Ranch Chicken Crock Pot is the ultimate easy slow cooker recipe for busy families. Juicy chicken thighs cook low and slow in a creamy ranch sauce, making this dish incredibly tender and full of flavor. This recipe requires just a handful of pantry staples and beginner-friendly steps, making it perfect for a hassle-free weeknight dinner. Pair it with my Juicy Oven-Roasted Chicken Thighs for extra chicken inspiration or try it alongside a creamy pasta dish like the Creamy Tuscan Mushroom Pasta Skillet for a comforting meal.
Why You'll Love Ranch Chicken Crock Pot Recipe - Easy & Family-Friendly Slow Cooker Meal
Make this easy Ranch Chicken Crock Pot recipe for a family-friendly, tender, and flavorful slow cooker dinner everyone will love. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Simple slow cooker recipe with minimal prep time, perfect for busy schedules.
- Uses common pantry staples and ranch seasoning for big flavor.
- Juicy, tender chicken infused with creamy ranch sauce all day long.
- Great for meal prep and delicious leftover meals.
Ingredients for Ranch Chicken Crock Pot Recipe - Easy & Family-Friendly Slow Cooker Meal
Chicken Thighs: Boneless skinless thighs work best for tenderness. Bone-in can be used, increase cook time if needed.Ranch Dressing: Use your favorite brand or homemade ranch for best flavor. Salad dressing packets can be substituted with additional mayo and herbs.
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless skinless thighs work best for tenderness. Bone-in can be used, increase cook time if needed.
- Ranch Dressing: Use your favorite brand or homemade ranch for best flavor. Salad dressing packets can be substituted with additional mayo and herbs.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Ranch Chicken Crock Pot Recipe - Easy & Family-Friendly Slow Cooker Meal are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Ranch Chicken Crock Pot Recipe - Easy & Family-Friendly Slow Cooker Meal
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, ranch seasoning mix, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Mix the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, minced garlic, and chicken broth.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Layer the crock pot: Place the seasoned chicken thighs at the bottom of a 4-6 quart slow cooker. Pour the ranch sauce evenly over the chicken.
Expert Tips for Ranch Chicken Crock Pot Recipe - Easy & Family-Friendly Slow Cooker Meal
- For extra flavor, sear chicken thighs in a hot skillet before placing in crock pot.
- Add vegetables like sliced mushrooms or diced potatoes for a one-pot meal.
- If sauce is too thick after cooking, stir in a splash of chicken broth to loosen it.
Ranch Chicken Crock Pot Recipe - Easy & Family-Friendly Slow Cooker Meal
Make this easy Ranch Chicken Crock Pot recipe for a family-friendly, tender, and flavorful slow cooker dinner everyone will love. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
- Crispy bacon bits
Instructions
How to Make Ranch Chicken Crock Pot
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, ranch seasoning mix, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
- Mix the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, minced garlic, and chicken broth.
- Layer the crock pot: Place the seasoned chicken thighs at the bottom of a 4-6 quart slow cooker. Pour the ranch sauce evenly over the chicken.
- Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Add cheese and serve: About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and cover until melted. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives. Serve warm.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
Ranch Chicken Crock Pot Recipe - Easy & Family-Friendly Slow Cooker Meal FAQs
Yes! You can assemble all ingredients in the crock pot insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Cook the next day as directed.
You can make a quick substitute with mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, dried dill, and onion powder.
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Cook chicken on low heat and avoid lifting the lid too often. Using thighs instead of breasts helps keep it juicy.
You Might Also Like
- Juicy Oven-Roasted Chicken Thighs
- Creamy Tuscan Mushroom Pasta Skillet
- Creamy Tuscan Mushroom Pasta Skillet easy dinner
Before You Go
If you try this Ranch Chicken Crock Pot Recipe - Easy & Family-Friendly Slow Cooker Meal, I’d love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.