Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a delicious, easy meal that’s also healthy? Look no further! This recipe combines the creamy tang of Hidden Valley Ranch dressing with the convenience of a slow cooker to create a mouthwatering, fall-apart tender chicken that's perfect for a busy weeknight. This easy recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking solutions. It's one of those best recipes that’s both satisfying and surprisingly simple.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix (original or your favorite flavor)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Hidden Valley Ranch dressing
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup chopped vegetables (carrots, celery, potatoes)
Instructions:
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Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely and prevents them from steaming in the slow cooker. Season generously with salt and pepper.
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Sear the Chicken (Optional): 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 isn’t essential, but it adds a delicious depth of flavor.
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Slow Cooker Magic: Place the seared (or unseared) chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle the Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder evenly over the chicken.
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Add the Liquids: Pour the chicken broth and Hidden Valley Ranch dressing over the chicken. If using vegetables, add them to the slow cooker now.
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Cook it Low and Slow: 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.
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Shred and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker to coat it in the delicious sauce. Serve immediately over rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dish. This healthy meal is perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Cooking Tips for Success:
- Don't Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: Ensure there's enough space for the chicken and liquid to circulate properly. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the amount of seasoning to your liking. You can also add other herbs and spices, such as paprika, oregano, or thyme.
- Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the chicken and simmer the liquid in a saucepan over medium heat until it reduces to your desired consistency. A cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) can also be whisked in to thicken the sauce.
Delicious Variations:
- Buffalo Ranch Chicken: Add 1/4 cup of your favorite buffalo wing sauce to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients for a spicy kick.
- Mexican Ranch Chicken: Substitute taco seasoning for the Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix and add diced bell peppers and onions.
- Creamy Ranch Chicken with Potatoes: Adding potatoes to the slow cooker transforms this recipe into a complete one-pot meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This Hidden Valley Ranch slow cooker recipe is a simple, delicious, and versatile option for a weeknight meal. It's a perfect example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. Enjoy!