I have decided that the true test to see if I have gotten a recipe just right is to watch my family’s reaction when they ask me what we are having for dinner. If there is little excitement, or worse, whining… then I know that I need to keep tweaking the recipe until I get a better reaction. Well, this particular meal is one that I’ve been working on and not only were my kids happy about having it for dinner last night, but when I reheated the left-overs for lunch today, they were still pleased that it was what we were eating.
A “family tested” delicious meal is a great thing to have in ones back pocket, but the best part about this recipe is that it is just as easy as two of my other super-simple “one pot” slow cooker recipes (CrockPot Spaghetti and Easy CrockPot Buffalo Chicken Pasta). These recipes appeal to people because they only take a handful or so minutes of prep, only use one dish (being the slow cooker itself so there are hardly any dishes), and are super tasty!
I’m going to start out by showing you the ingredients, the process, and then share the recipe later on. The chicken and some water are the only ingredients missing from this picture…everyone knows what a chicken breast looks like so I did not add it. I use Hidden Valley Bacon Flavored Ranch, Kraft Italian Five Cheese Blend, Real Bacon Pieces/Bits (it’s cheapest to get a big bag at Costco), and then whatever Macaroni noodles are on hand.
Here goes the process: I start by greasing my Six Quart CrockPot. Then add the Chicken.
Then the Bacon Flavored Ranch.
Then the Bacon pieces.
Then cook it until the chicken is done.
Once the chicken is done cooking, it’s time to chunk it up!
Next I add the Macaroni noodles.
Then the chunked up chicken and the water.
Then the cheese!!! I put the lid back on and let it cook the remaining time.
When it’s done, it’s time to mix it all up and serve!
I added a tiny bit more cheese and bacon crumbles to the top to garnish.
*Don’t forget that I always have several other recipes, that you’re going to love, down at the bottom of my posts!*
Hungry yet? It’s a major comfort food and obviously not very healthy…but it’s Oh, so goooood!
- 4 Large Chicken Breasts
- 1 C. Bacon Ranch Dressing
- ½ to 1 C. Real Bacon Bits
- 1 lb Elbow Macaroni
- 3 C HOT Water
- ½ C (4 oz) Kraft Italian Five Cheese
- Grease a 6 quart crock. Add the chicken, Bacon Ranch Dressing, and Bacon Pieces. Cover and set on High 4-6 hours, or low 7-8. You'll know it's ready when the chicken is done. Then, remove the chicken and chunk it to your desired size pieces. Add the Macaroni noodles to the bottom of the crock, place the chunked chicken on top, then add the HOT water(must be hot so you don't risk breaking your crock). Replace the lid and let cook for another 30 minutes. Add the cheese. Mix well. Should be ready to serve. Just check that the noodles are soft enough, if not replace the lid and give it a few more minutes to cook.
Occasionally you may need to add more water, if so, do it about ½ cup at a time then stir, let it cook a bit more, and check it again. Repeat as necessary.
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