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

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours on LOW or 2 to 3 hours on HIGH
  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 5 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This easy and delicious 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken & Cream Cheese with Pineapple Rings recipe combines tender chicken, creamy cream cheese, tangy pineapple, and savory ranch seasoning for a flavorful meal. Perfect for busy days, it requires minimal preparation and slow cooks to tender perfection. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying dinner.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Dairy

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

Canned Goods

  • 20 oz pineapple rings in juice (juice reserved)

Seasonings

  • 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.
  2. Layer Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker, ensuring even cooking.
  3. Add Seasoning: Sprinkle the dry ranch seasoning mix evenly over the chicken to infuse flavor.
  4. Add Pineapple: Drain the pineapple rings, reserving the juice. Lay the rings on top of the chicken, then pour 1/2 cup of the reserved pineapple juice over everything to add moisture and sweetness.
  5. Add Cream Cheese: Scatter the cubed cream cheese over the pineapple and chicken to create a creamy sauce as it melts.
  6. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours, or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is very tender and easy to shred.
  7. Shred Chicken: Carefully remove the pineapple rings and set aside. Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it into the creamy sauce.
  8. Adjust Sauce: Stir in additional reserved pineapple juice if the sauce needs thinning. Season with extra salt or pepper to taste.
  9. Serve: Return the pineapple rings to the top, either whole or chopped. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or your preferred side dish.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, use chicken thighs for a juicier dish.
  • You can substitute the ranch seasoning mix with a homemade or lower sodium alternative if desired.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator up to 3 days and reheat beautifully.
  • Adding a handful of chopped green onions or fresh herbs before serving can enhance the freshness.
  • To keep it low fat, opt for reduced-fat cream cheese.