Ranch Chicken Crock Pot Recipe

If you’ve been looking for the ultimate weeknight dinner that practically cooks itself, you’ve found it — this Ranch Chicken Crock Pot Recipe is creamy, savory, and incredibly easy. With just a handful of pantry ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a slow cooker full of rich, flavorful chicken that’s perfect for busy parents, students, or anyone who loves comfort food without the fuss.

The beauty of this dish is that it’s a set-it-and-forget-it chicken dinner that delivers every time. It’s also versatile enough to serve over rice, alongside mashed potatoes, tucked into wraps, or with roasted vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Ranch Chicken Crock Pot Recipe

Amazing Taste

Creamy ranch seasoning combined with tender chicken makes a rich, satisfying dish that feels indulgent but uses everyday ingredients.

Ease

This is the definition of a no-fuss slow cooker chicken recipe — 5 to 10 minutes of prep, and your crock pot does the rest.

Versatility

Serve it in a wrap, pile it over mashed potatoes, turn it into a ranch chicken casserole, or spoon it into a warm tortilla.

Affordable

Using boneless skinless chicken breasts, pantry spices, and simple dairy ingredients makes this a budget-friendly family meal.

Fun Facts About Ranch Chicken Crock Pot Recipes

  • Crock Pot Energy Efficiency: Cooking in a slow cooker uses less energy than running an oven for hours, making it wallet-friendly.
  • Origin of Ranch Dressing: Ranch was invented in the 1950s by Steve Henson, a California cowboy-turned-plumber who served it at his Hidden Valley Guest Ranch.
  • Slow Cooker History: Crock pots became a household sensation in the 1970s, making hearty, hands-off meals more accessible.
  • Chicken Versatility: Chicken takes on almost any seasoning — ranch, garlic, herbs, or spices — which is why it shines in this slow cooker recipe.

Ingredients for Ranch Chicken Crock Pot Recipe

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Best Slow Cooker for Making Ranch Chicken

For this recipe, I recommend a 7-quart Crock-Pot — the extra space makes it easier to stir, and you can make enough to feed a crowd or prep meals for the week. A larger slow cooker is especially handy if you plan to make double batches.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Ranch Chicken Crock Pot Recipe

  1. Prepare the Chicken
    If you want a deeper flavor, heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the chicken breasts on both sides for 1–2 minutes. This step is optional but adds a nice texture.
  2. Mix the Sauce Ingredients
    In your slow cooker, combine ranch seasoning mix, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until smooth.
  3. Add Chicken to Crock Pot
    Place the chicken breasts into the sauce and coat them well.
  4. Cook Low and Slow
    Set the crock pot on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.
  5. Shred the Chicken
    Remove the chicken and shred with two forks, then return it to the slow cooker.
  6. Add Sour Cream
    Stir in sour cream (and cheddar cheese if using) until creamy.
  7. Serve and Garnish
    Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve.

For another flavorful and effortless dinner, try this Honey Garlic Chicken slow cooker recipe.

Tips and Variations for Ranch Chicken Crock Pot Recipe

  • Using Frozen Chicken: You can use frozen chicken breasts; just add an extra hour of cooking time.
  • Cream Cheese Swap: For a richer texture, substitute cream cheese for sour cream.
  • Veggie Boost: Add carrots, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
  • Spicy Twist: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for heat.
  • Casserole-Style: Transfer the cooked chicken to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips

  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
  • Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Make-Ahead: Combine all ingredients (except sour cream and cheese) in a freezer bag for an easy dump-and-go meal.

Serving Suggestions for Ranch Chicken Crock Pot Recipe

  • Over Rice: Let the creamy sauce soak into fluffy white or brown rice.
  • With Mashed Potatoes: A classic comfort food pairing.
  • In Wraps: Spoon into tortillas with lettuce and tomato — try these Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps.
  • With Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside oven-roasted carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts.

Pair it with a light side like this Cucumber Tomato Salad for balance.

FAQs

Can I freeze it?

Yes, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely — they add extra juiciness and flavor.

Is it spicy?

Not at all, unless you add extra heat.

Can I use bottled ranch dressing instead of seasoning?

Yes, but it will be creamier and less concentrated in flavor.

How do I make it dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free cream of chicken soup and a plant-based sour cream alternative.

Print
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Serving spoon lifting golden-brown chicken topped with creamy herb sauce.

Ranch Chicken Crock Pot Recipe


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  • Author: Jake
  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

A creamy, savory, and incredibly easy slow cooker chicken recipe with rich ranch flavor — perfect for busy weeknights or serving a crowd.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 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)

Instructions

  1. Optional: Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken breasts on both sides for 1–2 minutes.
  2. In slow cooker, combine ranch seasoning, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper; stir until smooth.
  3. Place chicken breasts into sauce and coat well.
  4. Cook on low 6–7 hours or high 3–4 hours.
  5. Remove chicken, shred with two forks, return to slow cooker.
  6. Stir in sour cream (and cheddar cheese if using) until creamy.
  7. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Notes

For frozen chicken, add 1 extra hour of cook time. Swap sour cream with cream cheese for a richer texture. Add veggies like carrots, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra nutrition.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg
Golden-brown crock pot chicken breasts topped with creamy ranch herb sauce and parsley.
Golden-brown crock pot chicken breasts covered in creamy ranch herb sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Ranch Chicken Crock Pot Recipe is proof that dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and flexible serving options, it’s one of those meals you’ll make again and again — and your family will request by name.

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