on low temperature for 4-6 hours, allowing all the flavors to meld together and create a rich, comforting base.

Step 4: Prepare the Pasta

While the chicken mixture is cooking, boil your favorite pasta in salted water until it reaches al dente perfection. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Combine and Top

Gently fold the cooked pasta into the slow cooker, mixing it thoroughly with the creamy chicken mixture. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon on top, along with some freshly chopped green onions.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Cover the slow cooker briefly to let the cheese melt completely. Serve this warm, hearty casserole directly from the slow cooker, making sure everyone gets a generous portion with all the delicious toppings.

Helpful Notes For Hairy Bikers Chicken Casserole Slow Cooker

• Soften Cream Cheese First: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother sauce consistency.
• Swap Protein Options: Replace chicken with turkey, shredded pork, or even plant-based protein for dietary variety.
• Control Sauce Thickness: Add extra broth if sauce seems too thick, or use cornstarch to thicken if too thin.
• Crisp Bacon Technique: Cook bacon separately until extra crispy to maintain crunch when added to casserole.
• Prevent Pasta Overcooking: Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness when mixed into the slow cooker dish.

Ways To Change Up Hairy Bikers Chicken Casserole Slow Cooker

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cream cheese with coconut cream, use dairy-free cheese alternative, and swap regular bacon for turkey bacon.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, reduce broth amount to compensate for vegetable moisture.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken substitute, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, add extra mushrooms for texture.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chilies, swap ranch for chipotle seasoning, include cayenne pepper, top with fresh cilantro instead of green onions.

What Tastes Good With Hairy Bikers Chicken Casserole Slow Cooker

• Pair Creamy Comfort with Bold Red Wine: Zinfandel's robust flavor cuts through the casserole's richness, creating a perfect balance of creaminess and wine complexity.
• Crisp Salad Companion: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to contrast the heavy casserole, adding freshness and cutting through the dish's rich texture.
• Elevate with Craft Beer Pairing: Choose a hoppy pale ale that complements the bacon's smoky notes and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy chicken pasta.
• Brighten with Citrus Mocktail: Mix sparkling water with fresh lemon and orange slices to cleanse the palate between bites, offering a zesty and light drink option.

How To Store Hairy Bikers Chicken Casserole Slow Cooker The Right Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 2 months. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place casserole in baking dish. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely. Add extra cheese on top for extra flavor.

Answers About Hairy Bikers Chicken Casserole Slow Cooker

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but ensure it’s fully thawed and cooked to 165°F internal temperature for food safety.

• Is there a dairy-free alternative for this casserole?

Replace cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese, use non-dairy milk, and choose dairy-free cheese alternatives.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use low-fat cream cheese, reduced-sodium soup, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and add extra vegetables like spinach or broccoli.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix ingredients the night before and store in the refrigerator, then cook in the slow cooker the next day.

Chicken Casserole Slow Cooker Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 56 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty Chicken Casserole, slow-cooked to perfection with tender meat and rich, creamy flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish delivers home-style warmth you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 3 chicken breasts (diced)
• 12 slices bacon, cooked and chopped

Dairy and Cheese:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Main Ingredients and Seasonings:

• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 ranch seasoning packet
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
• 2 green onions

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Instructions

1. Whisk together cream cheese, condensed soup, sour cream, chicken broth, ranch seasoning, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl until smooth and well-blended.
2. Fold in shredded chicken, half of the shredded cheese, and half of the crumbled bacon into the creamy mixture.
3. Transfer the combined ingredients to the slow cooker, spreading evenly across the bottom of the ceramic insert.
4. Set slow cooker to low temperature and allow to simmer for 5-6 hours, ensuring chicken is tender and flavors meld together.
5. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, prepare pasta according to package instructions, draining when al dente.
6. Gently incorporate cooked pasta into the slow cooker, stirring to distribute evenly throughout the creamy chicken mixture.
7. Sprinkle remaining cheese and bacon over the top of the casserole, allowing residual heat to melt the cheese.
8. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.
9. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow sauce to thicken slightly.
10. Serve hot, directly from the slow cooker, ensuring each portion includes a generous mix of chicken, pasta, and toppings.

Notes

• Soften cream cheese beforehand to ensure smooth blending without lumps.
• Use low-sodium broth and soup to control salt levels for health-conscious eaters.
• Swap regular bacon for turkey bacon to reduce fat and make the dish lighter.
• Customize by adding frozen vegetables like peas or broccoli for extra nutrition and color.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 56 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 525 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg