Discover the ease and deliciousness of Crockpot Ranch Chicken with this simple, step-by-step recipe. This tender, flavorful chicken dish comes together effortlessly using your slow cooker, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. Just set it and forget it for 4-6 hours, and you'll be rewarded with a mouthwatering, comforting meal that's sure to please the whole family.
Imagine coming home after a long day to the enticing aroma of creamy ranch chicken in your crock pot.
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity; with minimal prep work and just a few ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering meal that the entire family will love.
Follow along, and I’ll guide you through preparing this scrumptious slow cooker ranch chicken.
You will love the harmonious blend of tangy ranch seasoning, creamy sour cream, and tender, juicy chicken, which meld together over the course of several hours in the slow cooker.
This hands-off cooking method not only saves you time and effort but also ensures that the flavors have ample opportunity to meld and intensify, resulting in slow cooker creamy ranch chicken that's bursting with taste and tenderness.
Whether you're a busy parent looking for an easy weeknight dinner solution or simply seeking a delicious and satisfying meal that requires minimal fuss, this Crockpot Ranch Chicken recipe is sure to become a staple in your rotation.
Ingredients
- Chicken: I used boneless skinless chicken breast to make this recipe, but you could use boneless skinless chicken thighs if you prefer.
- Ranch Seasoning: I recommend using my homemade ranch seasoning, but if you are tight on time, a packet of dry ranch dressing mix works too.
- Salt: Use sea salt or kosher salt.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: I use a can for this, but you can certainly make your own if you prefer. Cream of celery or cream of mushroom soup would also work.
- Milk: Use whole milk, low-fat milk, or half-and-half, according to your personal preference. Chicken broth can also be used.
- Sour Cream: Full fat sour cream will provide the best texture.
- Cheese: I like shredded sharp cheddar cheese in this recipe, but you can use whatever cheese you prefer.
Step by Step Instructions
For the full recipe with measurements, see the recipe card at the end of the post.
Tips and Tricks
- Customizing your Crock Pot Ranch Chicken: Feel free to get creative with your dish by adding different ingredients or seasonings. You can include vegetables like bell peppers, baby carrots, mushrooms, or onions. For an even richer “crack” chicken, try adding in some cubed cream cheese.
- Choosing the right chicken: For the best results, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in this recipe. If using frozen chicken, be sure to thaw it completely before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Layering ingredients: When assembling your Crockpot Ranch Chicken, place the chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker, followed by the ranch sauce that you have mixed together. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more effectively and promotes even cooking.
- Cooking time: For optimal tenderness, cook your Crockpot Ranch Chicken on low for 4-6 hours. Avoid overcooking, as this can cause the chicken to become dry and tough.
- Leftovers and storage: Store any leftover Crockpot Ranch Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to maintain the desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Crockpot ranch chicken with a ranch packet pairs well with a variety of sides.
Serve your Crockpot Ranch Chicken over rice, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal, or alongside steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad for a lighter option.
This chicken also is fabulous for making ranch tacos.
FAQs
Why is my chicken in the crockpot still tough?
If your chicken is still tough, it likely wasn’t cooked long enough. Make sure you are using the correct cooking time (4-6 hours) for optimal tenderness.
Can I put frozen chicken in my slow cooker?
I don't recommend it. From a food safety perspective, you should always thaw your chicken first. The reason for this is that frozen chicken can spend too much time in the "danger zone," where bacteria can grow and cause illness.
Tools
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- Slow Cooker
- Stand mixer or forks (for shredding the chicken)
More Slow Cooker Recipes to Try
- This Crockpot Meatloaf is a family favorite, and I know that you will love it too!
- Slow Cooker Brisket is flavorful, delicious, and a recipe that you will find yourself craving.
- This Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant. Only you will know just how easy it is to make.
- Crockpot BBQ Chicken is super-simple and always a hit with kids and adults alike.
10-Minute Prep Crockpot Ranch Chicken
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons Ranch seasoning mix divided (or 1 packet)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 10 ½ ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Sprinkle the chicken with a tablespoon of ranch seasoning and salt.
- Arrange in your slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together the soup, milk, sour cream and remaining tablespoon of ranch.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken.
- Cook over low for 4 hours to 6 hours. If desired, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred.
- Return to the slow cooker.
- Add the cheese and cover until it melts.
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