For those days when you crave a home-cooked meal without the hassle, this Creamy Ranch Chicken in Your Slow Cooker hits all the right notes. With a few kitchen staples and minimal prep, you’ll have tender, flavor-packed chicken simmering in a rich, ranch-infused sauce, ready to serve when you are. It’s cozy, simple, and perfect for busy schedules or a slow weekend supper.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This meal is loved for its ease, flavor, and versatility. You can prep it in minutes, set your slow cooker, and forget it until dinner. The result is juicy chicken in a creamy, zesty sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. It’s great for feeding a crowd, ideal for leftovers, and pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
The foundation of the recipe, these are best when on the smaller side for even cooking. You can also use thighs for extra tenderness and flavor.
Salt and Pepper
These essential seasonings bring out the natural flavor of the chicken.
Butter
Used twice in the recipe for sautéing and building the sauce’s richness.
Olive Oil
Helps sear the chicken to a golden finish while preventing sticking.
Flour
Just a tablespoon to create a simple roux that thickens the sauce.
Chicken Broth (Low Sodium)
Adds savory flavor and forms the base of the creamy sauce.
Milk
Use whole milk for the best texture, but 2% or your favorite dairy alternative can work too.
Sour Cream
Brings smooth texture and subtle tang. Full-fat is recommended to avoid curdling.
Onion Powder & Garlic Powder
These pantry staples add depth and enhance the ranch flavor.
Italian Seasoning
A herb blend that rounds out the overall flavor of the sauce.
Ranch Seasoning Mix
This seasoning packet gives the dish its signature taste—herby, tangy, and savory.
Fresh Parsley (optional)
A garnish that adds a pop of color and brightness.
How to Make Creamy Ranch Chicken in Your Slow Cooker
This dish is all about simplicity. After a quick browning step to boost flavor, everything comes together in the slow cooker. The chicken cooks until fork-tender, and the sauce thickens into a creamy coating. It’s the ultimate fix-it-and-forget-it dinner for comfort food lovers.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Flatten and Season the Chicken
Pound each chicken breast to about 1-inch thickness. Season both sides evenly with salt and pepper.
2. Sear in Skillet
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each chicken piece until golden on both sides, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Build the Roux
Reduce heat to low. Melt the remaining butter, then stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a smooth paste.
4. Stir in the Liquids and Spices
Slowly add chicken broth, scraping the pan to lift any flavorful bits. Then whisk in the milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and ranch mix until well blended.
5. Add to Slow Cooker
Place the chicken in your slow cooker. Pour the creamy mixture over the top, making sure it’s fully coated.
6. Let It Cook
Cover and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
7. Finish and Garnish
Once ready, stir the sauce well and top with chopped fresh parsley if using. Serve warm with your choice of sides.
Helpful Tips
To keep your sauce thick and creamy, make sure to sear the chicken before placing it in the slow cooker. This seals in moisture and reduces excess liquid release. Full-fat sour cream is best for maintaining a smooth sauce without curdling.
If the sauce seems thin near the end, stir in a mixture of cornstarch and water during the final 30 minutes.
Add crispy bacon or shredded cheese for a flavor twist, or serve over mashed potatoes for a full comfort meal.
Details
Flavor: Savory, creamy, and rich with ranch seasoning and herbs
Texture: Tender chicken with a smooth, velvety sauce
Occasion: Great for weeknights, meal prep, and family-style dinners
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours on low
Notes
If your chicken is frozen, be sure to thaw completely before browning. Frozen meat can release extra water, thinning the sauce.
Greek yogurt can be used in place of sour cream for a higher protein option, but expect a slightly tangier result.
Want a spicier dish? Add crushed red pepper or diced jalapeños to the sauce.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360 |
| Total Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Protein | 34g |
| Carbohydrates | 7g |
| Sugar | 2g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can creamy ranch chicken be made with frozen chicken?
It’s not recommended to use frozen chicken directly. Thaw it completely first to avoid excess liquid and ensure the sauce thickens properly.
What kind of ranch seasoning works best in a slow cooker?
A classic 1 oz. ranch dressing mix is perfect. Homemade seasoning blends work too and let you control salt content.
How do you keep slow cooker ranch chicken from becoming watery?
Searing the chicken first helps prevent excess moisture. Using full-fat dairy ingredients also keeps the sauce rich and thick.
Can creamy ranch chicken be cooked on low all day?
Yes, cooking it on low for 4 to 6 hours works great. Cooking beyond 6 hours may cause the chicken to become too soft or dry out.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring gently to keep the sauce from separating.
For longer storage, freeze the dish in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Print
Creamy Ranch Chicken in Your Slow Cooker | A Comfort Food Favorite
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Slow cooked creamy ranch chicken with tender meat and a smooth, flavorful sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners or easy meal prep.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (5–8 oz. each)
Salt and pepper
3 tablespoons butter, divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon flour
1 cup low sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 (1 oz.) ranch seasoning packet
Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness and season with salt and pepper.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Sear chicken on both sides until golden.
3. Remove chicken. Lower heat and melt remaining butter. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Stir in milk, sour cream, and seasonings including ranch mix.
5. Place chicken in slow cooker. Pour sauce over top.
6. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours until chicken is tender.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Use full-fat sour cream for best texture.
Add bacon bits or cheese for a richer variation.
If using large chicken breasts, slice them in half lengthwise.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Conclusion
Creamy Ranch Chicken in your slow cooker is a no-fuss way to enjoy hearty, satisfying food with minimal effort. It’s the kind of meal you can rely on for comfort, convenience, and flavor every time. Whether you’re making it for the first time or the tenth, it’s sure to win over even the pickiest eaters. Try it once, and it’ll become a go-to in your recipe rotation.