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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix - 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup sour cream - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese The main ingredients are simple and easy to find. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of our dish. They stay juicy and soak up all the ranch flavor. The ranch dressing mix adds a nice, zesty taste. Cream of chicken soup keeps the dish rich and creamy. Chicken broth adds depth and moisture to the meal. Sour cream adds a slight tang and makes everything smooth. Shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully on top and makes each bite even better. - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Seasonings bring the dish to life. Garlic powder adds warmth and depth. Onion powder gives a subtle sweetness. Black pepper adds a mild kick to balance the flavors. Fresh parsley is the final touch, adding color and freshness. It looks lovely on top and brightens the dish. With these ingredients, you create a warm, comforting meal that everyone will love. You can easily mix and match based on what you like or have at home. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, I mix the ranch dressing mix with the cream of chicken soup. Next, I add the chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. I stir all these ingredients together until they form a smooth and creamy mixture. This step is key, as it builds the rich flavor of the dish. Now it’s time to coat the chicken breasts. I place the boneless, skinless chicken into the creamy sauce. Each piece should be well-covered to soak up the flavor. After that, I cover the crock pot. I choose to cook on low for 6-7 hours for tender chicken. If I’m in a hurry, I can set it to high for 3-4 hours instead. About 30 minutes before serving, I carefully remove the chicken from the pot. Using two forks, I shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This lets the chicken soak in all the tasty sauce. I then return the shredded chicken to the crock pot. I stir in the sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until everything is creamy. Next, I cover the pot again and let it cook on low for another 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld. Just before serving, I sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese on top. I let it melt slightly under the lid for a cheesy finish. Finally, I add freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color. Cooking on Low vs. High When you make Crock Pot Ranch Chicken, you can choose between low and high settings. Cooking on low takes about 6 to 7 hours. This method makes the chicken very tender. If you’re in a hurry, the high setting cooks it in 3 to 4 hours. Both ways work well, but low gives better flavor and texture. Prepping Ingredients in Advance Prep your ingredients the night before. You can mix the ranch dressing, soup, and spices in a bowl. Store it in the fridge. The next day, just add your chicken and broth. This saves time and makes your meal plan easy. Recommended Add-ins or Spices Want to boost the taste? Try adding a teaspoon of paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. You can also mix in frozen peas or corn during the last hour of cooking. This adds color and texture. Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment Serve your ranch chicken over fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes. These sides soak up the rich sauce. Top with extra shredded cheese and chopped parsley for a fresh touch. This makes your meal look great and taste even better. Pro Tips Marinate for Extra Flavor: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the ranch dressing mix and some of the chicken broth for a few hours or overnight before cooking. This will enhance the taste throughout the chicken. Customize the Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese like pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a milder flavor. Mixing cheeses can also add depth to the dish. Add Veggies: Consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach in the last hour of cooking. This will not only add color but also increase the nutritional value of your meal. Leftover Magic: This dish makes fantastic leftovers! Use the shredded ranch chicken in wraps, on salads, or as a pizza topping for a quick and delicious meal. {{image_4}} Alternatives to Chicken If you want a change from chicken, you can use turkey breasts. They are just as tasty and have a similar texture. Another great option is pork loin. It cooks well with the same ranch flavors. If you prefer a meatless dish, chickpeas or tofu can also work. They soak up the sauce nicely and add protein. Different Cream Soups You can switch out the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup. Both options add a nice twist to the dish. For a lighter version, try using a low-fat cream soup. This keeps the meal creamy but helps with calories. Adding Vegetables Adding vegetables is an easy way to boost flavor and nutrition. You can mix in chopped carrots, bell peppers, or peas. These add color and crunch. You can also use frozen mixed veggies. Just toss them in during the last hour of cooking. This way, they stay crisp and fresh. Incorporating Different Cheeses While cheddar cheese is classic, you can try other cheeses for fun. Cream cheese adds a rich texture. Monterey Jack gives a mild flavor and melts beautifully. For a kick, add pepper jack cheese. It brings heat and creaminess, making the dish even more exciting. To store your leftover Crock Pot Ranch Chicken, follow these steps: - Let the dish cool to room temperature. - Transfer it to an airtight container. - Label the container with the date. This helps keep it fresh. In the fridge, it lasts about 3 to 4 days. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. - Use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. - Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. - Label the bag with the date. Your ranch chicken will stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, place the chicken in a pot over low heat. Stir until it's hot throughout. You can also use the microwave; just be sure to cover it to keep moisture in. Enjoy your tasty meal again! Best Side Dishes Crock Pot Ranch Chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Fluffy rice - Creamy mashed potatoes - Steamed broccoli - Fresh green salad - Garlic bread These sides soak up the sauce and balance the meal. Pairing Options for a Complete Meal To make your meal complete, think about adding a few more items: - A light dessert, like fruit salad - A crisp drink, such as iced tea - A warm roll to enjoy with the sauce These options make your dinner feel special and satisfying. Stovetop Cooking Instructions Yes, you can cook this on the stovetop! Here’s how: 1. In a large skillet, mix ranch dressing mix, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. 2. Add garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir well. 3. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet, coating them with the sauce. 4. Cover and cook on low heat for about 20-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. 5. Shred the chicken and stir in sour cream and cheese as instructed. This method saves time and still gives great flavor. Dairy Alternatives for Ingredients Yes, you can make this meal dairy-free! Here are some swaps: - Use dairy-free sour cream or cashew cream instead of sour cream. - Choose a dairy-free creamy soup, like coconut cream soup. - For cheese, opt for a dairy-free cheese alternative. These swaps keep the dish creamy and delicious without dairy. Crock Pot Ranch Chicken is easy and tasty. You need simple ingredients like chicken, ranch mix, and cheese. The step-by-step guides help you prepare, cook, and enjoy this dish. Tips for slow cooking and storage keep your dinner hassle-free. You can also change ingredients for different flavors. This meal is great for busy days or family gatherings. Enjoy your new favorite recipe and share it with friends!

Crock Pot Ranch Chicken Delight

A creamy and flavorful ranch chicken dish cooked to perfection in a crock pot.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 packet ranch dressing mix
  • 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preparing the base of your delicious ranch chicken in the crock pot. In the bottom of the pot, add the ranch dressing mix, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir these ingredients together until you have a smooth and creamy mixture.
  • Next, carefully place the boneless chicken breasts into the creamy mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the ranch sauce. This will help to infuse the chicken with flavor as it cooks.
  • Cover the crock pot with its lid and set your cooking mode. If you have time, opt for cooking on low for 6-7 hours for exceptionally tender chicken; if you’re short on time, the high setting will take 3-4 hours.
  • As you approach the end of the cooking time, about 30 minutes prior to serving, remove the chicken breasts from the crock pot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, allowing it to soak in the tasty sauce.
  • Now, return the shredded chicken to the crock pot. Stir in the sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until everything is evenly combined and creamy.
  • Cover the crock pot once more and let it cook on the low setting for an additional 30 minutes to ensure that all the flavors meld together and the dish is heated through.
  • Just before serving, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of the mixture. Allow it to melt slightly under the lid, creating a delightful cheesy topping.
  • For a burst of freshness and color, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley right before serving.

Notes

Serve over rice or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Keyword chicken, comfort food, crock pot, easy, ranch