Description
This creamy Ranch Chicken Crockpot recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts slow-cooked in a rich and flavorful ranch sauce made with cream of chicken soup, ranch seasoning, and sour cream. Finished with melted cheddar cheese and fresh parsley, it’s a comforting and easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 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 ground black pepper
Optional Additions
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken (Optional): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken breasts on both sides until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. This adds extra flavor and color but can be skipped for convenience. Remove from pan.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the crockpot, combine the cream of chicken soup, ranch seasoning mix, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly with a whisk or spoon to ensure a smooth, lump-free mixture.
- Add the Chicken: Arrange the chicken breasts in the crockpot and coat them evenly with the sauce mixture, ensuring all pieces are covered for even seasoning and juiciness.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
- Shred the Chicken: Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken directly in the crockpot, mixing it into the sauce to absorb all the flavors.
- Finish and Garnish: Stir in the sour cream until the sauce is creamy and well combined. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Searing the chicken before slow cooking is optional but recommended for enhanced flavor and texture.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier, richer result.
- Greek yogurt can be used instead of sour cream for a lighter option.
- Add vegetables like diced carrots, peas, or potatoes to make a complete one-pot meal.
- Adjust seasoning to taste after cooking; the ranch mix and soup provide saltiness, so additional salt may not be necessary.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or can be frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 chicken breast with sauce)
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 43 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: ranch chicken, creamy chicken, crockpot recipe, slow cooker dinner, easy chicken recipe, comfort food, ranch seasoning, creamy sauce, chicken breasts