Slow Cooker Chicken & Turkey Bacon Ranch Sandwiches Recipe

Tasty Turkey Bacon Ranch Slow Cooker Sandwich Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet satisfying solutions, and these delectable slow cooker chicken & turkey bacon ranch sandwiches deliver pure comfort on a plate.

Tender shredded chicken mingles with crispy bacon and creamy ranch, creating a mouthwatering combination that promises to become a household favorite.

The slow cooker works its magic, infusing every bite with rich, savory flavors that will have everyone eagerly gathering around the table.

Minimal prep means maximum enjoyment, letting you spend less time cooking and more time connecting with loved ones.

Each sandwich bursts with hearty ingredients that blend perfectly between soft, pillowy buns.

The ranch seasoning adds a tangy kick that elevates this classic sandwich from ordinary to extraordinary.

Storing and Reheating Your Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches

  • Store leftover chicken ranch mixture in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Pack cooled chicken mixture in freezer-safe containers or bags, keeping for 2-3 months without losing flavor quality.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and maintain creamy texture.
  • Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent dryness.

Tasty Sides for Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches

Pair Perfectly with Zesty Ranch Sandwiches:
  • Crisp Cucumber Salad: Slice fresh cucumbers and mix with dill, creating a cool, tangy side that cuts through the richness of the creamy chicken.
  • Craft Beer Companion: Select a hoppy pale ale or light wheat beer that complements the ranch and bacon flavors, adding a refreshing beer-battered crunch to your meal.
  • Crunch with Kettle Chips: Choose jalapeño or sour cream and onion potato chips to provide a satisfying texture contrast and enhance the sandwich's savory profile.
  • Quick Pickled Coleslaw: Toss shredded cabbage with apple cider vinegar and a touch of honey for a bright, acidic side that balances the creamy sandwich filling.

Fun Twists for Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches

  • Keto-Friendly Ranch Chicken: Replace buns with lettuce wraps and use low-carb ranch seasoning. Swap regular bacon for turkey bacon and use full-fat cream cheese.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Choose gluten-free burger buns or use large portobello mushroom caps as bread alternatives. Verify ranch seasoning is certified gluten-free.
  • Dairy-Free Modification: Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese and coconut bacon bits for crunch.
  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or jackfruit, using the same seasoning method. Add extra mushrooms for meaty texture and umami flavor.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time to ensure they cook thoroughly and reach a safe internal temperature.

  • Is ranch seasoning the same as ranch dressing mix?

Absolutely! Ranch seasoning and ranch dressing mix are the same product, typically found in small packet mixes in the seasoning aisle of your grocery store.

  • What if I don't have a slow cooker?

You can adapt this recipe for the oven by using a covered casserole dish. Bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes to an hour, checking chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F.

  • Can I make this recipe healthier?

Use low-fat cream cheese, turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, and whole wheat buns to create a lighter version of this sandwich without compromising flavor.

What Makes Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches Stand Out

  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with rich flavors of ranch, bacon, and melted cheese, this sandwich promises to satisfy hungry family members and picky eaters alike.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for casual family dinners, game day gatherings, potlucks, or quick weeknight meals that require minimal cooking skills and maximum taste.
  • Customizable Delight: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping protein, adding different cheeses, or incorporating extra vegetables to suit individual preferences and dietary needs.

What You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy meat that's perfect for slow cooking.
  • Turkey Bacon: Crispy and flavorful protein with a smoky twist.
Seasoning and Sauce:
  • Ranch Seasoning: Zesty blend that adds tangy ranch flavor.
  • Cream Cheese: Creamy and rich ingredient that creates a smooth sauce.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that brings extra richness.
Garnish and Additional Ingredients:
  • Scallions, Bacon: Fresh green onions and crispy bacon that add texture and depth.
  • Buns: Soft bread perfect for holding the delicious chicken mixture.

How to Make These Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches in the Crockpot

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker Vessel

Gently place the tender chicken breasts into the spacious basin of a 6-quart slow cooker, ensuring they’re evenly spread for consistent cooking.

Step 2: Create Flavor Foundation

Generously sprinkle the zesty ranch seasoning over the chicken, creating a tantalizing base of flavor.

Carefully place cubed cream cheese on top, allowing it to melt and create a rich, creamy sauce during cooking.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.

The low and slow method will transform the chicken into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece.

Step 4: Shred and Enhance

Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked, use two forks to shred the meat into delectable strands.

Stir the mixture to distribute the creamy sauce evenly.

Incorporate the ingredients:
  • Crispy bacon pieces
  • Chopped scallions
  • Shredded cheddar cheese

Step 5: Final Cheese Melt

Sprinkle an additional layer of cheddar cheese over the top of the chicken mixture.

Cover and let it sit for 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to become perfectly melted and gooey.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Scoop the creamy, cheesy chicken mixture onto soft buns.

The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and ranch flavors creates an irresistible sandwich that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Helpful Tips for Perfecting Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches

  • Adjust slow cooker settings based on your schedule, choosing low and slow (6 hours) or quick and high (4 hours) depending on your day's demands.
  • Always check internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure moist, perfectly cooked chicken without overcooking.
  • Let residual heat naturally melt cheese for a smoother, more even distribution instead of stirring constantly.
  • Crisp additional bacon as a crunchy topping to add extra texture and enhance the ranch-bacon profile of the sandwich.
  • Replace regular buns with low-carb alternatives like lettuce wraps or gluten-free rolls to accommodate different nutritional needs.
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Slow Cooker Chicken & Turkey Bacon Ranch Sandwiches Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken & Turkey Bacon Ranch Sandwiches Recipe


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4.7 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mouthwatering slow cooker chicken & turkey bacon ranch sandwiches bring comfort and flavor to your dinner table. Ranch-infused protein nestled between soft buns creates a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 0.5 slices bacon, cooked and chopped

Dairy:

  • 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, cubed
  • 2 cups (226 grams) cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 scallions, chopped

Seasoning and Serving:

  • 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix (or 1 packet)
  • Buns for serving

Instructions

  1. Nestle raw chicken breasts into the slow cooker basin, creating an even layer for consistent cooking.
  2. Generously dust the ranch seasoning across the chicken surface, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
  3. Distribute cubed cream cheese strategically over the seasoned chicken, allowing it to melt and create a rich, creamy base during cooking.
  4. Secure the slow cooker lid and let the chicken simmer on low temperature for 6 hours or on high temperature for 4 hours until thoroughly cooked and tender.
  5. Carefully separate and shred the chicken using two forks, breaking it into soft, manageable pieces.
  6. Gently fold the cream cheese sauce throughout the shredded chicken, creating a uniform and creamy texture.
  7. Incorporate crispy bacon pieces, finely chopped scallions, and a substantial portion of cheddar cheese into the chicken mixture.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese across the top of the chicken mixture, creating a melted cheese layer.
  9. Allow the cheese to melt completely by covering the slow cooker for approximately 10 minutes.
  10. Transfer the creamy, cheesy chicken mixture onto soft buns, creating hearty and flavorful sandwiches ready to serve.

Notes

  • Experiment with different ranch seasoning brands to find your favorite flavor profile and intensity.
  • Cook chicken breasts from frozen by adding an extra hour to the cooking time, ensuring they reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Customize the sandwich by toasting buns with butter for extra crispiness and depth of flavor.
  • Swap regular buns with low-carb alternatives like lettuce wraps or cauliflower rolls for a lighter, gluten-free option.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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