Description
A creamy, tangy, and comforting 5-ingredient dinner that is perfect for busy weeknights. This slow cooker recipe yields juicy chicken coated in a rich ranch and cheddar cheese sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch dressing mix
- 8 oz full-fat brick-style cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Optional: Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat. Place chicken in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker in a single layer.
- Sprinkle the entire packet of dry ranch dressing mix evenly over the chicken.
- Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and ranch mix.
- Cover and cook on Low for 4-6 hours (or High for 3-4 hours if using thighs) until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Once chicken is cooked, turn slow cooker to High. Add cubed cream cheese and let sit for 1 minute to soften.
- Gently stir cream cheese into the liquid until melted and smooth. Be careful not to break up the chicken.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes until melted.
- Stir gently to incorporate cheese. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth; if too thin, cook uncovered on High for 10 minutes.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
Notes
Ensure chicken is fully thawed if using frozen. Use brick-style cream cheese, not spreadable tub cheese, for better melting. Shred your own cheddar to avoid anti-caking agents. Check internal temperature of chicken (165°F). If sauce is too thin, use a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water) in the last 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken w
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Protein: 28
Keywords: slow cooker, ranch chicken, cheesy chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meals, 5-ingredient recipe, comfort food