Creamy Ranch Chicken Delight
Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of Creamy Ranch Chicken Delight, a wholesome dish that effortlessly combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a creamy ranch sauce. Perfectly cooked in a slow cooker, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a hearty meal that's both delicious and satisfying. Serve it over rice or with steamed vegetables for a complete dinner that your family will love. Ideal for busy weeknights, this dish only requires a few minutes of prep and allows the crock pot to do all the work, resulting in a creamy, flavorful sauce that everyone will rave about.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 (Trimmed of fat)
Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix
1 package
light sour cream
8 ounces
low-fat cream of chicken soup
1 can
yellow onion
1/2 (Chopped)
water
1/2 cup
salt
1 pinch
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Place the trimmed chicken breasts in the crock pot, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
2
In a medium bowl, combine the Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix, light sour cream, low-fat cream of chicken soup, chopped yellow onion, and water. Mix until well blended.
3
Pour the ranch mixture over the chicken in the crock pot, ensuring all the chicken is coated.
4
Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
5
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6 hours, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
6
Once done, shred the chicken using two forks and mix it back into the sauce.
7
Serve hot, over rice or alongside your favorite vegetables.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Ranch Chicken Delight?
It is a wholesome slow cooker dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich ranch-flavored cream sauce.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of fat.
How long does it take to cook in the crock pot?
It should be cooked on the low setting for 6 hours.
Can I use a specific brand of ranch dressing mix?
The recipe recommends using one package of Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix.
What kind of sour cream should I use?
The recipe specifies using 8 ounces of light sour cream to keep it healthier.
Is there a specific soup required for the sauce?
Yes, use one can of low-fat cream of chicken soup.
Do I need to chop the onions?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/2 of a yellow onion, chopped.
How much water is needed for the sauce?
You will need 1/2 cup of water to mix with the other sauce ingredients.
Should I stir the chicken while it cooks?
The instructions suggest stirring occasionally while it cooks for 6 hours.
How do I shred the chicken?
Once the chicken is tender and fully cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the crock pot.
What should I serve with Creamy Ranch Chicken?
It is delicious served over rice or alongside steamed vegetables.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it uses light sour cream and low-fat soup, making it a wholesome meal option.
Can I cook this on high for a shorter time?
While the recipe specifies low for 6 hours, you can typically cook it on high for 3 to 4 hours, though low heat yields more tender chicken.
Do I need to season the chicken before adding the sauce?
The recipe suggests adding a pinch of salt and pepper to the mixture in the crock pot.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be substituted, though cooking times may vary slightly.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt is a common healthy substitute for light sour cream in this recipe.
Is the yellow onion necessary?
The yellow onion adds flavor and texture, but you can omit it or use onion powder if preferred.
Can I add extra vegetables to the crock pot?
Yes, adding peas, carrots, or mushrooms during the last hour of cooking works well.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this dish freezes well in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat the leftovers?
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk if the sauce is too thick.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It depends on the specific brands of soup and ranch mix used; check labels to ensure they are gluten-free.
What if the sauce is too thin?
If the sauce is too thin after shredding the chicken, you can leave the lid off the crock pot for 20-30 minutes on high to thicken it.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, cook on high pressure for about 10-15 minutes with a natural release, though the texture may differ slightly from slow cooking.
Do I need to brown the chicken first?
No, the chicken is placed raw into the crock pot and cooks completely in the sauce.
Can I use homemade ranch seasoning?
Yes, you can substitute the package with approximately 3 tablespoons of homemade ranch seasoning.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the creamy texture and mild ranch flavor make it a favorite among children.
What size crock pot is recommended?
A standard 4 to 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this amount of ingredients.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients if you have a larger crock pot (6-8 quarts).