Description
This creamy, cheesy casserole combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and melted cheeses, all cooked together in a slow cooker for a comforting, hands-off meal. It’s a family favorite that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Rice:
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1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
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1 ounce ranch seasoning mix (1 packet)
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8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature and cut into cubes)
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1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
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½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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8 ounces cooked bacon (chopped and divided)
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½ cup sliced green onions (divided)
For the Rice:
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1½ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
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3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
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Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour in the ½ cup of low-sodium chicken broth and sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the chicken. Add the cubed cream cheese on top. -
Cook the Chicken:
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shredded. -
Shred the Chicken:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the cream cheese mixture. -
Add the Rice:
In a separate saucepan, bring 3 cups of low-sodium chicken broth to a boil. Stir in the uncooked rice, then cover and remove from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Add the cooked rice to the slow cooker and stir to combine. -
Add Cheeses and Bacon:
Stir in ½ cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and 4 ounces of chopped cooked bacon. Mix until the cheeses are melted and everything is well combined.
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Serve:
Garnish with the remaining ½ cup of sliced green onions and ½ cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Rice Preparation: It’s important to cook the rice separately before adding it to the slow cooker to ensure it doesn’t become overly soft or mushy
Rice Substitutions: If you prefer, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. Adjust accordingly.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stove or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: slow cooker chicken, crack chicken, cheesy chicken casserole, bacon chicken rice