Five ingredient, very simple Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Chicken can quickly be thrown together in the crock pot for a meal the whole family will love!
Creamy Ranch Slow Cooker Chicken
I first posted this recipe in February 2012 with one sucky picture and nothing about it so I figured it was time for a revamp.
Slow Cooker Honey Bourbon Chicken has been my most popular post for over a year so I’m pretty sure the world likes slow cooker chicken recipes. I get it, they’re easy and family friendly. They’re some of my favorites, too.
Ingredients
Below is a list of the ingredients you’ll need to gather to make this recipe, why you need them, and possible substitutions. Scroll all the way down for the full recipe card with measurements.
- Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts. A pound to a pound and a half will do.
- Cream Cheese – I like to use full fat cream cheese but I’m sure you could use the lightened up version. Either way, make sure that it’s room temperature and cubed. It helps it to melt in the slow cooker.
- Two cans of “Cream of” Soup – I used one Cream of Chicken and one Cream of Onion. You can use whatever you like – onion, chicken, celery, mushroom, etc. I also get that some of you don’t like to use the “cream of” soups (they’re high in sodium, I know). I don’t mind using them every once in awhile, but if you’re opposed (or don’t have any on hand), you can make your own with this cream soup substitute recipe.
- Ranch Seasoning Mix – You’ll need one packet. Again, if you don’t like using store bought, you can make your own.
- Noodles – you’ll need about 6 oz (or half a box) so use whatever you have on hand or your favorite.
Tools you’ll need
- Set ‘n Forget Slow Cooker – Maybe you have an actual “Crock Pot” brand slow cooker, but I have and love this Hamilton Beach version and I love that after the set cooking time is done, it automatically switches over to “warm”. Great for my long days.
- Spoon & Ladle Set – I have and love this set. It’s heat safe, easy to clean, and perfect for breaking up the cooking chicken, then spooning it over the noodles.
- Colander with a handle – I thought a handle on my colander was unnecessary when my husband bought me one but I love it. It’s easier to safely drain noodles without getting a steam bath.
Can you put frozen chicken in the slow cooker?
Can you? Yes. Should you? No. A slow cooker cooks slowly (hence the name). It doesn’t bring meat up to a safe temperature quickly enough to start from frozen. Will it kill you? Probably not, but now that I know better, I always start with thawed chicken.
Need more crockpot dinner recipes? Try these:
- Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo
- Creamy Italian Crock Pot Chicken
- Crock Pot Salsa Chicken
- Crockpot King Ranch Chicken
Originally published February 15, 2012
Lindsey says
I don’t have cream cheese, just cream cheese spread…. will that work? or can I just make it without the cream cheese?
Melissa Williams says
Spread has a higher water content so it doesn’t behave the same. If you sip the cream cheese it’ll be an entirely different dish…
Kristi says
Can I shred a rotisserie chicken instead?
Melissa Williams says
Sure but reduce cook time since you’ll just be melting everything together.
Alexandra Andersson says
I made this last night, and it was excellent! My husband, our 2 teenagers, and I ate it right up. Next time I make it, I might try cream of broccoli soup, or just add a green vegetable. It wouldn’t be necessary for flavor (cream of chicken was perfect) maybe just for a little color.
Rich says
Simple, with few items needed. It tasted very good. I might try chicken tenders next time., rather than breasts.
Rich says
How would you reheat leftovers? Add a little liquid and reheat in the micorwave?
Melissa Williams says
I don’t usually add anything but if you want to thin it a bit, you could add some milk. And yes, I just do the microwave.
BETTY says
I cannot use soups is there a way to substitute with broth and a white sauce thickeninger?
Melissa Williams says
Hi Betty, I have a cream of soup substitute >> https://www.persnicketyplates.com/homemade-cream-of-chicken-soup-substitute/
Skylar says
Can I cook on high to reduce the time?
Melissa Williams says
Yes, but you run the risk of it drying out.
Bobbi Jo says
Will it hurt to leave on for longer period on low.. I work and my crockpot goes to warm after a minimum of 8 hrs.
Melissa Williams says
You just run the risk of it drying out if it goes too long.
Whitney says
Is this 5 hours on low or high heat?
Melissa Williams says
Step 3 says on low 🙂
Karen says
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Melissa Williams says
Sure 🙂
Sheena says
I’m making this right now and it looks and smells delicious!! However, it’s starting to burn a little around the edges of the crock pot. I’ve had it on low the whole time and it’s only been cooking for 4 hours. Should it be ok to turn it off, or just down to “warm”?
Melissa Williams says
Do you have a meat thermometer? As long as the chicken hits an internal temp of 165°, you’re good. Slow cookers run hot these days so 4 hours on low might have been enough (assuming you started with fresh, not frozen, chicken).
Kelsi dye says
Could you cook this on high for a shorter amount of time? Or maybe in a stock pot instead?
Melissa Williams says
You run the risk of the chicken drying out if you cook it on high. A stock pot would work.
Charity says
If I double the recipe will 2 packages of cream cheese be too much?
Melissa Williams says
It should be ok if you’re doubling everything else. You could do 1.5 bricks to be safe.
Lindsey says
Can you freeze leftovers?
Melissa Williams says
Cream sauces don’t always freeze well, they can separate when reheated, but it should be ok. I would keep separate from the noodles if you plan on freezing the chicken.
Bridget says
What if I only used one can of cream of chicken soup and two packets of cream cheese will that matter?
Melissa Williams says
Yes, it matters 🙂 It’ll change the consistency & flavor.
Michelle says
What a great set it and forget it meal using pantry staples! Made by request for my daughter and she and her friend devoured it. My husband added buffalo sauce to his and loved it too. Will definitely make again!
Melissa Williams says
Ooh I love the buffalo sauce idea.
Michelle says
It seams a little thick, do we not use any chicken broth
Patty says
My family request it monthly. I find it easy and yes delicious!
Melissa Williams says
Thanks, Patty!