Are you ready to transform your ordinary weeknight dinner into a creamy, flavor-packed sensation that will have everyone begging for seconds? This Slow Cooker Ranch Style Chicken is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen - a dish so incredibly easy and delicious, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it! With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you'll create a meal that's both restaurant-worthy and family-friendly.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 6 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 6 boneless chicken breasts, 1 packet of ranch dressing mix, 1 cup of chicken broth, 1 cup of cream cheese, 1/2 cup of chopped green onions, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a slow cooker, place the boneless chicken breasts at the bottom. Make sure they are evenly spread out for even cooking.
- Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring that each piece is coated with the seasoning.
- Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and ranch mix. This will help keep the chicken moist and infuse it with flavor.
- In a separate bowl, soften the cream cheese if necessary by letting it sit at room temperature for a few minutes. Once softened, spoon it out and dollop it over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Add the chopped green onions on top of the cream cheese for added flavor and freshness.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that the ranch dressing mix will already have some seasoning.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. Make sure not to lift the lid during cooking, as this can release heat and extend the cooking time.
- After 6 hours, check the chicken for doneness; it should be tender and easily shred with a fork. If it’s not quite ready, you can cook it for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour as needed.
- Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the creamy ranch sauce.
- Serve the Slow Cooker Ranch Style Chicken warm, garnished with extra chopped green onions if desired. This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or a side of vegetables.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality chicken breasts for the best texture and flavor. If possible, choose organic or free-range chicken.
- For extra creaminess, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before adding it to the slow cooker. This helps it melt and blend more smoothly.
- Don't open the slow cooker lid during cooking - each time you do, you'll lose heat and extend the cooking time.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese and use reduced-sodium chicken broth.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, and they reheat beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- For added nutrition, consider throwing in some frozen vegetables like peas or carrots during the last hour of cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 130mg
