Description
This simple 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken & Cream Cheese with Pineapple Rings is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for busy days. Tender chicken slow-cooked with tangy pineapple rings, creamy softened cream cheese, and a dry ranch seasoning mix creates a deliciously creamy and sweet-savory sauce. Served over rice or noodles, it makes a delightful and effortless meal with minimal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Seasoning
- 1 oz dry ranch seasoning mix (1 packet)
Fruit
- 20 oz pineapple rings in juice (juice reserved)
Dairy
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into large cubes
Instructions
- Prepare the 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 the chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker for even cooking.
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle the dry ranch seasoning mix evenly over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated with flavor.
- 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 softened cream cheese cubes over the top of the pineapple and chicken to melt during cooking and create a creamy sauce.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or on HIGH for 2–3 hours, or until the chicken is very tender and cooked through.
- Shred chicken and mix sauce: Carefully remove the pineapple rings and set them aside. Shred the slow-cooked chicken with two forks in the remaining sauce and stir well to combine.
- Adjust sauce: Stir in additional reserved pineapple juice if the sauce is too thick, and season with salt and pepper as desired to suit your taste.
- Serve: Return the pineapple rings to the top of the dish either whole or chopped. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or your preferred side for a complete meal.
Notes
- Using thighs instead of breasts will result in juicier, more flavorful chicken.
- For a thicker sauce, use less pineapple juice; for more sauce, add more reserved juice at the end.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or egg noodles to complement the rich flavors.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Adjust seasoning at the end to avoid over-salting, as ranch seasoning and cream cheese already add saltiness.