Crockpot Ranch Chicken
Juicy, flavorful, and seriously simple to make, Crockpot Ranch Chicken is a tried and true dinner recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Ready in just 3 steps and amazing for leftovers and meal prep!
If you are looking for easy chicken dinner recipes, you are in the right place! We sure are fans of the versatile protein around here. Whether we are tucking into chicken pot pie casserole, enjoying baked chicken cordon bleu, or whipping up easy chicken enchiladas, it’s hard to go wrong with it.
Table of contents
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Ranch Chicken Recipe
- Quick and easy. If you have 5 minutes, you have enough time to prep this ranch chicken! The crockpot does the rest of the work for you.
- Comforting and delicious. Nothing says comfort food like a serving of this ranch chicken. With a rich ranch-seasoning infused sauce and juicy chicken breast, this recipe will soothe you from the inside out.
- Versatile. Though this ranch crockpot chicken hits the spot as-is, I share a handful of ways to make this recipe your own, whether you want to roast veggies with the chicken or make the sauce extra creamy. Read on below for my suggestions!
- Family-Friendly. Everyone from toddlers to grandparents will enjoy this recipe made with ranch seasoning!
Ingredients
This crockpot ranch chicken is made with just 3 ingredients! All you need is:
- Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken breasts, washed and trimmed.
- Ranch Seasoning Packets: I recommend Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning packets. Other brands of ranch seasoning should also work.
- Butter: Unsalted butter will provide the best flavor.
Bottled Ranch Dressing
Though it is tempting to try bottled ranch dressing in this crockpot chicken, dry ranch dressing packets are the best to use for the tastiest chicken. Bottled ranch tends to water down the flavor and add extra oils so it will not yield the same flavorful and moist result.
How To Make Crockpot Ranch Chicken
Making ranch chicken in the slow cooker is as easy as 1-2-3! Here is how to make it:
- Assemble. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning over the chicken. Slice the butter and layer evenly on top of the chicken breasts.
- Cook. Cook on low for 6 hours, or on high for 3 hours.
- Serve. Serve the chicken breasts whole or shred the chicken and serve hot!
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Slow cooker size. I made this chicken ranch recipe in my 6-quart crockpot. If you are using a smaller crockpot, just layer the chicken and ranch seasoning into the crockpot before topping it with butter.
- Make clean-up a breeze. Use slow-cooker liners to save on hassle and prevent a baked-on mess.
- Make the recipe with frozen chicken. If desired, you can make this recipe with individually frozen chicken breasts. If doing so, you may need to add an additional hour of cooking time. When cooking from frozen, double-check the internal cooking temperature of the chicken before serving. It should measure 165°F.
- Chicken. Boneless skinless chicken thighs can substitute for chicken breasts, though the texture may be a bit different and the flavor richer. You can also make this recipe with half chicken breasts and half chicken thighs.
- Salted Butter. Salted butter can work in place of unsalted butter, though, the chicken may have a saltier flavor profile.
Recipe FAQ
Yes, you most definitely can put raw chicken in a slow cooker or a crockpot. These appliances are designed to safely cook raw meats.
If your crockpot chicken is tough, it is usually because the chicken was overcooked or not cooked with enough moisture. Follow the recipe directions carefully– adding the prescribed amount of butter and cooking it for the recommended time for juicy, fork-tender chicken!
Yes, the chicken cooks best in the crockpot when there is sufficient liquid. This helps prevent the chicken from drying out or getting tough (see my notes above!).
Storage
- Refrigeration: Leftovers keep covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Freezing: You can also freeze leftover butter ranch chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Defrost the chicken in the refrigerator for up to 12-24 hours before reheating.
- Reheating: Chicken can get tough if reheated in the microwave at too high of heat, so this dish is best reheated in the microwave at medium heat for 1-2 minute intervals, stirring between intervals, until the chicken is warmed through.
More Crockpot Recipes
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Crockpot Ranch Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 packets dry ranch seasoning
- 1 cup unsalted butter
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts on bottom of crockpot.
- Sprinkle ranch seasoning over chicken. Slice butter and place evenly over chicken.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. Serve over noodles or rice.
Notes
- Slow cooker size. I made this chicken ranch recipe in my 6-quart crockpot. If you are using a smaller crockpot, just layer the chicken and ranch seasoning into the crockpot before topping it with butter.
- Make clean-up a breeze. Use slow-cooker liners to save on hassle and prevent a baked-on mess.
- Make the recipe with frozen chicken. If desired, you can make this recipe with individually frozen chicken breasts. If doing so, you may need to add an additional hour of cooking time. When cooking from frozen, double-check the internal cooking temperature of the chicken before serving. It should measure 165°F.
- Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken thighs can substitute for chicken breasts, though the texture may be a bit different and the flavor richer. You can also make this recipe with half chicken breasts and half chicken thighs.
- Salted Butter: Salted butter can work in place of unsalted butter, though, the chicken may have a saltier flavor profile.
- Refrigeration: Leftovers keep covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Freezing: You can also freeze leftover butter ranch chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Defrost the chicken in the refrigerator for up to 12-24 hours before reheating.
- Reheating: Chicken can get tough if reheated in the microwave at too high of heat, so this dish is best reheated in the microwave at medium heat for 1-2 minute intervals, stirring between intervals, until the chicken is warmed through.
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This reminds me of a roast I make, I’m excited to try it with chicken! Thanks for the recipe!
I made this for dinner and the flavors were on point! Thank you for the easy recipe!
Super delicious! Such a simple and fresh taste.
This is the ultimate slow cooker chicken makes for a GREAT dinner recipe!
My kind of recipe!! Super duper easy and delish! We like to shred the chicken and serve it with potatoes – so yum!
Love this recipe! So easy and delicious!
I love ranch chicken, it’s got great flavor. You cannot beat this during busy winter months, the slow cooker saves a lot of work.
I love how easy this is to make & how it requires little ingredients. This is my kind of recipe for sure! It is so tasty!
I’m always on the hunt for slow cooker recipes! My family actually cooks chicken and steak with Italian dressing but I’ve never thought of ranch dressing until your recipe. Thank you!
One of my all time favorite recipes! Can’t wait to try this new twist on it!