Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is incredibly easy and requires minimal hands-on time. Simply toss the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work while you go about your day. The result? Juicy, tender chicken with the creamy flavor of ranch seasoning. Customize with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, or pickles for a family-friendly meal everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 sandwich buns
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, sliced tomato, cheese, pickles
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prep the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the top, and pour the ranch dressing and chicken broth over the chicken.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours (or on high for 3-4 hours) until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
- Shred the Chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken in the crock pot, mixing it with the flavorful sauce.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spoon the shredded ranch chicken onto sandwich buns. Add your choice of toppings like lettuce, tomato, cheese, or pickles.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve the sandwiches warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 sandwiches
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low (or 3-4 hours on high)
- Total Time: 6-7 hours 10 minutes (or 3-4 hours 10 minutes)
Variations
- Spicy Ranch: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a kick of heat.
- Cheesy Ranch Chicken: Top the chicken with your favorite cheese before shredding to make it extra cheesy.
- Chicken Thighs: For juicier, more flavorful meat, swap the chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs.
- Buns: Try using different types of buns like brioche or whole wheat for a unique flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the shredded chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to cook it for an additional 1-2 hours on low.
What can I substitute for ranch dressing?
You can substitute sour cream, Greek yogurt, or mayonnaise mixed with a little milk.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can cook this in an Instant Pot. Set it to high pressure for 15 minutes, then do a quick release before shredding the chicken.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and refrigerate it overnight. Just reheat before serving.
What kind of toppings should I use?
Toppings like shredded lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and pickles work great, but feel free to customize to your preferences.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes, you can add vegetables like carrots or potatoes to the crock pot for a more complete meal.
What kind of buns are best for these sandwiches?
Soft sandwich buns, brioche buns, or even whole wheat buns work well with this recipe.
Can I make this without the ranch seasoning packet?
You can make your own ranch seasoning by mixing dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
Can I use a different type of chicken?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier, more flavorful alternative.
How can I make this recipe more filling?
Serve with sides like coleslaw, French fries, or roasted potatoes to make the meal more filling.
Conclusion
These Crock Pot Ranch Chicken Sandwiches are a perfect go-to meal for anyone looking for a quick, flavorful dish. With minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, it’s easy to see why they’re a family favorite. Whether you're feeding your family or a crowd, this recipe guarantees a delicious, stress-free meal!
Crock Pot Ranch Chicken Sandwiches
These Crock Pot Ranch Chicken Sandwiches are the ultimate easy meal, featuring tender, slow-cooked chicken flavored with creamy ranch seasoning. Perfect for busy days, family dinners, or casual gatherings, this simple recipe delivers a juicy, flavorful sandwich that everyone will love. Customize with your favorite toppings for a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish.
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low (or 3-4 hours on high)10 minutes
- Total Time: : 6-7 hours 10 minutes (or 3-4 hours 10 minutes)
- Yield: 6 sandwiches
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 sandwich buns
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, sliced tomato, cheese, pickles
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle ranch seasoning mix over the top, and pour ranch dressing and chicken broth over the chicken.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours (or on high for 3-4 hours) until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
- Shred the Chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken in the crock pot, mixing it with the flavorful sauce.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spoon the shredded ranch chicken onto sandwich buns. Add your choice of toppings like lettuce, tomato, cheese, or pickles.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve the sandwiches warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Spicy Ranch: Add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Ranch Chicken: Top the chicken with cheese before shredding for a cheesy twist.
- Buns: Brioche or whole wheat buns are great alternatives for a unique flavor.
