Delicious Ranch Chicken Crock Pot Recipe

Ranch Chicken Crock Pot Recipe: A Deliciously Easy Meal

There’s a reason why the Ranch Chicken Crock Pot recipe has become a family favorite in so many households; it’s a comforting, flavorful dish that just about everyone loves. I stumbled upon this recipe during a particularly busy week when cooking seemed like an impossible task. The beauty of this slow cooker meal is in its simplicity—you toss in a handful of ingredients, let the crock pot do its magic, and out comes a creamy, savory dish that makes dinnertime a breeze.

Reasons to Try It

You’ll fall head over heels for this dish—a perfect combination of ease and flavor that suits any occasion. This recipe is especially great for weeknight dinners when you’re short on time but long on appetite. It’s budget-friendly, using just a few affordable ingredients, yet it delivers a taste that feels anything but simple. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! Kids adore it, making it a win for family meals, and you can serve it at gatherings without any fuss.

"This Ranch Chicken was the best! I made it for dinner, and the family could not stop raving about how tender and flavorful it was. Definitely a keeper!"

The Cooking Process Explained

Making the Ranch Chicken in your crock pot is a straightforward and delightful experience. It requires minimal prep and yields delicious results. Allow me to walk you through the process:

1. If you wish, start by heating olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Searing the chicken breasts for a few minutes adds depth to the flavor, but it’s totally optional.
2. In your trusty crockpot, mix the cream of chicken soup, ranch seasoning, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until well combined.
3. Place the chicken breasts directly into the mixture, making sure they’re well coated with the creamy sauce.
4. Cover and let it cook—either on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours—until the chicken is perfectly tender.
5. Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks, stirring it back into the sauce. Finally, mix in the sour cream for that extra creaminess that makes every bite irresistible.

What You’ll Need

Before you dive into this savory journey, make sure you gather these essential ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional for searing)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Feel free to switch up the chicken for turkey or even plant-based options to cater to different dietary needs!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to make this mouthwatering dish? Follow these simple directions:

1. If desired, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
2. In your crockpot, combine the cream of chicken soup, ranch seasoning mix, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir well.
3. Place the seared chicken into the crockpot and coat them with the ranch sauce.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
5. Shred the chicken using two forks and mix it back into the sauce. Fold in the sour cream to enhance the creaminess and flavor.
6. If desired, garnish with shredded cheddar cheese and fresh parsley before serving.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Now that your Ranch Chicken is ready, it’s time to think about serving it up! This dish pairs beautifully with rice or mashed potatoes, soaking up the delicious sauce. You might also throw in some fresh veggies on the side—like steamed broccoli or a simple salad—to brighten the plate. For a fun twist, serve it in tortillas for hearty wraps or on top of a baked potato for a creamy treat.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftover Ranch Chicken makes for a great next-day meal! Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last about 3-4 days. To reheat, use the microwave or a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to reincorporate that creamy sauce. If you have even more leftovers, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before placing it in freezer-safe containers.

Helpful Cooking Tips

To take your Ranch Chicken to the next level, here are a few cooking tips:

• Consider marinating the chicken in ranch dressing for a few hours before cooking for extra flavor.
• Don’t rush the cooking process. For best results, stick to the low-and-slow method for truly tender chicken.
• Use a thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

Creative Twists

Want to make variations on the classic? Here are a few ideas:

• Try adding vegetables like diced bell peppers, onions, or even corn for a heartier dish.
• Swap out the cream of chicken soup for other options like cream of mushroom or a dairy-free alternative to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spice it up with a dash of your favorite hot sauce or some pepper jack cheese for a kick.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
Prep time is minimal, around 10-15 minutes if you sear the chicken, and then just let the crock pot do its work!

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts, but you may need to increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours.

What if I don’t have ranch seasoning?
You can easily make your own ranch seasoning with a blend of dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder, or substitute it with a different seasoning blend.

Ranch Chicken

A comforting, flavorful dish made in the crock pot, featuring tender chicken in a creamy ranch sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional for searing)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1 bunch fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

 

Preparation

• If desired, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
• In your crockpot, combine the cream of chicken soup, ranch seasoning mix, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir well.
• Place the seared chicken into the crockpot and coat them with the ranch sauce.

Cooking

• Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
• Shred the chicken using two forks and mix it back into the sauce. Fold in the sour cream to enhance the creaminess and flavor.
• If desired, garnish with shredded cheddar cheese and fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Leftover Ranch Chicken lasts in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Can be frozen for up to three months. Consider marinating the chicken in ranch dressing for extra flavor. For best results, stick to low-and-slow cooking.

Keyword Chicken, Crock Pot, easy dinner, Ranch Chicken, Slow Cooker