How to Make the Best Comfort Food Creamy Ranch Chicken and Bacon for Pasta, Rice or Potatoes!
Hi! If you’ve been following me for long you’ll already know this, but for those who are new, welcome to Far From The Farm. I’m Mona, the Brit behind the recipes, learning life and food in the States while sharing our debt-free journey and what’s on the menu in our home today!
Ranch seasoning is one of those ingredients that simply does not exist in the same way outside of the United States. Back in the UK, it was not something I ever cooked with or even thought about. Moving here changed that very quickly.
Once I started paying attention, I realized ranch shows up everywhere. On salads, in dips, mixed into sauces, baked into casseroles, and folded through creamy comfort food dishes that American families grew up eating.
This slow cooker chicken bacon ranch recipe is one of those meals.
It is deeply American in the best way. Creamy, savory, rich without being fussy, and built around flavors that feel familiar and comforting.
Ranch, bacon, chicken, and cream cheese come together into a sauce that works beautifully over pasta, spooned onto baked potatoes, or served over fluffy white rice.
My husband absolutely loves this flavor combination, and it has become one of those meals I know will get eaten without complaint on busy evenings. It is especially helpful on days when I want dinner handled quietly in the background while I take care of everything else.
The bacon is not optional here. It adds a salty, savory depth that completely changes the finished dish. Without it, the sauce falls a bit flat. With it, everything tastes richer and more balanced.
This recipe is also practical. I use frozen chicken breasts bought in bulk to keep costs down, simple pantry seasonings, and my slow cooker or Instant Pot slow cook function to keep the counter clear.
As a military family on baby step 2 of our debt free journey, meals like this matter. Every dinner cooked at home saves money, reduces stress, and helps us stay consistent when life feels heavy.
And just a reminder that if you’re struggling and you need help with managing your budget or starting your own debt free journey then here’s some FREE resources below you may find helpful!
living frugally and fully
free tips and resources to make the most of what you have
As always, these photos are from my real kitchen here in our sweet military base home. No staged lighting or spotless marble counters. Just real life and real food made in a small space. Proof that you can feed your family well without needing a dream kitchen or fancy tools!
So step into the kitchen with me for a moment and make a cozy, creamy chicken bacon ranch dinner that works hard for your family and tastes like pure comfort!
Why You Should Give Your Instant Pot Slow Cooker Function a Try!
If you’ve never tried using your Instant Pot’s slow cooker function, take this as your friendly nudge. It’s such a game changer!
Not only does it keep the counter from being cluttered with extra gadgets, but if you’re using an Instant Pot Pro like I do, you can switch straight from sautéing to slow cooking in the same pan. Total time saver.
It’s been one of my favorite ways to speed up mealtimes while keeping things low-cost, cozy, and family friendly with almost no effort! Give it a whirl with this recipe today! Here’s what I use in my kitchen:
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Equipment
- Slow cooker or Instant Pot with a Slow Cook function
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring jug and spoons
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Tongs, chicken shredder or forks
- Small bowl and a spoon for the cornstarch slurry
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Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1/2 onion, finely diced (frozen onion works too – that’s what I use!)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 lbs chicken breasts, thawed not frozen
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp chicken bouillon powder
- 2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
- 1/4 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
- 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened
Optional cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the aromatics
If using an Instant Pot with sauté mode, turn it on and melt the butter in the insert. Add the diced onion and garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
If using a traditional slow cooker without sauté, do this step in a skillet and transfer everything into the slow cooker.
Step 2: Add the chicken
Switch off sauté mode. Place the thawed chicken breasts into the slow cooker on top of the onion and garlic mixture.
Step 3: Season the dish
Pour the water around the chicken. Sprinkle the chicken bouillon powder, ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper evenly over the top.
Scatter the chopped cooked bacon across the chicken.
Step 4: Cook
Traditional slow cooker
Cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and easy to shred.
Instant Pot slow cooker function
The Instant Pot slow cooker setting runs at a lower temperature than most traditional slow cookers. Because of this, you must use HIGH to get the same result.
Set your Instant Pot to SLOW COOK on HIGH for 6 to 7 hours. This extra time ensures the chicken cooks fully and stays tender rather than rubbery.
Step 5: Shred the chicken
About 5 to 10 minutes before serving, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Set aside.
Step 6: Make the sauce creamy
Add the softened cream cheese cubes directly into the slow cooker. Stir gently until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl. Stir the slurry into the sauce and allow it to thicken for a few minutes.
Step 7: Finish and serve
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well so every piece is coated in the creamy ranch sauce. Let it warm through for 5 to 10 minutes.
Serve hot over egg noodles, pasta, rice, or spooned onto baked potatoes. Sometime (like today) I even throw my pasta directly into the pot and mix it all around! This sauce is rich and comforting, so a simple starch and a side of steamed vegetables works perfectly.
Notes and Troubleshooting
Notes
- This dish works best with chicken breasts, but thighs can be used for a richer result.
- Cooked bacon gives the best texture and flavor.
- Ranch seasoning brands vary in saltiness, so adjust salt at the end if needed.
Troubleshooting
- Sauce too thin? Add the cornstarch slurry and allow it to bubble briefly.
- Sauce too thick? Stir in a splash of milk or broth.
- Not enough ranch flavor? Sprinkle in an extra teaspoon of seasoning at the end.
Storage
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- This recipe does not freeze well once cooked due to the cream cheese and thickened sauce.
Serving Ideas
- Serve over egg noodles or pasta
- Spoon onto baked potatoes
- Serve over rice with steamed vegetables
- Use as a filling for wraps or sandwiches the next day
Why You’ll Love This Recipe!?
- Creamy, comforting American style flavors
- Hands off slow cooker method
- Budget friendly ingredients
- Family friendly and filling
- Perfect for busy evenings
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken?
This recipe works best with thawed chicken for the creamiest texture.
Can I make it spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or cracked black pepper at the end.
Can I skip the bacon?
You can, but the flavor will be noticeably less rich.
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Recipe!
February 6, 2026Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- If your slow cooker has a sauté function, melt the butter and cook the diced onion and garlic for 1 to 2 minutes until softened and fragrant.If not, do this in a skillet and transfer to the slow cooker.
- Switch off sauté mode. Place the thawed chicken breasts into the slow cooker.
- Pour the water around the chicken, then sprinkle over the chicken bouillon powder, ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper. Scatter the chopped cooked bacon on top.
- Cook using one of the following methods:• Traditional slow cooker: LOW for 4 to 5 hours or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours• Instant Pot slow cooker function: SLOW COOK on HIGH for 6 to 7 hoursThe chicken should be fully cooked and easy to shred.
- Remove the chicken and shred with two forks. Set aside.
- Stir the softened cream cheese into the slow cooker until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- If a thicker sauce is desired, mix the cornstarch and cold water, stir into the sauce, and allow it to thicken for a few minutes.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat evenly. Let warm through for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Serve hot over pasta, rice, or baked potatoes.
Notes
- This dish works best with chicken breasts, but thighs can be used for a richer result.
- Cooked bacon gives the best texture and flavor.
- Ranch seasoning brands vary in saltiness, so adjust salt at the end if needed.
Storage
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- This recipe does not freeze well once cooked due to the cream cheese and thickened sauce.
Related Recipes:
- Check out all our Slow Cooker Recipes!
- Find more Chicken Recipes here!
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
The Takeaway
This slow cooker chicken bacon ranch recipe is comfort food done right. Simple ingredients, familiar flavors, and a method that works with real life.
It is the kind of dinner that quietly supports your week and reminds you that home cooked food can still feel special without being complicated!
What Slow Cooker Dishes to Try Next?!
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Last update on 2026-02-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
