All About Ranch Chicken Crock Pot Recipe
Ranch Chicken Crock Pot Recipe is a delightful dish that combines the richness of chicken with the savory flavors of ranch seasoning and creamy soup. It’s a hit for family dinners and gatherings, providing a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy. This recipe is not only simple but also allows for wonderful flexibility, making it a fantastic choice for busy cooks and beginners alike.
Ranch Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- If using, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sear chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden-brown.
- Combine cream of chicken soup, ranch seasoning, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in the crockpot. Mix well.
- Add the seared (or raw) chicken breasts to the crockpot, ensuring they are coated in the sauce mixture.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Chicken should be cooked through and tender.
- After cooking, shred the chicken in the crockpot using two forks and stir it into the sauce.
- Stir in the sour cream until well combined.
- Optional: Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to choose the Ranch Chicken Crock Pot Recipe. First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With only a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can throw everything into your crockpot and let it do the work. This means more time for you to focus on other activities or spend time with family.
Another reason is the flavor. The combination of ranch seasoning, cream of chicken soup, and the tenderness of the chicken creates a dish full of flavor. The creamy texture and savory seasoning make it a favorite among both kids and adults.
Moreover, this dish is very adaptable. You can serve it in many different ways, whether over rice, with noodles, or on its own. There’s also the option to add your favorite vegetables or spices to cater to your family’s taste preferences.
Finally, making a meal ahead of time is a significant bonus. You can prepare it in the morning and come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat dinner. This is perfect for busy weekdays or weekends when you want to enjoy some relaxation time.
How to Make Ranch Chicken Crock Pot Recipe
Making the Ranch Chicken Crock Pot Recipe is straightforward. Just follow these detailed steps and delicious results will follow.
Ingredients
- 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 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional for searing)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
Sear Chicken (Optional): If you want to add a rich flavor to your chicken, start by heating the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Carefully place the chicken breasts in the pan and sear them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they have a nice golden-brown color. This step is optional but boosts the taste.
Prepare the Sauce: In your crockpot, combine the cream of chicken soup, ranch seasoning, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed.
Add Chicken: Place the seared (or raw if you skipped that step) chicken breasts into the crockpot. Make sure to coat the chicken breasts in the sauce mixture thoroughly. This ensures each piece will have flavor throughout.
Cook: Cover your crockpot with a lid. Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken is done when it is cooked through and tender.
Shred the Chicken: After cooking, take two forks and shred the chicken right in the crockpot. Stir the shredded chicken into the creamy sauce to make everything deliciously combined.
Add Sour Cream: Stir in the sour cream for additional creaminess and flavor. Mix well until everything is nicely blended.
Garnish (Optional): If desired, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and fresh parsley on top for an extra burst of flavor and color.
How to Serve Ranch Chicken Crock Pot
Serving Ranch Chicken is easy and delightful. You can enjoy it in several ways:
Over Rice or Noodles: This can be served over a bed of rice or noodles for a filling meal. The creamy sauce works great with both.
In Tacos: You can also use it as a filling for tacos or wraps. Just spoon some of the chicken mixture onto a tortilla, add your favorite toppings, and roll it up for a tasty treat.
With Vegetables: Pair it with steamed vegetables for a healthier option. This can help balance the dish and add color to your plate.
On a Sandwich: Use the shredded chicken as a filling for sandwiches or sliders. Add some lettuce, tomatoes, or pickles for an added crunch.
How to Store Ranch Chicken Crock Pot
Proper storage of Ranch Chicken is essential for keeping it fresh. Here are some tips:
Refrigerate: Once the chicken has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Freeze: If you want to keep it for a longer time, you can freeze it. Place the cooled Ranch Chicken in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to label it with the date.
Reheating: To reheat, simply place it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it’s heated through. If frozen, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Tips to Make Ranch Chicken Crock Pot
To make the best Ranch Chicken, keep these tips in mind:
Choose Quality Chicken: While this recipe works well with frozen or fresh chicken, fresh chicken breasts will give the best tenderness and flavor.
Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to add other spices or herbs to enhance the flavor. Some people enjoy a kick of heat, so consider adding a bit of cayenne or chili powder.
Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or green beans directly into the crockpot for a one-pot meal. Just be sure to cut them into small pieces for even cooking.
Make It Your Own: Experiment with different types of cheese or add other creamy ingredients like cream cheese for added richness.
Variation
While the classic Ranch Chicken recipe is delicious, there are variations you can try:
Buffalo Ranch Chicken: For a spicier version, use buffalo ranch seasoning instead of regular ranch seasoning. It adds heat and flavor to the dish.
Italian Twist: Swap the ranch seasoning for Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile. You can use Italian cream soup or add diced tomatoes for an extra touch.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe. Just increase the cooking time by about 1 hour on low or 30 minutes on high.
2. Is it okay to use low-fat options?
Absolutely! You can use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cream of chicken soup without affecting the flavor significantly.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator or even freeze it for later without losing its taste.
Making Ranch Chicken in a crockpot is as simple as it is delicious. It’s a comforting meal that’s sure to appeal to all palates while leaving you with plenty of time to relax and enjoy your day. Happy cooking!