Crockpot Ranch Chicken
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Are you looking for an easy and tasty meal? Crockpot Ranch Chicken is a great choice for busy families. You only need four simple ingredients to make this dish. This recipe combines tender chicken, creamy ranch flavor, and the convenience of a slow cooker for a delicious meal.
You can set it up in the morning and come home to a ready-to-eat dinner. The chicken turns out moist and full of flavor. It goes well with rice or potatoes for a complete meal your whole family will enjoy.
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty Crockpot Ranch Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ounce (1 packet) ranch seasoning mix
- 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed (1 brick)
That’s it! Just four simple ingredients. The chicken breasts form the base of this dish. Ranch seasoning adds a zesty flavor. Chicken broth keeps everything moist. Cream cheese makes the sauce rich and creamy.
You can easily adjust the amounts if you want to make more or less. Just double or halve each ingredient as needed.
Remember to cube the cream cheese before adding it to the crockpot. This helps it melt and mix in better. You can cut it into small cubes while it’s still cold from the fridge.
For best results, use low-sodium chicken broth. This lets you control the salt level better. If you only have regular broth, that’s okay too. Just taste before adding extra salt at the end.
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with half of the ranch seasoning packet.
- Add the chicken broth and the remaining seasoning to the slow cooker. Whisk together.
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, cover the lid, and cook on high for 2-3 hours, or on low for 3-6 hours.
- Add in the cream cheese cubes and stir until melted and incorporated.
- Serve with white rice or mashed potatoes.
Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations
You can easily change up this crockpot ranch chicken recipe to suit your tastes. Try these swaps and additions:
Protein options:
- Chicken thighs instead of breasts
- Turkey breast chunks
- Pork chops (boneless)
Seasoning substitutes:
- Italian dressing mix
- Onion soup mix
- Taco seasoning
Want to add veggies? Toss in:
- Diced carrots
- Sliced mushrooms
- Frozen peas (add in last 30 minutes)
For a creamy twist, swap the cream cheese for:
- Condensed cream of chicken soup
- Greek yogurt (stir in at the end)
- Heavy cream
Spice it up with:
- Diced jalapeños
- Red pepper flakes
- Hot sauce (a few dashes)
Serving ideas:
- Over egg noodles
- Stuffed in baked potatoes
- As a sandwich filling
These changes will give your dish new flavors while keeping it simple and tasty. Feel free to mix and match to create your perfect meal!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
For extra flavor, try adding diced onions or minced garlic to the crockpot. You can also toss in some frozen veggies during the last hour of cooking for a complete meal.
To make shredding easier, use two forks to pull the chicken apart right in the crockpot. The tender meat will fall apart easily.
Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed to thin out the sauce.
Freeze portions for quick future meals. Let the chicken cool completely, then transfer to freezer bags. Label with the date and use within 3 months.
For a lighter version, swap the cream cheese for Greek yogurt. Add it at the end of cooking time and stir until combined.
Sprinkle some crispy bacon bits and shredded cheddar on top before serving for extra indulgence. A garnish of fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of color too.