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Slow-Cooked Ranch Chicken Crock

Section: Set It and Forget It

This dish features boneless chicken breasts slow-cooked in a creamy ranch-flavored sauce enriched with cream of chicken soup, broth, and seasonings. Optionally seared before cooking, the chicken becomes tender and flavorful after hours in the crockpot. Sour cream is stirred in for extra creaminess, and the dish finishes with cheddar cheese and parsley for a rich, comforting meal. Simple preparation and layered flavors make it a perfect hearty dish.

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Harper
Contributed by Harper
Last updated on Sun, 21 Dec 2025 10:52:36 GMT
A plate of chicken covered in a creamy sauce. Save
A plate of chicken covered in a creamy sauce. | flavorrhaven.com

This slow-cooked ranch chicken delivers tender, juicy chicken bathed in a rich, creamy sauce with just a handful of simple ingredients. It’s perfect when you want a comforting meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

I first tried this recipe on a busy weeknight when I needed dinner ready but didn’t have time to watch the stove. Now it’s a go-to that everyone in my family asks for because it tastes like they spent hours making it.

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: the foundation of the dish for tender protein
  • Ranch seasoning mix: key to that signature tangy herb flavor, choose a good quality ranch packet for best taste
  • Condensed cream of chicken soup: provides creamy richness and body to the sauce
  • Chicken broth: adds moisture and depth& low sodium is best to control saltiness
  • Garlic powder: delivers gentle savory notes without overpowering
  • Onion powder: complements the garlic for a balanced flavor base
  • Freshly ground black pepper: for mild warmth and brightness
  • Olive oil (optional): helps create a nice sear on the chicken for extra texture and flavor
  • Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): adds a melty cheesy topping that kids especially love
  • Fresh parsley chopped for garnish: brings a fresh burst of color and brightness
  • Sour cream: stirred in at the end to deepen creaminess and add a slight tang

Instructions

Sauté the chicken:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until lightly golden. This step is optional but really builds flavor and gives the chicken a lovely crust before slow cooking.
Mix the sauce:
In the crockpot bowl, combine condensed cream of chicken soup, ranch seasoning mix, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until everything is blended smoothly. This mixture will turn into a luscious sauce that coats the chicken.
Arrange the chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot and turn them in the sauce to coat fully, ensuring every piece soaks up the ranch cream mixture.
Slow cook:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken will become tender and soak up the flavors, making shredding easy and the sauce rich.
Shred and combine:
Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the sauce to evenly distribute the creamy mixture.
Finish with sour cream and cheese:
Mix in the sour cream for extra creaminess and tang. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and parsley on top just before serving if you want a gooey, cheesy finish and a fresh look.
Chicken in a crock pot with a creamy sauce.
Chicken in a crock pot with a creamy sauce. | flavorrhaven.com

The ranch seasoning mix is my personal favorite here because it turns a simple chicken dinner into something flavorful and special. One time my family begged me to make it twice in one week because it’s just that satisfying and easy to pull together on short notice.

Storage tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of chicken broth to keep the sauce creamy instead of drying out. You can also freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Ingredient substitutions

If you do not have ranch seasoning mix you can make your own by combining dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a little salt and pepper. Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a lighter tang. Use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken for a different but still delicious variation.

Serving suggestions

Serve this ranch chicken over steamed rice mashed potatoes or buttered noodles to soak up all the creamy sauce. A light salad or roasted vegetables on the side add freshness and balance out the richness of the dish.

Chicken with sauce in a crock pot.
Chicken with sauce in a crock pot. | flavorrhaven.com

For winter, double up the garlic powder and add a pinch of smoked paprika for warming depth.

FAQs about Recipes

→ Can the chicken be seared before slow cooking?

Yes, searing the chicken enhances texture and depth of flavor but is optional.

→ How can the sauce be thickened?

Reduce the chicken broth slightly or leave the crockpot uncovered for the last 30 minutes to thicken the sauce.

→ What type of cheese is used as a topping?

Shredded cheddar cheese is used to add a melty, savory finish to the dish.

→ Is it necessary to shred the chicken after cooking?

Shredding the chicken helps it absorb more sauce, creating a creamier texture, but it can also be served whole if preferred.

→ Can I substitute the seasoning mix?

While the dish uses ranch seasoning mix for its distinctive flavor, alternatives with similar herbs and spices can be used to adjust taste.

Creamy Ranch Chicken Crock

Tender chicken slow-cooked in creamy ranch sauce with cheddar and fresh parsley garnish.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cooking Time
360 mins
Overall Time
370 mins
Contributed by: Harper

Recipe Category: Slow Cooker

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American

Recipe Output: 4 Portion Size

Dietary Features: Low in Carbs, Free from Gluten

What You'll Need

→ Main

01 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
03 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
04 1/2 cup chicken broth
05 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
07 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Optional

08 1 tablespoon olive oil
09 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
10 Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

→ Finishing

11 1/2 cup sour cream

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown to enhance flavor.

Step 02

Combine cream of chicken soup, ranch seasoning mix, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in the crockpot. Stir to blend evenly.

Step 03

Place chicken breasts into the crockpot and turn them to fully coat with sauce.

Step 04

Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.

Step 05

Remove chicken breasts carefully and shred using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix well to coat in sauce.

Step 06

Stir in sour cream until creamy. Optionally, top with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped parsley before serving.

Additional Notes

  1. Searing chicken prior to slow cooking enhances texture and flavor but can be omitted for convenience.
  2. To thicken the sauce, reduce chicken broth by a few tablespoons or leave the crockpot uncovered during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Tools You'll Need

  • Slow cooker (crockpot)
  • Skillet
  • Two forks

Allergen Notices

Inspect every ingredient for potential allergens and seek expert advice if necessary.
  • Contains dairy products