Description
This easy crock pot ranch chicken blends juicy chicken breasts with creamy ranch seasoning for a comforting, healthy family dinner. It’s high in protein, low in carbs, and endlessly adaptable for busy nights or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs, fresh or thawed)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (light or reduced-fat works well)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 cup baby carrots, sliced (optional)
- 1 cup frozen peas or corn (optional)
- 1 small onion, diced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives (for garnish)
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the bottom of a 4-6 quart crock pot. Pat dry for better sauce adherence.
- In a mixing bowl, blend ranch seasoning, cream cheese, chicken broth, black pepper, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Scatter carrots, peas or corn, and onion over the chicken (if using).
- Pour ranch mixture over chicken and veggies. Spread evenly with a spatula.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until chicken is fork-tender and reaches 165°F internally.
- Transfer chicken to a plate and shred or slice. Return to crock pot and stir into sauce.
- Adjust consistency with extra cream cheese or broth if needed. Sprinkle with parsley or chives.
- Serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or with steamed veggies. For thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, stir in, and cook on HIGH for 15 minutes.
Notes
Layer chicken on the bottom for even cooking. Add quick-cooking veggies like spinach or zucchini in the last hour. For dairy-free, use plant-based cream cheese and ranch. Double the recipe for batch cooking and freeze leftovers. Sauce consistency can be adjusted with broth or cornstarch slurry. Always check ranch mix for gluten if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-6 hours (LOW) or 3-4 hours (HIGH)
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/4 of recipe (1 chicken breast with sauce and veggies)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 7
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 36
Keywords: crock pot, ranch chicken, slow cooker, healthy dinner, family meal, easy recipe, gluten-free, low carb, creamy chicken, meal prep