Name: The Ultimate Creamy Crock Pot Ranch Chicken: An Effortless Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: Slow Cooker
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch seasoning mix; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; ½ cup chicken broth; ½ cup sour cream; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; ¼ tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for searing); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional); Fresh parsley, for garnish

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s practically hands-off but still delivers big, comforting flavors. The ranch seasoning adds a savory tang, the cream of chicken soup makes the sauce luxuriously thick, and the sour cream gives it just the right amount of tangy richness. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—I can meal prep it, freeze it, or use leftovers in wraps, sandwiches, or bowls throughout the week.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 packet dry ranch seasoning mix (1 oz)
1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup sour cream
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for searing)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

(Optional) I heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes per side until they’re golden. It’s an extra step that adds great flavor, but I skip it if I’m short on time.
In my slow cooker, I whisk together the cream of chicken soup, ranch seasoning mix, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth.
I add the chicken breasts to the sauce, turning to coat them fully.
I cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender.
Using two forks, I shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker.
I stir in the sour cream until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
I serve it hot over rice, mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or inside toasted sandwich buns. I love topping it with a handful of cheddar cheese and chopped parsley for extra richness and color.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 servings and takes just 10 minutes of prep:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4–7 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (or more if using LOW)

It’s great for busy weeknights or when I need a meal I can set and forget.

Variations

Add veggies: I sometimes toss in frozen peas, carrots, or green beans in the last hour of cooking.
Use chicken thighs: Boneless thighs add more richness and stay incredibly moist.
Add a kick: A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce gives it a spicy twist.
Make it cheesy: Stir in a handful of cheddar or mozzarella for a gooier texture.
Use Greek yogurt: I replace sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a protein boost and a lighter option.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well—I portion it into freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.

FAQs

Do I have to sear the chicken?

No, but I like the added flavor and texture it gives. That said, it still turns out delicious without searing.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, I’ve used frozen chicken in a pinch, but I extend the cooking time and make sure it reaches a safe internal temperature (165°F).

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—I just make sure my slow cooker can handle the volume and extend cooking time slightly if needed.

What can I serve this with?

I serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, cauliflower rice, or even stuffed into buns or wraps.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, I often prep everything the night before, store the insert in the fridge, then pop it into the slow cooker the next morning.

Conclusion

This Creamy Crock Pot Ranch Chicken is one of the easiest, most comforting meals I can make with almost no effort. It’s creamy, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Whether I’m feeding a family, doing meal prep, or just want something hearty and delicious, this recipe always delivers. Once you try it, I promise it’ll be in your regular dinner rotation too.