Tender Crock Pot Ranch Chicken: Simple Family Dinner (Print Version)
Make tender Crock Pot Ranch Chicken for an easy weeknight meal. Just dump and cook for a flavorful, comforting dish everyone will love.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 4 Hours minutes
Total Time: 14 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Comfort Food
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
02 -
Cream cheese (8 oz block)
03 -
Chicken broth (1/2 cup)
→ Flavor Boosters
04 -
Dry ranch seasoning mix (1 packet, 1 oz)
05 -
Garlic powder (1 tsp)
06 -
Onion powder (1/2 tsp)
07 -
Black pepper (1/4 tsp)
→ Garnish & Toppings
08 -
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
09 -
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for serving)
→ Optional Extras
10 -
Cooked bacon bits (for topping)
11 -
Sliced green onions (for topping)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get your slow cooker ready. I usually give mine a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray, just to be safe. It helps with cleanup later, and honestly, who wants to scrub extra? Then, place your chicken breasts right at the bottom. Don't worry about them being perfect; they'll get all tender and happy in there. You're building the foundation for your delicious Crock Pot Ranch Chicken.
02 -
Once the chicken is nestled in, sprinkle the dry ranch seasoning mix evenly over the top. Try to get it all over, not just clumped in one spot. Then, follow with the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This is where the magic starts to happen! I always inhale deeply at this point; the smell of the dry seasonings just promises something good. Sometimes, I forget to sprinkle evenly, and then I have to go back in with a spoon, oops.
03 -
Now for the creamy part! Cut your block of cream cheese into a few smaller cubes and scatter them over the chicken. Don't worry about spreading it out perfectly; it will melt and mingle as it cooks. Pour the chicken broth over everything. I usually pour it around the edges so it doesn't wash off all the seasoning from the chicken. It's starting to look like a real dish now, honestly.
04 -
Pop that lid on! Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. The cooking time really depends on your slow cooker and how thick your chicken breasts are. You're looking for chicken that's super tender and easy to shred. I've learned the hard way that peeking too much extends the cooking time, so resist the urge to peek!
05 -
Once the chicken is cooked through and fork-tender, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. It should just fall apart! Stir the shredded chicken back into the creamy sauce in the slow cooker. Give it a good stir to make sure every piece of chicken is coated in that luscious Crock Pot Ranch Chicken sauce. Sometimes, I leave a few bigger chunks because I like the texture variation.
06 -
Ladle out your warm, creamy Crock Pot Ranch Chicken. This is the best part! Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and, if you're feeling extra, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. It melts beautifully on top. The aroma at this point is just incredible – savory, tangy, and oh-so-comforting. Serve it up and watch it disappear!
# Notes:
01 -
Always use full-fat cream cheese for that truly luscious sauce, hon. Low-fat just doesn't cut it.
02 -
This Crock Pot Ranch Chicken is even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
03 -
No chicken broth? Water works in a pinch, but the broth adds so much more depth. I've tried it both ways, trust me.
04 -
A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a little kick if you're feeling adventurous!
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Slow cooker (Crock Pot)
02 -
Forks for shredding
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 350
Total Fat: 20g
Total Carbohydrate: 8g
Protein: 35g