Slow Cooker Million Dollar Chicken

🐔 Slow Cooker Million Dollar Chicken

Description

Slow Cooker Million Dollar Chicken is an ultra-creamy, flavor-packed dish that tastes indulgent but takes minimal effort! Juicy, tender chicken breasts (or thighs) are slow-cooked in a rich blend of cream cheese, cottage cheese, and bacon, then topped with melted cheddar. The result is a velvety, cheesy chicken dinner that truly tastes like a million bucks — perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

Ingredients

Serves: 6

  • 2 lbs (about 4–6 pieces) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened

  • 1 cup cottage cheese

  • ½ cup sour cream

  • ½ cup mayonnaise

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • ½ teaspoon paprika

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)

  • 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

  • ¼ cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
    Lightly grease your slow cooker with non-stick spray or a bit of butter.

  2. Season the Chicken:
    Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

  3. Make the Creamy Mixture:
    In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and half of the shredded cheddar. Mix until smooth and creamy.

  4. Assemble:
    Spread the creamy mixture evenly over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 2½–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

  5. Add Toppings:
    About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon on top. Cover again until the cheese melts.

  6. Serve:
    Garnish with green onions and serve warm. Pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.

Notes

  • You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier results.

  • If you prefer less creamy texture, reduce cottage cheese to ½ cup.

  • For a smoky flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika or use smoked bacon.

  • This dish reheats wonderfully and even tastes better the next day.

Tips

  • Avoid curdling: Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing.

  • Don’t overcook: Chicken can dry out if left too long on “high.” Stick to the recommended times.

  • Low-carb option: Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

  • Add texture: Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs on top before serving for a crispy bite.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve over white rice, buttered egg noodles, or mashed potatoes.

  • Add a side of roasted broccoli or a crisp green salad for balance.

  • Great for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep (lasts up to 4 days in the fridge).

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

(Approximate values based on 6 servings)

  • Calories: 480

  • Protein: 42 g

  • Fat: 32 g

  • Carbohydrates: 4 g

  • Fiber: 0 g

  • Sugar: 2 g

  • Sodium: 520 mg

Health Benefits

  • High in protein: Supports muscle growth and satiety.

  • Low in carbs: Ideal for keto or low-carb diets.

  • Calcium-rich: From the cheese and cottage cheese.

  • Stress-free cooking: Hands-off slow cooker method saves time and effort.

Q & A

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking and texture.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything the night before, refrigerate, and start the slow cooker in the morning.

Q3: Can I substitute cottage cheese?
Yes — use ricotta cheese for a similar creamy texture.

Q4: What can I do with leftovers?
Use leftovers in wraps, quesadillas, or spoon over baked potatoes for a quick meal.

Q5: How can I make it lighter?
Use light cream cheese, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.

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