Description
A simple and flavorful slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with cream cheese, pineapple rings, and ranch seasoning for a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet dish. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Dairy
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into large cubes
Produce/Fruits
- 20 oz pineapple rings in juice (juice reserved)
Seasoning
- 1 oz dry ranch seasoning mix (1 packet)
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the insert of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with oil or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Add Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker for even cooking.
- Season Chicken: Evenly sprinkle the dry ranch seasoning mix over the chicken to add flavor throughout.
- Add Pineapple: Drain the canned pineapple rings, reserving the juice. Lay the pineapple rings on top of the chicken and pour 1/2 cup of the reserved juice over everything to add moisture and sweetness.
- Add Cream Cheese: Scatter the cream cheese cubes evenly over the pineapple and chicken, which will melt into a creamy sauce during cooking.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is very tender and cooked through.
- Shred Chicken: Carefully remove the pineapple rings and set them aside. Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it into the creamy sauce.
- Adjust Sauce: Stir in additional reserved pineapple juice if the sauce needs thinning. Taste and season with extra salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve: Return the pineapple rings to the top of the chicken, either whole or chopped. Serve the dish hot over rice, noodles, or your preferred side.
Notes
- Using chicken thighs instead of breasts will yield juicier, more flavorful meat.
- You can substitute ranch seasoning with your favorite dry seasoning blend if desired.
- Serve with steamed rice or egg noodles to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
- For a thicker sauce, allow the slow cooker to cook uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes on HIGH to reduce excess liquid.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
