These Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches are a huge crowd-pleaser! Juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch come together for a perfect filling in a soft bun.
What’s not to love? Just toss everything in the slow cooker, and let it do all the work while you relax. I like to add some cheese on top—because cheese makes everything better! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless skinless chicken breasts keep the dish lean and easy to shred. If you want a budget-friendly option, you can use chicken thighs instead; they’ll be juicier and add more flavor.
Ranch Seasoning: The ranch seasoning is key for that classic flavor. If you don’t have a packet, mix together herbs like parsley, dill, and garlic powder for a homemade blend.
Sour Cream: Sour cream adds creaminess. You can swap it for Greek yogurt for a healthier twist, or even cream cheese for a richer taste.
Bacon: Crispy bacon is a must! If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon can work nicely, even if it’s a bit less crispy.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar offers bold flavor. Feel free to use any cheese you love, like pepper jack for a kick or mozzarella for a milder taste.
How Do You Shred Chicken Easily?
Shredding chicken can be tricky if you’re not prepared! Here’s how to do it simply:
- Once the chicken is cooked and tender, leave it in the slow cooker.
- Use two forks to pull apart the chicken—start at the thickest part and work your way outwards.
- For an even faster method, use a hand mixer on low speed to shred the chicken while it’s still warm!
This method will ensure your chicken is shredded evenly and ready to mix with those delicious toppings!
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- 6-8 sandwich buns or hoagie rolls
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus you’ll need to let it cook for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the slow cooker. Once it’s done, another 10 minutes for assembling the sandwiches, and then you’re ready to dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Your Chicken Ready:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they’re spread out so they cook evenly.
2. Add Flavor with Ranch:
Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix generously over the chicken. This is where a lot of the flavor comes from, so don’t be shy!
3. Mix the Creamy Sauce:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the sour cream and mayonnaise. Mix them together until they’re well blended. Now, spread half of this creamy goodness over the chicken in the slow cooker.
4. Slow Cook Until Tender:
Secure the lid on your slow cooker and turn it on. Cook the chicken on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be nice and tender—perfect for shredding!
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, take two forks and shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. The chicken should fall apart easily if it’s cooked well.
6. Mix in Cheese and Bacon:
Now, stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the crumbled bacon into the shredded chicken mixture. This will create that mouthwatering filling for your sandwiches!
7. Prepare the Buns:
Take the remaining sour cream and mayonnaise mixture and spread it over your sandwich buns or hoagie rolls. This adds an extra layer of flavor.
8. Assemble Your Sandwiches:
Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto each bun. Don’t hold back—make it as hearty as you like!
9. Top It Off:
Finish each sandwich with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. This is where all the yumminess comes together!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Now for the best part—serve your warm, cheesy, and delicious sandwiches! Enjoy every bite of your Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just add an extra hour to the cooking time on low. Be sure to check that the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F) before shredding.
How Can I Store Leftover Sandwiches?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken mixture gently on the stove or microwave, then assemble on fresh buns for the best taste!
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. It will still give you creaminess while adding a boost of protein!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken mixture and store it in the fridge up to 2 days in advance. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat and assemble your sandwiches!
