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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 can (15 oz) cream of chicken soup - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup frozen peas (optional) - ½ teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish To make Creamy Ranch Crockpot Chicken, gather these simple ingredients. You will need chicken breasts as the main protein. They cook well and stay juicy in the crockpot. Next, the cream cheese adds a rich flavor and smooth texture. It blends nicely with the ranch dressing mix. Together, these create a creamy sauce. You should also have chicken broth and cream of chicken soup. They enhance the dish's flavor and keep the chicken moist. Don't forget the seasonings! Garlic powder, salt, and pepper add depth to the taste. You can adjust these to your liking. Lastly, shredded cheddar cheese gives the dish a cheesy finish. If you want to add a pop of color and nutrition, toss in some frozen peas. This dish is easy to prepare and uses ingredients you may already have at home. You can make a delicious meal without much fuss! {{ingredient_image_1}} Seasoning the Chicken Start by placing the chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This simple blend adds great flavor. Mix it well to cover each piece. Mixing the Creamy Sauce In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, chicken broth, ranch dressing mix, and cream of chicken soup. Stir until it becomes smooth and creamy. This sauce is the star of your dish. Once mixed, pour the creamy sauce over the seasoned chicken. Cooking Time on Low vs High Cover the slow cooker with its lid. You can cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Cooking on low gives a more tender result. Check the chicken to ensure it is fully cooked and tender before moving on. Shredding the Chicken About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the pot. This method keeps all the flavors locked in. Adding Cheese and Peas Next, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and frozen peas if you like them. Mix it well, and let it cook for another 30 minutes on low. This will melt the cheese and heat the peas through. Adjusting Seasoning Finally, taste the dish before serving. Add more salt and pepper if needed. This extra step makes sure it tastes just right. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy ranch goodness! - Ensuring Even Cooking: Cut chicken into similar sizes. This helps it cook at the same speed. Place the chicken in a single layer. Don’t stack pieces too high. This allows heat to reach all parts. - Avoiding Dry Chicken: Use enough liquid in the pot. The cream cheese and broth help keep the chicken moist. Cook on low if you have time. Low heat gives juicy results. - Additional Seasonings: Add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra taste. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten flavors. Try a pinch of paprika for a smoky touch. - Suggested Garnishes: Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. You can also sprinkle crispy bacon bits for crunch. Serve with sliced green onions for a nice bite. - Recommended Crockpot Models: Look for a 6-quart model for this recipe. Brands like Hamilton Beach and Crock-Pot are reliable. A programmable model is great for busy cooks. - Must-Have Cooking Utensils: Use a sturdy pair of forks to shred the chicken. A mixing bowl helps combine the creamy sauce. Keep measuring cups handy for precise ingredients. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like thyme or dill can elevate the flavor of your dish and add a refreshing touch. Make It Spicy: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture. Meal Prep Friendly: This dish is great for meal prep! You can double the recipe and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Serve with Sides: Pair this creamy ranch chicken with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. {{image_2}} Chicken Breast Alternatives You can use different cuts of chicken. Thighs add more flavor and moisture. You can also try using turkey breasts. They work well too. Just remember to adjust cooking time for different cuts. Dairy-Free Options If you want a dairy-free dish, swap cream cheese for a non-dairy cream. Use coconut milk or a cashew cream. Both add creaminess without dairy. Check for dairy-free ranch dressing mixes for flavor. Adding Vegetables You can easily add veggies to this dish. Carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli work great. They add color and nutrients. Just toss them in the slow cooker with the chicken. Spicy Kick Variants For a spicy twist, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Stir in jalapeños for heat. You can also use spicy ranch dressing mix. Adjust to your taste, and enjoy the extra flavor. Side Dishes This chicken pairs well with many sides. Try mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or a fresh salad. These options soak up the creamy sauce and add balance to your meal. Serving Over Rice or Pasta Serve this dish over rice or pasta for a filling meal. The sauce makes everything delicious. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner with family or friends. To keep your Creamy Ranch Crockpot Chicken fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigeration Guidelines: Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure the chicken cools down before sealing. This keeps bacteria away and maintains flavor. - Freezing Tips: You can freeze this dish for longer storage. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. It stays good for three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. To enjoy your leftovers again, follow these methods: - Best Methods for Reheating: The microwave works well for quick reheating. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. You can also reheat on the stove over low heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. - Ensuring Quality and Flavor Preservation: Add a splash of chicken broth while reheating. This helps keep the dish moist and flavorful. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Fresh parsley on top revives the dish's look and taste. Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe. Cooking from frozen is easy in a crockpot. Just add the frozen chicken to the pot, and season it as usual. The cooking time will be longer. Cook on low for about 8 to 9 hours, or on high for about 5 to 6 hours. Check that the chicken reaches 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat. To make Creamy Ranch Crockpot Chicken healthier, you can use low-fat alternatives. Swap regular cream cheese for low-fat cream cheese. You can also use low-sodium chicken broth, which reduces the salt content. For a lighter dish, add more vegetables like spinach or broccoli. These options help cut calories without losing flavor. This dish pairs well with many sides. You can serve it over rice or pasta for a filling meal. Mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad also work nicely. Consider adding crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. These sides balance the rich flavors and make your meal even better. This blog post covers all you need for creamy ranch crockpot chicken. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for perfect results. I shared ways to swap ingredients for different flavors and how to store leftovers. With these methods, you can enjoy a tasty meal while keeping it simple. Use these insights to create your own delicious versions. I hope you're excited to try it out!

Creamy Ranch Crockpot Chicken

A delicious and creamy chicken dish made in a slow cooker with ranch flavors.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 7 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 packet ranch dressing mix
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • In the slow cooker, place the chicken breasts and season them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  • In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, chicken broth, ranch dressing mix, and cream of chicken soup until well blended.
  • Pour the cream cheese mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
  • Cover the slow cooker with a lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  • About 30 minutes before serving, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks.
  • Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and frozen peas (if using), mixing well to combine. Let it cook for an additional 30 minutes on low until the cheese melts and the peas are heated through.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color.

Notes

Serve with rice or pasta for a complete meal.
Keyword chicken, creamy, crockpot, ranch