Ranch Chicken Crock Pot Recipe
Introduction
This Ranch Chicken Crock Pot recipe is an easy, flavorful dish perfect for busy days. Tender chicken breasts slow-cooked in a creamy ranch sauce make for a comforting and satisfying meal.
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)
Instructions
- Step 1: If desired, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts on both sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. This adds extra flavor but can be skipped.
- Step 2: In the crockpot, combine cream of chicken soup, ranch seasoning mix, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir well to blend the sauce.
- Step 3: Place the chicken breasts into the crockpot and coat them evenly with the sauce mixture.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Step 5: Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and stir it back into the creamy sauce.
- Step 6: Stir in the sour cream to add extra creaminess and flavor. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and fresh parsley, if desired, before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, sear the chicken before adding it to the crockpot to lock in juices and add a golden crust.
- Substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different taste.
- Add diced green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Serve over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time slightly and ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature before shredding.
Is it necessary to shred the chicken?
Shredding the chicken helps it absorb more of the creamy sauce, making each bite flavorful and tender, but you can also serve the breasts whole if preferred.
Print
Ranch Chicken Crock Pot Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This comforting Ranch Chicken Crock Pot recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts slow-cooked in a creamy ranch-flavored sauce. Enhanced with garlic, onion, and a hint of black pepper, this easy-to-make dish can be optionally seared beforehand for extra flavor and topped with cheddar cheese and fresh parsley. Perfect for a hassle-free weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main 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
Optional Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken (Optional): If desired, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts on both sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the crockpot, combine cream of chicken soup, ranch seasoning mix, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir well to create a uniform sauce.
- Add Chicken to Crockpot: Place the chicken breasts into the crockpot and coat them thoroughly with the prepared sauce mixture.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the lid, shred the chicken breasts using two forks directly in the crockpot, and mix the shredded chicken back into the creamy sauce.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in the sour cream to add extra creaminess and richness. Optionally, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Searing chicken is optional but recommended for enhanced flavor and texture.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels in the dish.
- For a thicker sauce, cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce liquid slightly.
- Serve over rice, pasta, or with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: ranch chicken, crock pot chicken, slow cooker recipes, creamy chicken, easy dinner, comfort food
