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4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken & Cream Cheese with Pineapple Rings Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 52 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4-5 hours on LOW or 2-3 hours on HIGH
  • Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This comforting and easy slow cooker recipe combines tender chicken breasts with creamy softened cream cheese, sweet pineapple rings, and flavorful ranch seasoning for a delightful sweet and savory dish. Perfect for busy days, it requires minimal prep and cooks to juicy perfection with a rich, tangy sauce that’s excellent served over rice or noodles.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Dairy

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into large cubes

Fruit

  • 20 oz pineapple rings in juice (juice reserved)

Seasoning

  • 1 oz dry ranch seasoning mix (1 packet)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the insert of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with oil or nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Layer Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker to allow even cooking.
  3. Season Chicken: Sprinkle the dry ranch seasoning mix evenly over the chicken to infuse the meat with savory ranch flavors.
  4. Add Pineapple: Drain the canned pineapple rings, reserving the juice, and lay the rings on top of the chicken. Pour 1/2 cup of the reserved pineapple juice over everything to add sweetness and moisture.
  5. Add Cream Cheese: Scatter the softened cream cheese cubes over the pineapple and chicken, which will melt down and create a creamy sauce during cooking.
  6. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours until the chicken is very tender and easily shredded.
  7. Shred Chicken: Carefully remove the pineapple rings and set them aside. Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, allowing it to mix into the sauce.
  8. Adjust Sauce: Stir in more reserved pineapple juice if the sauce seems too thick. Taste and season with extra salt or pepper as desired to enhance flavor balance.
  9. Serve: Return the pineapple rings on top, either whole or chopped, and serve the dish hot over rice, noodles, or your preferred side.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for juicier meat.
  • For a thicker sauce, cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce liquid.
  • Serve with steamed rice or egg noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
  • For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes when seasoning.

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Find it online: https://athleticcupping.com/4-ingredient-slow-cooker-chicken-and-cream-cheese-with-pineapple-rings-recipe/