The Best Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich Recipe
Crafting a mouthwatering slow cooker chicken bacon ranch sandwich promises an effortless culinary adventure that’ll make taste buds dance.
Tender chicken becomes the star of this simple yet irresistible meal.
Crispy bacon adds a salty crunch that complements the creamy ranch perfectly.
Home cooks appreciate how minimal prep can deliver maximum flavor with this no-fuss recipe.
Our approach ensures each bite bursts with savory goodness without complicated techniques.
Comfort meets convenience in this crowd-pleasing sandwich that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next easy dinner solution.
What Goes Into Slow Cooker Chicken Bakon Ranch Sandwich
For the Main Proteins:For the Seasoning and Spices:For the Creamy Sauce Components:For the Sandwich Assembly:How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Bakon Ranch Sandwich
Step 1: Prep Chicken Breasts
Pat chicken breasts completely dry using paper towels to create a clean surface for seasoning.
Step 2: Season Generously
Sprinkle a blend of:Massage spices thoroughly into the chicken to enhance flavor penetration.
Step 3: Create Bacon Base
Line the bottom of the slow cooker with bacon slices, forming a delicious foundation for cooking.
Step 4: Position Chicken
Gently place seasoned chicken breasts over the bacon layer, keeping them evenly spaced.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cook in slow cooker:Chicken is ready when it becomes tender and easily falls apart.
Step 6: Shred the Chicken
Remove chicken and use two forks to shred, discarding any excess fat.
Step 7: Whip Up Ranch Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine:Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Step 8: Coat Chicken
Fold shredded chicken into ranch sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
Step 9: Crisp the Bacon
Cook bacon in a skillet until golden and crunchy, then crumble into small pieces.
Step 10: Toast Sandwich Rolls
Warm sandwich rolls until lightly golden.
Step 11: Build the Sandwich
Layer each roll with:Step 12: Add Finishing Touches
Sprinkle crumbled bacon over chicken and garnish with fresh chives.
Step 13: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately while warm, with extra ranch sauce on the side for dipping.
Helpful Tips For Slow Cooker Chicken Bakon Ranch Sandwich
Flavor Variations For Slow Cooker Chicken Bakon Ranch Sandwich
What To Serve With Slow Cooker Chicken Bakon Ranch Sandwich
How To Store Slow Cooker Chicken Bakon Ranch Sandwich
FAQs About Slow Cooker Chicken Bakon Ranch Sandwich
Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly. They’re often more tender and flavorful, making them a great alternative to chicken breasts in this recipe.
Fresh bacon is recommended for the best flavor and texture. Pre-cooked bacon won’t provide the same rich base layer and won’t render as much flavor during cooking.
While you can make your own ranch seasoning, the pre-mixed packet ensures consistent flavor and saves time. If making homemade, include dried herbs like dill, parsley, and chives for authentic ranch taste.
Why Slow Cooker Chicken Bakon Ranch Sandwich Is A Time Saver
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Slow Cooker Chicken Bakon Ranch Sandwish Recipe
- Total Time: 6-7 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3-4 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Slow cooker chicken bacon ranch sandwiches deliver mouthwatering comfort with minimal effort. Creamy ranch, crispy bacon, and tender chicken create an irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken breast
- 8 slices bacon
- 4 sandwich rolls
Seasoning and Sauce:
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp butter
Garnish and Additional:
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 slices cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped chives
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels, ensuring a clean surface for seasoning.
- Sprinkle ranch seasoning mix, black pepper, and garlic powder evenly over the chicken, massaging the spices into the meat for maximum flavor absorption.
- Arrange bacon slices in the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a flavorful base for the chicken to rest on during cooking.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts on top of the bacon layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Once cooked, remove chicken and shred using two forks, discarding any excess fat.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and melted butter to create a creamy ranch sauce.
- Fold the shredded chicken into the ranch sauce, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
- Crisp up the bacon separately in a skillet until golden and crunchy, then crumble into small pieces.
- Toast sandwich rolls until lightly golden and warm.
- Layer each roll with a slice of cheese, then generously pile the ranch-coated chicken on top.
- Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the chicken and garnish with freshly chopped chives.
- Serve immediately while warm, with extra ranch sauce on the side if desired.
Notes
- Choose lean chicken breasts for a healthier protein option that stays moist during slow cooking.
- Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and create a more flavorful exterior.
- Experiment with different ranch seasoning brands to find your preferred flavor intensity and taste profile.
- For a low-carb version, serve the ranch chicken over a crisp salad instead of using sandwich rolls.
- Layer bacon at the bottom creates a delicious flavor base and prevents chicken from sticking to the slow cooker.
- Use low-sodium ranch mix and bacon to control salt content for those watching their sodium intake.
- Shred chicken while it’s warm for easier, more uniform texture and better sauce absorption.
- Allow chicken to rest for 10 minutes after cooking to help retain moisture and make shredding easier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 654
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1055 mg
- Fat: 41 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 133 mg
Olivia Brooks
Contributing Writer
Expertise
Education
Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique
Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.