Ranch Chicken Crock Pot

I’ve always appreciated dinners that practically cook themselves, and this Ranch Chicken Crock Pot recipe delivers just that. Tender chicken simmers in a creamy, savory ranch sauce, requiring only a few minutes of prep before I let the slow cooker do its magic.

Short Description

I combine chicken breasts with ranch seasoning, cream of chicken soup, and a handful of simple pantry ingredients in the crock pot. After hours on low heat (or a shorter high setting), the chicken shreds into a luscious, flavorful sauce that’s perfect over rice, mashed potatoes, or tucked into wraps.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore how effortlessly this dish comes together—no babysitting the stove, no special skills needed. The classic ranch seasoning melds beautifully with the creamy soup base, making every bite rich and comforting. It’s versatile enough to serve over grains, potatoes, or bread, and I can customize it with extra veggies or spices to suit whatever mood I’m in.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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, for garnish)
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

If I want extra flavor, I heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear each chicken breast for 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
In the crock pot, I stir together the cream of chicken soup, ranch seasoning mix, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth.
I nestle the chicken breasts into the sauce, turning them to coat evenly.
I cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Using two forks, I shred the chicken right in the crock pot and stir it into the creamy ranch sauce.
I fold in the sour cream for extra richness, then sprinkle shredded cheddar and parsley on top before serving.

Servings and timing

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours on low (or 3–4 hours on high)
Total Time: Approximately 6 hours 10 minutes (low setting)

Variations

Cream Cheese Twist: I swap the sour cream for 4 ounces of softened cream cheese for an even richer sauce.
Veggie Boost: I toss in a cup of chopped carrots, potatoes, or frozen peas for a one-pot meal.
Spicy Kick: I stir in a few dashes of hot sauce or ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper to awaken my taste buds.
Herbed Upgrade: I add a teaspoon each of dried thyme and rosemary to the sauce for an aromatic touch.
Casserole Finish: After shredding, I top the chicken with breadcrumbs and cheese, then bake at 375°F for 10 minutes for a crispy crust.

storage/reheating

I store my leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I microwave a portion for about 1 minute, stirring halfway through, or gently warm it on the stove over low heat with a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. I often substitute thighs for extra juiciness and flavor—just adjust the cooking time if they’re bone-in.

Is it safe to use frozen chicken?

Yes! I’ve tossed frozen breasts straight into the crock pot, adding an extra hour on low to ensure they cook through.

How can I make this dairy-free?

I replace the cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free alternative and swap sour cream for a plant-based yogurt or cashew cream.

Will this recipe freeze well?

I freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.

What should I serve with ranch chicken?

I love it over fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes. It’s also fantastic in tortillas for wraps or served alongside roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

This Ranch Chicken Crock Pot recipe has become one of my go-to weeknight meals—it’s virtually hands-off, endlessly adaptable, and always delicious. Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

Ranch Chicken Crock Pot

Ranch Chicken Crock Pot

Short Description

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Servings and timing

Variations

storage/reheating

FAQs