Ya'll know I love a good slow cooker recipe and this Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken might just be one of the easiest dinners I've ever made! With just FOUR ingredients, you'll have a warm, comforting meal that the whole family will love. It's the ultimate easy recipe for busy weeknights-minimal prep, less time in the kitchen, and maximum flavor!
This dish is all about simplicity-juicy chicken breasts or chicken thighs, fresh green beans, a flavorful ranch packet, and a little butter for richness. That's it! Toss it all in your crockpot, set it, and let your kitchen do the work while you go about your day. When it's ready, you've got tender chicken and perfectly cooked veggies that are ready to serve as is or over rice for an even heartier meal.
This recipe was inspired by the viral 5 Ingredient crockpot chicken. If you love this recipe and you're looking for some more easy and healthy recipes, you will love my easy and healthy slow cooker chicken enchiladas , 4 ingredient slow cooker pork tenderloin tacos or my easy and healthy slow cooker southwest chicken quinoa bowl.
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Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to pull together this simple but delicious slow cooker ranch chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs - Both work beautifully! Chicken breasts keep it lean, while thighs add juiciness.
- Ranch packet (or ranch dressing mix) - The secret to that zesty, herby flavor we all know and love.
- Fresh green beans - Adds freshness and balance to the richness of the dish.
- Butter, sliced - Helps the chicken stay tender while adding extra flavor. You can also use Avocado oil or olive oil for a heart healthy fat.
- Optional but recommended: serve over white or brown rice for a complete dinner!
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: Layer your ingredients - Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle the ranch packet on top. Add the green beans and top with the sliced butter.
- Step 2: Cook - Cover and cook on high for 2-4 hours or low for 5-6 hours. For best results, check the chicken on the earlier end to prevent dry overcooked chicken because every crockpot cooks a little differently!
- Step 3: Serve & enjoy - Plate as-is or serve over brown rice or quinoa. Add a sprinkle of cheddar cheese if you want it extra cozy, or even a spoonful of cream cheese for a little creaminess!
Substitutions
- Protein - Swap in turkey tenderloin if desired.
- Veggies - Not a fan of green beans? Try broccoli, zucchini, or carrots.
- Make it creamy - Stir in a little cream of chicken soup, a splash of chicken broth, or cream cheese to create a creamy sauce.
- Cheesy - Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top during the last 5 minutes for extra melty goodness!
- Gluten-free- this recipe can be naturally gluten-free as long as your ranch seasoning packet is certified gluten-free. Some packets may contain gluten as a thickener, so double-check the label!!
- Dairy-Free- use a dairy-free ranch seasoning packet (check to make sure there is no buttermilk present) and substitute the butter for olive oil or avocado oil instead).
Variations
- Instant Pot version - You can make this in the Instant Pot too! Cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes, then quick release.
- 5 Ingredient crockpot chicken- this is a variation of this dish that uses onion packet seasonings instead!
Equipment
All you need to make my slow cooker ranch chicken is:
- 6 Quart Crock-Pot: This is the slow cooker that I have and love. It is not only absolutely beautiful but it comes in so many different colors!
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Storage
Fridge - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer - Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat with a splash of chicken broth to keep it juicy.
Christina's Dietitian Tip:
This recipe is high in protein thanks to the chicken, and you're also getting fiber and nutrients from the green beans! To balance it out, pair it with a whole grain like brown rice or quinoa for extra fiber!
FAQ
I recommend thawing chicken first for food safety and even cooking.
You'll want to stick with a dry ranch seasoning mix (or ranch packet) here, ranch dressing has too much liquid for this slow cooker recipe.
Stir in a little low-fat cream cheese or a can of cream of chicken soup toward the end for a rich, creamy sauce. You can also add blended cottage cheese or plain yogurt for a healthier take.
Yes! It's mild, not spicy, and picky-eater approved. The ranch flavor is a hit with kids!
If you make this Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken, let me know in the comments and don't forget to give it a star rating!
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Slow Cooker
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Jump to: Recipe
Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken
Equipment
- 1 6 Quart Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs
- 1 ranch packet or ranch dressing mix
- 1 pound fresh green beans
- ½ stick butter sliced
- Optional but tasty: serve over white or brown rice quinoa or potatoes for a complete dinner!
Instructions
- Layer your ingredients - Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle the ranch packet on top. Add the green beans and top with the sliced butter.
- Cook - Cover and cook on high for 2-4 hours or low for 5-6 hours. For best results, check the chicken on the earlier end to prevent overcooked and dry chicken. Every crockpot cooks a little differently!
- Serve & enjoy - Plate as-is or serve over rice. Add a sprinkle of cheddar cheese if you want it extra cozy, or even a spoonful of cream cheese for a little creaminess!
Notes
Nutrition
Food Safety
- Cook chicken to a minimum temperature of 165 F
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
Ann says
This is so easy and good! My family loved it! I made it in the instant pot and got a "burn" notice, but it still cooked fully and tasted great.