Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches Recipe

The Tastiest Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches Recipe

Whipping up these mouthwatering slow cooker chicken bacon ranch sandwiches guarantees a crowd-pleasing meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tender shredded chicken mingles with crispy bacon bits in a creamy ranch-infused sauce.

Salt and pepper add just the right seasoning to complement the rich flavors.

Comfort food meets convenience with this simple yet delectable dish perfect for busy weeknights.

We’ve crafted a recipe that combines minimal effort with maximum satisfaction.

Layers of savory ingredients create a sandwich experience you won’t soon forget.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible combination that promises to become a new favorite.

Why Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches Work

  • Hands-Off Cooking: Enjoy a stress-free meal preparation where the slow cooker does most of the work, letting you focus on other activities while dinner practically makes itself.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Combo: Bacon, ranch, and chicken create an irresistible taste that appeals to both kids and adults, making this a guaranteed hit at family dinners or casual gatherings.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Transform the savory chicken mixture into sandwiches, wraps, salads, or even a topping for baked potatoes, giving you multiple delicious meal possibilities from one simple recipe.
  • Minimal Ingredient Requirement: With just a few basic ingredients and no complicated techniques, this recipe is perfect for home cooks of all skill levels who want a delicious meal without extensive kitchen expertise.

What Goes In Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches

Protein Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean meat that provides the main protein for the sandwich filling.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Ranch Seasoning Mix: Adds a zesty and creamy flavor profile to the chicken.
  • Ranch Dressing: Creates a rich and tangy sauce that binds the ingredients together.
Complementary Ingredients:
  • Bacon: Provides a crispy and smoky element to the sandwich.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp and melty component that enhances the overall taste.
  • Hamburger Buns: Soft bread that serves as the base for serving the chicken mixture.

How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches

Step 1: Prep the Protein

Nestle the chicken breasts into the bottom of your slow cooker, creating a cozy base for the delicious meal ahead.

Step 2: Season with Zesty Ranch

Generously sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the chicken, ensuring every inch gets a flavor boost.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Let the slow cooker work its magic:
  • Low setting: Cook for 6 hours
  • High setting: Cook for 3-4 hours

The chicken will become incredibly tender and easily shreddable.

Step 4: Shred and Fluff

Using two forks, gently pull the chicken apart, creating mouth-watering shreds that will soak up all the amazing flavors.

Step 5: Flavor Explosion

Toss in these delicious mix-ins:
  • Crumbled bacon
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Creamy ranch dressing

Step 6: Final Flavor Fusion

Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly, allowing the flavors to meld and get super cozy. Continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes to blend the tastes.

Step 7: Serve and Devour

Pile the saucy, cheesy chicken mixture onto soft hamburger buns. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll make everyone at the table cheer!

Smart Tips For Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches

  • Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure tender, easily shreddable meat.
  • Enhance flavor by using thick-cut bacon for a richer, crispier texture in the sandwich.
  • Check chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption and perfect doneness.
  • Swap hamburger buns with lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative that's equally delicious.
  • Prepare extra ranch seasoning mix at home to control sodium levels and customize taste preferences.

New Takes On Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches

  • Spicy Southwest Chicken Sandwiches: Replace ranch seasoning with taco seasoning, add diced green chiles, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken Sandwiches: Swap ranch for Italian herbs, mix in sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle feta cheese instead of cheddar.
  • Smoky BBQ Chicken Sandwiches: Use BBQ sauce instead of ranch dressing, add caramelized onions, and switch to smoked gouda cheese for a rich flavor profile.
  • Hawaiian Luau Chicken Sandwiches: Incorporate pineapple chunks, use teriyaki sauce, and garnish with sliced green onions and crispy coconut flakes.

Sides That Pair With Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches

  • Pair with Crisp Coleslaw: Refreshing cabbage slaw cuts through the rich, creamy chicken filling and adds a tangy crunch that balances the sandwich's heaviness.
  • Complement with Chilled Craft Beer: A light, hoppy pale ale or wheat beer provides a perfect refreshing counterpoint to the savory, cheesy chicken mixture.
  • Match with Dill Pickle Spears: Zesty, briny pickles offer a sharp contrast that cleanses the palate and enhances the ranch and bacon flavors in the sandwich.
  • Select Creamy Potato Salad: Smooth, herbed potato salad echoes the ranch dressing's creaminess while offering a cool, comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with the warm sandwich.

How To Store Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches

  • Store leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Transfer chicken mixture to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Place desired portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
  • Pour chicken mixture into skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of chicken broth or ranch dressing to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches FAQs

  • Is ranch seasoning mix necessary for this recipe?

Yes, it’s crucial for adding signature ranch flavor to the chicken and enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Chicken thighs work well, but they might release more fat and could change the consistency of the final dish slightly.

  • How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it shreds easily with two forks and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, which typically happens after the recommended cooking time.

  • What type of bacon works best for this recipe?

Thick-cut bacon crumbles provide the best texture and flavor, but regular bacon also works perfectly fine.

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Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches Recipe


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4.6 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 35 minutes (low) or 4 hours 35 minutes (high)
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Hearty slow cooker chicken bacon ranch sandwiches bring comfort and flavor to your dinner table. Crispy bacon, tender chicken, and creamy ranch blend perfectly, creating a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings and Sauces:

  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing

Bread:

  • 8 hamburger buns

Instructions

  1. Position chicken breasts in the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly spread.
  2. Generously dust ranch seasoning mix across the entire surface of the chicken.
  3. Slow cook on low temperature for 6 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours until chicken becomes tender and easily pulls apart.
  4. Using two forks, meticulously shred the cooked chicken into fine, uniform strands.
  5. Incorporate crispy crumbled bacon pieces into the shredded chicken.
  6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken and bacon mixture.
  7. Drizzle ranch dressing throughout the slow cooker, ensuring even distribution.
  8. Gently stir all ingredients to create a harmonious blend of flavors.
  9. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
  10. Carefully spoon the creamy, savory chicken mixture onto soft hamburger buns.
  11. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the rich, tangy sandwich.

Notes

  • Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure tender, easy-to-shred meat that absorbs flavors perfectly.
  • Experiment with different ranch seasoning brands to find your preferred taste profile, as some are more tangy or herbal than others.
  • For a lighter version, swap regular bacon with turkey bacon and use low-fat ranch dressing and cheese to reduce calories.
  • Meal prep friendly! This recipe can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it ideal for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes (low) or 4 hours 30 minutes (high)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 460 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 820 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 31 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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