My Husband Said This Chicken Was Safe to Eat. Here is Why He Was Completely Wrong!

“But it doesn’t smell bad!” Chicken left out overnight might not look, smell, or even taste spoiled. The specific types of bacteria that cause severe food poisoning do not always affect the appearance or odor of the food. You cannot rely on your senses to detect microscopic toxins.

When it comes to the health and safety of your family, the golden rule of the kitchen always applies: When in doubt, throw it out.

A Safe (And Foolproof) Backup Plan: 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

Since the overnight chicken has to go in the trash, you need a quick pivot for dinner! To save the day, here is an incredibly easy crockpot recipe that requires practically zero prep. It is completely safe, highly comforting, and guarantees tender chicken every single time.

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 4-6 hours

Servings: 4 to 6

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (safely thawed in the refrigerator!)
• 1 (1 oz) packet of dry Ranch seasoning mix
• 1 (8 oz) block of cream cheese, cubed
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Optional: Fresh chopped parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prep the Crockpot: Lightly spray the insert of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to make clean-up a breeze.
2. Layer the Ingredients: Place your safely refrigerated chicken breasts in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth over the top.
3. Season: Sprinkle the entire packet of dry Ranch seasoning evenly over the chicken breasts.
4. Add the Creaminess: Scatter the cubes of cream cheese evenly over the seasoned chicken.
5. Set It and Forget It: Place the lid on your slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours.
6. Shred and Serve: Once the cooking time is up, the chicken will be incredibly tender. Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it into the melted cream cheese and broth to create a rich, savory sauce.
7. Enjoy: Serve this creamy, comforting chicken over warm rice, pasta, or piled high on toasted brioche buns. Top with fresh herbs if desired!