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.

crockpot chicken on a plate with rice and broccoli on the side.

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!
ranch chicken ingredients, chicken breasts, dry ranch seasoning packets and two sticks of butter.

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.

step by step process photos of the chicken in the crockpot.

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Cook. Cook on low for 6 hours, or on high for 3 hours.
  3. 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.
crockpot chicken on a plate with rice and broccoli on the side.

Recipe FAQ

Can I put raw chicken in a slow cooker?

Yes, you most definitely can put raw chicken in a slow cooker or a crockpot. These appliances are designed to safely cook raw meats.

Why is my chicken in the crockpot tough?

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!

Do you need to put liquid in the slow cooker when cooking 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!).

crockpot chicken on a plate with rice and broccoli on the side. Fork cutting chicken breast.

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.

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ranch chicken on a bed of rice with a side of broccoli on a plate.
4.54 from 39 ratings
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Servings: 6 servings

Crockpot Ranch Chicken

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
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!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

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.
Calories: 444kcal, Carbohydrates: 0.2g, Protein: 32g, Fat: 35g, Saturated Fat: 20g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 9g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 178mg, Sodium: 204mg, Potassium: 567mg, Sugar: 0.02g, Vitamin A: 991IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 17mg, Iron: 1mg
Cuisine: American
Course: Main Course
Author: Jennifer
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