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4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken and Pineapple with Cream Cheese 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: 5 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken & Cream Cheese with Pineapple Rings is an easy, flavorful dish perfect for a stress-free meal. Tender chicken breasts or thighs are cooked low and slow with tangy ranch seasoning, juicy pineapple rings, and creamy softened cream cheese, creating a rich and slightly sweet sauce. Serve this delightful combination over rice, noodles, or your favorite side for a comforting, satisfying dinner.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Dairy

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

Fruits

  • 20 oz canned 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 make cleanup easier.
  2. Layer the chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
  3. Add seasoning: Evenly sprinkle the dry ranch seasoning mix over the chicken to infuse flavor throughout the cooking process.
  4. Add pineapple: Drain the canned pineapple rings, reserving the juice. Lay the pineapple 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 softened cream cheese cubes evenly over the pineapple and chicken, which will melt into a creamy sauce as it cooks.
  6. Cook chicken: Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is very tender and fully cooked.
  7. Shred chicken: Carefully remove the pineapple rings and set aside. Use two forks to shred the tender chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it well into the sauce.
  8. Adjust sauce: Stir in more reserved pineapple juice as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency. Taste and season with extra salt or pepper if necessary.
  9. Serve: Return the pineapple rings to the top whole or chopped. Serve the chicken hot over rice, noodles, or your preferred side.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for a moister, more flavorful dish, or chicken breasts for leaner meat.
  • Make sure to soften the cream cheese beforehand for easy melting and mixing.
  • Reserve pineapple juice to adjust the sauce’s sweetness and texture after cooking.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Serve with steamed rice, egg noodles, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.