When you need a comforting dinner that practically cooks itself, this Ranch Chicken Crock Pot Recipe is the answer. With just a handful of ingredients and almost no prep, you can enjoy tender, juicy chicken in a creamy ranch sauce. It’s the ultimate “dump and go” recipe—perfect for busy weeknights or when you simply want a fuss-free meal.
Whether you serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or as a hearty sandwich filling, this dish is guaranteed to be a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Effortless Prep: Toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
✔️ Versatile: Serve it in multiple ways—over carbs, with veggies, or in sandwiches.
✔️ Family-Friendly Flavors: Creamy, cheesy, and ranch-seasoned chicken is a crowd-pleaser.
✔️ Customizable: Keep it simple or go all out with beef and cheddar for the famous “crack chicken” twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1.5–2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 (10.5-oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 (1-oz) packet dry ranch seasoning mix
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup and the ranch seasoning packet.
2. Load the crock pot
Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Pour the soup mixture over the top, then add the cubed cream cheese.
3. Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F and be tender enough to shred.
4. Shred and stir
Use two forks to shred the chicken right in the pot. Stir well to combine the shredded chicken with the creamy sauce.
5. Serve
Top with sliced green onions and enjoy hot over rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or tucked into buns for delicious sandwiches.
Recipe Notes & Variations
- Lighten it up: Swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery. Use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version.
- No canned soup? Make your own base using ½ cup chicken broth, 1 cup sour cream, and ½ cup milk mixed with the ranch seasoning.
- Make it “crack chicken”: The cheddar cheese + beef combo gives this recipe its popular “crack chicken” name—it’s irresistibly addictive!
What to Serve with Ranch Chicken
This creamy chicken pairs perfectly with:
- Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans
- A crisp garden salad
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Roasted potatoes or rice pilaf
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Ranch Chicken Crock Pot Recipe is everything you want in a slow cooker dinner—easy, creamy, and bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for busy families, meal prep, or even game day sandwiches. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s such a beloved classic.
