Make the Best Ranch Chicken Crock Pot for a Delicious Dinner

When it comes to weeknight dinners, few things beat the convenience and flavor of a good Ranch Chicken Crock Pot recipe. This slow-cooked chicken dish is not only incredibly simple to make, but it’s also a family-friendly meal that’s bursting with creamy, ranch-inspired goodness. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner or a dish that’s perfect for meal prepping, this Ranch Chicken Crock Pot is sure to become a new household favorite.

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Ingredients for Creamy Ranch Chicken in the Crock Pot

The beauty of this Ranch Chicken Crock Pot recipe lies in its straightforward ingredient list. With just a few simple components, you can create a delectable, flavor-packed meal that’s sure to impress. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 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 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can substitute Greek yogurt for a similarly creamy texture. And if you prefer a bit of a kick, consider adding a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Ranch Chicken in the Slow Cooker

Making this Ranch Chicken Crock Pot couldn’t be easier. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious, comforting meal in no time:

Sear the Chicken (Optional)

Although not strictly necessary, searing the chicken breasts before adding them to the crock pot can add an extra layer of flavor. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned.

Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, sour cream, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

Add to the Crock Pot

Place the seared (or raw) chicken breasts in the crock pot and pour the prepared sauce over the top, making sure the chicken is fully submerged.

Cook in the Crock Pot

Cover the crock pot and cook the Ranch Chicken on low for 6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Add the Cheese (Optional)

In the last 10 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the chicken. Cover the crock pot and let the cheese melt.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the cooking time is up, serve the Ranch Chicken Crock Pot over a bed of rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and additional flavor.

Flavor Variations and Customizations

The beauty of this Ranch Chicken Crock Pot recipe is that it’s easily customizable to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas to mix things up:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a little kick of heat.
• Veggie boost: Toss in some diced carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers to make it a complete one-pot meal.
• Cheese it up: Try using a different type of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for a new flavor profile.
• Protein swap: Substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs or pork chops for the chicken breasts.

Recommended Sides and Pairings

This Ranch Chicken Crock Pot is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. For a classic comfort food meal, serve it over fluffy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles. It also complements a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables beautifully. Don’t forget the fresh bread or biscuits to soak up all that delicious, creamy sauce!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftover Ranch Chicken Crock Pot can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated to your liking.

If you’d like to freeze the leftovers, allow the Ranch Chicken to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat as directed above.

FAQs About Ranch Chicken in the Crock Pot

How do you make 3 ingredient creamy ranch chicken in a slow cooker?

To make a super simple 3-ingredient creamy ranch chicken in the slow cooker, all you need are boneless, skinless chicken breasts, a packet of ranch seasoning mix, and a can of cream of chicken soup. Place the chicken in the crock pot, pour the ranch seasoning and cream of chicken soup over the top, and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Can you put raw chicken in a slow cooker with sauce?

Absolutely! In fact, that’s the best way to make this Ranch Chicken Crock Pot recipe. Simply place the raw, uncooked chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the prepared sauce mixture directly over the top. The chicken will cook through and become tender and flavorful as it simmers in the creamy ranch-flavored sauce.

Can you use bottled ranch dressing instead of dry mix?

While you can technically use bottled ranch dressing in place of the dry ranch seasoning mix, it’s not the recommended approach. Bottled ranch dressing often contains a lot of extra ingredients like mayonnaise, buttermilk, and various preservatives. Using the dry ranch seasoning mix allows you to better control the flavor and consistency of the sauce. For the best results, stick with the classic dry ranch seasoning mix.

Is it safe to put raw chicken in a crockpot?

Yes, it is perfectly safe to put raw chicken in a crockpot. In fact, this is the recommended method for most slow cooker chicken recipes, including this Ranch Chicken Crock Pot. The low, slow cooking process in the crock pot ensures that the chicken is cooked through to a safe internal temperature, killing any harmful bacteria. Just be sure to follow food safety guidelines, such as refrigerating the chicken before cooking and reheating leftovers thoroughly.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Creamy Crack Chicken Penne
• Creamy Steak Pasta
• Baked Pork Tenderloin
• Hoisin Beef Noodle

Get ready to enjoy a deliciously creamy, ranch-infused chicken dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. This Ranch Chicken Crock Pot recipe is a surefire way to satisfy the whole family with minimal effort. Dive in and savor every bite of this comforting, flavor-packed meal!

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