Description
A simple and flavorful slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken breasts combined with creamy cream cheese and sweet pineapple rings, seasoned with ranch mix for a quick and delicious meal perfect for serving over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 oz dry ranch seasoning mix (1 packet)
Dairy
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into large cubes
Fruit
- 20 oz pineapple rings in juice (juice reserved)
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the insert of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with oil or nonstick spray to prevent sticking during cooking.
- Layer Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker for even cooking.
- Add Seasoning: Sprinkle the dry ranch seasoning mix evenly over the chicken to infuse flavor throughout.
- Add Pineapple: Drain the 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 softened cream cheese cubes over the pineapple and chicken to create a creamy sauce as it cooks.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours, or on HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is very tender and fully cooked.
- Shred Chicken: Carefully remove the pineapple rings and set aside. Shred the chicken with two forks directly in the slow cooker, mixing it into the creamy sauce.
- Adjust Sauce: Stir in more reserved pineapple juice if the sauce needs thinning and season to taste with extra salt or pepper for balanced flavors.
- Serve: Return the pineapple rings on top, whole or chopped, and serve the dish hot over rice, noodles, or your preferred side.
Notes
- Use either chicken breasts or thighs based on preference; thighs will yield a slightly richer flavor.
- Soften cream cheese before cutting to ensure it melts evenly during cooking.
- Reserve pineapple juice carefully to adjust the sauce’s consistency and flavor.
- Optional: serve with steamed rice, egg noodles, or vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
