Hairy Bikers Chicken Casserole Slow Cooker

There’s a certain joy in chucking ingredients into a slow cooker, walking away, and coming back hours later to a kitchen that smells like you’ve been toiling for hours. This is that recipe. It’s got all the makings of a proper comforting casserole — rich, creamy sauce, bacon (bless it), tender chicken that melts apart, and a cheesy finish that clings to every bit of pasta. I mean… hello.

I first made this when we had friends over and I couldn’t be bothered to faff with roasting or timing anything. It was chuck it all in, go play board games, then come back and serve dinner in deep bowls with crusty bread. No one said a word for the first few minutes — just that good.

Why You’ll Love It

• No babysitting — just toss it in and let it do its thing
• Hug-in-a-bowl creamy, cheesy magic
• You can prep it ahead and forget about it for hours
• Leftovers heat up like a dream (if you have any)
• Kid-approved, adult-devoured, bacon-enhanced comfort
• Total lifesaver for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays

Ingredients

• 3 chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch pieces
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch seasoning
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 12 slices bacon, cooked and chopped (half for topping)
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1½ cups elbow macaroni (cooked separately)
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 green onions, sliced

How to Make It

Mix up the creamy base:

Grab a big bowl and mix the cream cheese, soup, sour cream, broth, ranch mix, and pepper. Use a hand mixer or just beat it with a spoon until smooth-ish.

Layer it all in the slow cooker:

Stir in the diced chicken, half the cheese, and half the bacon. Get it all nice and coated, then dump the lot into your slow cooker.

Set and forget it:

Lid on, heat on low, and walk away for 5–6 hours. Don’t rush it. This one’s not for high heat.

Cook your pasta:

While the slow cooker does its thing, boil your elbow macaroni till al dente. Drain and set aside.

Stir in the good stuff:

Once the chicken is done, stir in the cooked pasta and remaining cream cheese if you’ve held some back. It should melt in from the heat.

Top it off:

Sprinkle on the rest of the cheese, bacon, and green onions. Cover again for 5–10 mins so it all melts together. Serve warm and gooey.

Common Mistakes and How to Dodge Them

Chicken turned out dry?
You probably cooked it on high. Keep it low and slow, always.

Sauce too thick or gloopy?
Add a splash of broth to loosen it up. Happens sometimes if your pasta soaks up too much sauce.

Pasta’s a mushy mess?
Never cook it in the slow cooker. Always boil it separate and add it near the end.

Too salty?
Use low-sodium broth or go easy on the ranch mix — some brands are salt bombs.

Storage and Reheating

Fridge:
Keeps well for 3–4 days in a sealed container.

Freezer:
Cool fully, then freeze portions in zip-top bags or containers. Good for a month or two.

To Reheat:

• Microwave: 1–2 mins with a splash of milk or broth.
• Oven: Covered at 180°C for 10–15 mins.
• Stir halfway for even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken?
Technically? No. It’s not safe — slow cookers don’t thaw fast enough. Always defrost first.

Can I skip the cream cheese?
You could… but don’t. It’s what makes this dish dreamy.

What if I want to add veggies?
Go for it — peas, spinach, or mushrooms work well. Just stir them in toward the end so they don’t turn to mush.

Is there a low-fat version?
Sure — use light cream cheese and sour cream. It’ll still be tasty, just less decadent.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 396
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Carbs: 25g
Sugar: 5g
Fibre: 3g
Protein: 28g
Sodium: 700mg

More Hairy Bikers Recipe:

• Hairy Bikers Pea And Ham Soup
• Hairy Bikers Sausage Casserole
• Hairy Bikers Chicken Cider Casserole