Easy Crock Pot Ranch Chicken Recipe [Delicious]

Okay, Mom Tribe, let’s talk about the lifesaver that is my crock pot ranch chicken recipe. Picture this: it’s Tuesday, the laundry is overflowing, the kids are somehow covered in glitter, and the thought of cooking dinner is sending you straight into 5 PM panic mode. Sound familiar? That’s where this easy, dump-and-go crock pot ranch chicken recipe swoops in to save the day.

This crock pot ranch chicken recipe is a game changer because it only requires a few ingredients, minimal effort, and the magic of your slow cooker. I first made this crock pot ranch chicken recipe about five years ago when my youngest was going through a very picky phase. I was desperate for something she would actually eat, and a friend suggested this. Honestly, I didn’t have high hopes, but to my surprise, she gobbled it right up! I knew I had struck gold with this crock pot ranch chicken recipe.

Now, this crock pot ranch chicken recipe is a staple in our house. I love it because I can throw everything in the slow cooker in the morning and forget about it until dinnertime. Plus, the leftovers are fantastic for lunches or quick meals later in the week. If you’re anything like me – a busy mom looking for simple, delicious, and family-friendly meals – then this recipe is for you. Let’s get started, fellow kitchen warriors!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: I usually buy these in bulk at Costco or Sam’s to save some money.
• 1 packet (1 oz) Ranch dressing mix: I always have a few of these in my pantry for recipes like this. You can grab this at Target while doing your regular grocery run.
• 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of chicken soup: I sometimes use cream of mushroom soup if I’m out of chicken – it works just as well.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: This keeps the chicken moist and helps create a nice sauce.
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened: This makes the sauce extra creamy and delicious! Trust me, this crock pot ranch chicken recipe will make your tummy happy.
• Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: My family loves when I add extra cheese on top during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Trust me, this crock pot ranch chicken recipe ingredient list is SHORT because mama doesn’t have time for fancy! If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, sour cream will work in a pinch for this crock pot ranch chicken recipe. Just stir it in at the end of the cooking time. Here’s a crock pot ranch chicken recipe trick that saved my sanity: I often prep the ingredients the night before. I put the chicken, ranch mix, soup, and broth in a zip-top bag and store it in the fridge. Then, in the morning, all I have to do is dump it in the slow cooker!

Let’s Make it Happen!

1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crock pot. This crock pot ranch chicken recipe is seriously so easy.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing mix, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken breasts. This is where the magic starts!
4. Place the softened cream cheese on top of the chicken. I usually just cut it into a few chunks to help it melt faster. Don’t worry if your crock pot ranch chicken recipe looks lumpy at this point – it will all come together as it cooks.
5. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. In my chaotic kitchen, this crock pot ranch chicken recipe usually takes closer to 7 hours on low, but every slow cooker is different.
6. Once the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork, remove it from the crock pot and shred it using two forks. Here’s where I used to mess up my crock pot ranch chicken recipe – don’t overcook the chicken! It will be dry and stringy.
7. Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and stir it into the sauce. At this point, if you’re adding cheddar cheese, sprinkle it on top and let it melt for the last 30 minutes.
8. Serve and enjoy! While your crock pot ranch chicken recipe is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee! Don’t panic if your crock pot ranch chicken recipe looks a little watery at first. Just let it sit for a few minutes after shredding, and the sauce will thicken up. Your slow cooker ranch chicken will be a new family favorite!

How We Love to Eat This!

My family loves this crock pot ranch chicken recipe in so many different ways! Here are a few of our favorites:

• Tacos: This is probably the most popular way we eat this crock pot ranch chicken recipe. Just load up some tortillas with the shredded chicken, your favorite taco toppings (lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream), and enjoy! This is a great option for those crazy weeknight dinners when everyone wants something different. For another variation, check out these Slow Cooker Cool Ranch Chicken Tacos.
• Sandwiches: Pile the shredded chicken onto buns or rolls for a quick and easy sandwich. Add some lettuce, tomato, and a slice of cheese for extra flavor. The kids devour this crock pot ranch chicken recipe when I serve it with potato chips.
• Over Rice or Pasta: Serve the shredded chicken and sauce over rice or pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal. This is a great way to use up leftover rice or pasta.
• Salad Topping: Add the shredded chicken to a salad for a protein-packed and flavorful meal. I love to add it to a Caesar salad or a simple green salad with ranch dressing.
• Baked Potatoes: Top baked potatoes with the shredded chicken, cheese, and sour cream for a hearty and delicious meal.

This crock pot ranch chicken recipe is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or any occasion where you need to feed a crowd. For a seasonal variation, try adding a can of drained diced tomatoes with green chilies during the last hour of cooking. It adds a little bit of spice and flavor! If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for crock pot white chicken chili recipe.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

• Can my picky eater handle this crock pot ranch chicken recipe? Absolutely! The mild flavor and creamy texture are usually a hit with picky eaters. Plus, you can customize it with their favorite toppings.
• What if I don’t have ranch dressing mix? You can make your own by combining dried buttermilk, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, dried chives, salt, and pepper. There are plenty of recipes online!
• Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by a couple of hours. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before shredding.
• What if I burn my crock pot ranch chicken recipe? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!) We’ve all been there! If it’s just a little bit burnt on the bottom, try to salvage the top portion that’s not burnt. Transfer it to a new dish and don’t scrape the burnt part.
• Can I make this creamy ranch chicken crock pot ahead for meal prep? Yes! This is a great recipe for meal prepping. Cook it on Sunday and then portion it out into containers for lunches or dinners during the week. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Can I freeze shredded ranch chicken? Yes! Let the chicken cool completely, then place it in freezer bags or containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Can I add vegetables to this slow cooker ranch chicken? Absolutely! Add a bag of frozen mixed vegetables during the last hour of cooking for a complete meal.
• Is this crock pot ranch chicken recipe healthy? It can be! Use low-fat cream cheese and cream of chicken soup to reduce the fat content. Serve it with healthy sides like steamed vegetables or a salad. This crock pot ranch chicken recipe reminds me of another family favorite, crockpot cinnamon applesauce.

Final Thoughts:

This crock pot ranch chicken recipe is special to my family because it’s a reminder that delicious and satisfying meals don’t have to be complicated. It’s a recipe that I can always count on, even when I’m feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. This crock pot ranch chicken tacos variation is one you don’t want to miss.

Here are a few My crock pot ranch chicken recipe Mom Hacks:

• Prep the ingredients the night before to save time in the morning.
• Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
• Double the recipe and freeze half for a future meal.

Here are a few family-tested crock pot ranch chicken recipe variations:

1. Spicy Ranch Chicken: Add a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies or a few dashes of hot sauce for a kick. My husband loves this version!
2. Bacon Ranch Chicken: Add cooked and crumbled bacon during the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra flavor. The kids go crazy for this one! Try these crockpot ranch chicken tacos, too!
3. BBQ Ranch Chicken: Substitute BBQ sauce for the cream of chicken soup for a smoky and sweet flavor.

I hope this crock pot ranch chicken recipe becomes a staple in your house, too. Remember, cooking doesn’t have to be perfect – it just needs to be good enough to feed your family and make them happy. Go ahead and give it a try. For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out pretzel crusted chicken. You got this, Mommas! I’m confident that this crock pot ranch chicken recipe will be a winner in your house!

 

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