Are you tired of complicated dinners that take hours to prepare? Craving a healthy and flavorful meal without the fuss? Then this Crockpot Chicken recipe with Ranch seasoning is your answer! This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, requiring minimal prep time and delivering maximum taste. It's a delicious and satisfying dish the whole family will love. Get ready to experience the convenience of homemade cooking without sacrificing flavor!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup chopped onion (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped celery (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)
Instructions:
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Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better if you choose to sear them (see tips below).
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Optional Searing: For extra flavor, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This step is entirely optional but adds a nice depth of flavor.
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Combine Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix evenly over the chicken. Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and seasoning. If using, add the chopped onion and celery.
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Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
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Shred and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. You can return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker to keep it warm in the cooking liquid. Serve the chicken on its own, over rice, in a salad, or in tacos – the possibilities are endless!
Tips for Success:
- Don't Overcrowd the Crockpot: Ensure there's enough space around the chicken for even cooking. If using larger chicken pieces, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the chicken before serving and adjust the seasoning to your preference. You can add more ranch seasoning, salt, pepper, or other herbs and spices.
- Make it a Meal: Serve the shredded chicken over rice, mashed potatoes, or quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal. It's also excellent in wraps, salads, or as a topping for baked potatoes.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the slow cooker for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Ranch: Add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.
- Herb Ranch: Experiment with adding fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or thyme for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 5-8g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-10g
This Crockpot Chicken recipe with Ranch seasoning is a simple, healthy, and incredibly delicious meal that's perfect for any night of the week. It’s a fantastic example of easy recipes and healthy meals that are quick dinner ideas, perfect for homemade cooking. Enjoy!