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
Creamy Ranch Slow Cooker Chicken
Ingredients
- 1-1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened & cubed
- 20.5 ounces "cream of" soup two (2) 10.5 ounce cans of Cream of Onion or Cream of Chicken
- 2 Tablespoons ranch seasoning mix or 1 packet
- 6 ounces noodles cooked
Instructions
- Trim your chicken breasts and lay into a 6 quart slow cooker.
- Cover the chicken with two cans of soup and ranch seasoning mix. Place your cubed cream cheese on top.
- Cover and cook on low for approximately 5 hours, stirring occasionally. I broke up the chicken as it cooked.
- Cook whatever noodles you like and pour them into the chicken mixture. Or keep them separate and ladle the chicken mixture over noodles.
- We topped ours with a shredded Italian cheese blend and freshly ground black pepper.
Video
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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Originally published February 15, 2012
I don’t have cream cheese, just cream cheese spread…. will that work? or can I just make it without the cream cheese?
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…
Can I shred a rotisserie chicken instead?
Sure but reduce cook time since you’ll just be melting everything together.
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.
Simple, with few items needed. It tasted very good. I might try chicken tenders next time., rather than breasts.
How would you reheat leftovers? Add a little liquid and reheat in the micorwave?
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.
I cannot use soups is there a way to substitute with broth and a white sauce thickeninger?
Hi Betty, I have a cream of soup substitute >> https://www.persnicketyplates.com/homemade-cream-of-chicken-soup-substitute/
Can I cook on high to reduce the time?
Yes, but you run the risk of it drying out.
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.
You just run the risk of it drying out if it goes too long.
Is this 5 hours on low or high heat?
Step 3 says on low 🙂
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Sure 🙂