Are you constantly running out of time in the kitchen but still want to enjoy a tasty, delicious home cooked meal? If so, slow cooker ranch chicken is an easy and convenient way for busy buyers to get dinner on the table with minimal effort. Not only does this dish cook itself slowly throughout the day, but the creamy deliciousness of ranch gives it a complex flavor profile that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters!
Making slow cooker ranch chicken is much easier than you think. With the right ingredients, minimal prep time and basic kitchen knowledge all you need is a few hours in your slow cooker for delicious and flavorful chicken without any fuss. Ready to get started? Read on for an easy, step-by-step guide on how to make slow cooker ranch chicken with these tips and tricks designed specifically for buyers who are looking to craft a perfect slow cooker ranch chicken meal!
What You Need to Make Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken
To make slow cooker ranch chicken, you will need 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts. You can also substitute boneless thighs if desired. Additionally, you will need 1 packet of dry ranch seasoning mix, one 10-ounce can of cream of chicken soup and a cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Finally, you will need a slow cooker or crockpot for cooking your dish.
Once all the necessary ingredients are gathered, it’s time to begin cooking! Place the chicken in the slow cooker and season with the dry ranch seasoning mix. Pour over soup and sprinkle cheese on top. Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender. When finished, serve with your choice of sides and enjoy!
To make this dish even more flavorful, add vegetables like mushrooms, onions or peppers to the slow cooker before cooking. You can also substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of celery soup or cream of mushroom soup. For a cheesy twist, use shredded mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar. No matter what variations you choose, slow cooker ranch chicken is sure to be a hit for dinner time!
For extra convenience, pre-cook the chicken in advance and freeze it until ready to use. This allows you to quickly assemble the dish without having to wait for raw chicken to cook in your crockpot. To do so, bake the chicken breasts in foil at 375°F for 30-45 minutes or until cooked through. Let cool, then transfer to freezer bags and freeze flat. When ready to use, thaw overnight and follow the cooking instructions above.
Step-by-Step Directions for Making Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken
To complete this recipe, you will need a slow cooker and the following ingredients:
– 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 package of dry ranch dressing mix
– 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
– ½ cup sour cream
– ¼ cups of Milk
Once you have gathered the necessary supplies, let’s get started!
- Place your chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the top. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours.
- When cooked through, shred using two forks or an electric mixer shredder attachment.
- In a medium size bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and milk. Whisk until smooth.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Cook on low for an additional 30 minutes or until heated through.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
This slow cooker ranch chicken recipe is incredibly versatile, with endless options for serving such as tacos, stuffed potatoes, burritos, or even quesadillas! For a heartier meal, add black beans or corn to your dish — this will be sure to please everyone at the dinner table. To make it extra special, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and diced tomatoes for added flavor and texture. You can also try adding shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream right before serving.
No matter how you choose to serve it, this slow cooker ranch chicken recipe is sure to be a hit! Delicious and easy-to-make, this meal will become a weekly staple in your home.
Tips and Tricks for Making the Best Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken
When cooking with a slow cooker, it’s important to know how to use the appliance properly. It is best to add all of your ingredients into the slow cooker at once and turn it on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. If you are looking for something more flavorful, adding vegetables such as onions, peppers, carrots and potatoes can help create a delicious meal that’s packed with nutrients. To add texture and flavor, consider adding breadcrumbs, bacon bits or shredded cheese to the top before serving.
Making Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken is both simple and flavorful – follow these easy steps:
1) Place chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
2) Top with a packet of dry ranch dressing mix.
3) Pour 1/2 cup of chicken broth over the top.
4) Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until chicken is cooked through and tender.
5) Serve over pasta, rice or potatoes for an easy and delicious meal!
Making slow cooker meals like this can be a great way to make dinner in no time – just set it and forget it! With flavorful ingredients like ranch mix, you can create dishes that are both tasty and nutritious without spending too much time in the kitchen. Slow cooker recipes often make enough food to feed a large crowd, so they’re perfect for entertaining guests or bringing to family gatherings. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can make delicious meals that will leave your guests wanting more.
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Variations to Try with Your Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken
Besides the classic ranch chicken recipe, there are many ways to add flavor and texture to your slow cooker ranch chicken dish. Here are some ideas you can try out:
- Spicy Ranch Chicken – Combine cayenne pepper, chili powder, garlic powder and paprika with the original ranch seasoning mix for a more flavorful version of this dish. You can also top it off with crushed red peppers for an extra kick!
- Mexican-Style Ranch Chicken – Swap out the traditional seasonings with taco seasoning mix to create a tasty Mexican meal. Top with diced tomatoes, shredded cheese and avocado slices for added flavor.
- Buffalo Ranch Chicken – Spice things up by combining buffalo sauce and ranch dressing mix. Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for a delicious meal.
- Ranch-Style BBQ Chicken – Combine barbecue sauce and ranch seasoning mix to create an irresistible dish. Top off with crispy bacon bits for added flavor!
No matter what variation you choose, slow cooker ranch chicken is sure to be a hit at any gathering or family dinner.
Serving Suggestions for Your Deliciously Tender Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken
This slow cooker ranch chicken recipe is great for family dinners, potlucks, or parties. It’s not only delicious and juicy but also incredibly easy to prepare. Serve this savory dish with your favorite sides and make sure to have plenty of napkins at hand!
For an effortless side dish, try serving a simple green salad alongside the chicken. You can even use leftover vegetables from the fridge like zucchini or carrots in your salad for added flavor. Another tasty option is mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes. The creamy texture of mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with the tender ranch chicken while the sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes complements it nicely.
If you’re looking for a lighter meal, serve the chicken with a fresh loaf of crunchy French bread. The zesty ranch cream sauce is perfect for dipping! For a heartier meal, try making some wild rice or quinoa pilaf and layering it on top of the chicken. Top with sliced scallions and you’ve got yourself a delicious dinner that’s sure to impress your guests.
Things to Note When Making Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken
Before adding the ingredients to your slow cooker, it is important to thoroughly rinse and pat dry the chicken. This ensures that the flavors of the ranch seasoning properly absorb into the chicken.
It is important to cook the chicken on low heat for several hours. Make sure you set a timer so as not to overcook or burn the chicken. Setting a timer also allows you to check on your dish and add more spices if needed.
Once cooked, be sure to let your slow cooker cool down before serving. If cooking multiple pieces of chicken in one batch, cut each piece individually before serving with your favorite sides! Enjoy!
For those looking to make a healthier version of slow cooker ranch chicken, consider substituting the mayonnaise in your recipe for plain Greek yogurt. This simple substitution adds more protein and fewer calories than the mayonnaise would. Additionally, you can add more vegetables to your dish with the addition of mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots.
When storing leftovers from this slow cooker ranch chicken dish, make sure to store each piece properly in an airtight container. Leftovers stored correctly should last up to three days when refrigerated. If you have any questions about proper storage techniques, please consult a knowledgeable food safety professional for assistance.
FAQs:
Q: What are the ingredients for slow cooker ranch chicken?
A: This slow cooker ranch chicken dish is simple to prepare and requires just a few ingredients. The ingredients are 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, 1 packet of dry ranch dressing mix, 1/2 cup of chicken broth, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, 2 tablespoons butter and 2 cloves garlic (minced). Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, then sprinkle the dry ranch dressing mix and seasonings over them. Pour the chicken broth over top and dot with butter. Place garlic on top of butter, cover slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours. When finished cooking, shred the chicken with two forks and enjoy! This dish is a great way to get the whole family together for a delicious meal.
Q: How do I prepare the chicken for the slow cooker?
A: Before adding the chicken to your slow cooker, it is important to prepare it properly. To start, remove the skin and visible fat from the chicken breasts, as leaving it on can lead to greasy or fatty dishes. You may also want to rinse the chicken in cold running water before adding it to your slow cooker. The next step is to season the chicken with your favorite herbs, spices, and seasonings. You can also marinate it overnight for a more intense flavor. Finally, place the seasoned chicken into the slow cooker and add any remaining ingredients before setting it on low or high heat according to recipe instructions. Once all of the above steps are complete, you are ready to start cooking.
Q: How do I cook the chicken in the slow cooker?
A: To cook the chicken in a slow cooker, you will need to start by preparing your ingredients. For this recipe, you’ll need one 4-5 lb whole chicken, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of oregano, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of thyme, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 2-3 cups of chicken broth.
Next, you will want to prepare your slow cooker. Place the rack that came with your slow cooker into the bottom and add two cups of chicken broth. Now it’s time to season the chicken – mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, thyme, black pepper and salt. Rub the olive oil all over the chicken and then rub in the seasoning mixture to ensure it is evenly distributed.
Carefully place the seasoned chicken onto the rack inside of your slow cooker and pour one cup of chicken broth into the bottom of the slow cooker. You can add an additional cup if desired. Place the lid onto your slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and falling off the bone.
When finished, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker using two forks to ensure that it doesn’t break apart. Let the chicken rest for several minutes before serving. Enjoy!
By following these steps, you should have a delicious slow-cooked chicken that is moist and flavorful. You can also use this basic recipe to make other varieties of slow-cooked chicken dishes like coq au vin or spicy Mexican shredded chicken. So experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to find what works best for you.
Q: What should I do if the chicken isn’t cooked through?
A: If the chicken is not cooked through, it is important to make sure that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached a safe level before serving. To check this, use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh or breast (avoiding any bone). The internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C). If the temperature is lower than this, return the chicken to the oven and continue cooking until it reaches the desired temperature. It is important to avoid overcooking or undercooking poultry in order to prevent foodborne illness. Additionally, it is recommended to check a few pieces of chicken because some parts may cook faster than others. If unsure, err on the side of caution and cook for a few more minutes. It is important to remember that the internal temperature will continue to rise after it is removed from the oven, so take this into account when judging whether the chicken is cooked through or not.
Q: What are some serving suggestions for slow cooker ranch chicken?
A: Slow cooker ranch chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some suggestions for serving this hearty and flavorful dish:
– Serve with your favorite mashed potatoes as a classic comfort food meal.
– Place on top of a bed of cooked rice, quinoa or grains for an easy one-pot dinner.
– Serve over a bed of greens for a light and healthy meal.
– Make it into tacos or burritos with toppings such as diced tomatoes, jalapenos, onions, avocado and lime wedges.
– Use the ranch chicken to make pulled chicken sandwiches with your favorite buns and toppings.
– Dice up the chicken and mix with cooked macaroni for a tasty mac and cheese dish.
– Wrap in warmed tortillas for flavorful wraps or burritos.
– Stir it into your favorite soups or stews for added flavor and protein.
– Add diced ranch chicken to a salad with your favorite dressing for a flavorful lunch.
– Make sliders with ranch chicken, cheese and toppings of your choice.
– Serve over roasted vegetables such as sweet potatoes or butternut squash for a healthy and delicious meal.
– Add diced ranch chicken to scrambled eggs for an easy breakfast dish.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making slow cooker ranch chicken is a simple and delicious way to feed yourself and your family. Taking just a few minutes of preparation the night before can create a flavorful dish that everyone will love. However, there are some important things to keep in mind when using the slow cooker. Use enough liquid in the crock-pot to cover all ingredients and use leaner cuts of meat to avoid an overly high fat content. Also, as with any slow cooking dish, it’s essential to set it up correctly and practice fiscal safety by unplugging the appliance once the cook time is complete. With these tips in mind, slow cooker ranch chicken is sure to be an easy and delicious meal you make over and over again!
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