Creamy Ranch Chicken made in a crock pot is comfort food magic. With juicy chunks of chicken simmering all day in a rich ranch-seasoned sauce, this dish delivers bold flavor with barely any effort. It turns simple ingredients into a creamy, cozy, stick-to-your-ribs dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family Sundays.


This recipe creates fork-tender chicken in a savory sauce infused with cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and a touch of garlic, finished with parsley for freshness. Just set it and forget it in your slow cooker, and come home to a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Ranch Chicken Crock Pot Recipe
- It’s a true one-pot wonder with minimal prep.
- Perfectly seasoned with the familiar tang of ranch.
- Creamy, rich sauce that coats every piece.
- Family-friendly and freezer-friendly.
- Ideal for meal prep or weeknight ease.
What Kind of Chicken Works Best in a Crock Pot?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are preferred for their tenderness and flavor, but chicken breasts also work beautifully if you prefer leaner meat. They soak up the sauce well without becoming dry.
Ingredients for the Creamy Ranch Chicken Crock Pot

Chicken thighs or breasts – The base of this dish; tender and juicy once slow-cooked.
Cream cheese – Brings luxurious creaminess to the sauce.
Ranch seasoning mix – Adds that tangy, herby flavor everyone loves.
Chicken broth – Helps the sauce come together with depth.
Minced garlic – Boosts flavor and warmth.
Bacon bits (optional) – For a smoky kick and added texture.
Fresh parsley – Brightens and finishes the dish.
Black pepper – To balance the creamy richness.
Cornstarch + water (slurry) – Optional thickener for the sauce if needed.
How To Make the Creamy Ranch Chicken Crock Pot
Step 1: Layer the Base
Place 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts into the bottom of your crock pot.
Step 2: Add Flavor and Creaminess
Sprinkle 1 (1 oz) packet of ranch seasoning over the chicken. Dot the top with 8 oz of softened cream cheese and pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth. Add 2 teaspoons of minced garlic.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should shred easily with a fork.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If the sauce is thinner than you like, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the crock pot. Cook on high for an additional 15 minutes to thicken.
Step 5: Add Final Touches
Stir in 1/4 cup of bacon bits if using. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and freshly cracked black pepper over the top before serving.
How to Serve and Store Creamy Ranch Chicken
This recipe yields 6 servings and is rich enough to serve as a main dish over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave. It also freezes well for up to 2 months — just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What to Serve With Creamy Ranch Chicken?
Mashed Potatoes
The ultimate pairing to soak up every bit of that creamy ranch sauce.
Buttered Egg Noodles
Their soft texture makes a great match for the shredded chicken.
Garlic Green Beans
Adds crunch and freshness to balance the richness.
Roasted Carrots
A touch of natural sweetness goes great with savory ranch flavors.
Cornbread Muffins
Perfect for sopping up sauce.
Steamed Broccoli
Quick, easy, and adds a touch of color and nutrition.
Simple Garden Salad
With a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken in the crock pot?
No, it’s best to use thawed chicken for food safety. Always thaw in the refrigerator first.
Is cream cheese safe to slow cook for that long?
Yes, adding it on top keeps it from burning. It melts down gradually into a smooth sauce.
Can I make this keto-friendly?
Absolutely! Serve it with cauliflower mash or steamed veggies instead of pasta or rice.
Can I prep this the night before?
Yes! Add everything to the crock pot insert and refrigerate overnight. Just pop it in and start cooking in the morning.
What can I use instead of ranch seasoning?
You can make your own blend with dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of salt.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use thighs or breasts? Add bacon or leave it out?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.
Conclusion
This Creamy Ranch Chicken Crock Pot recipe turns simple pantry staples into a mouthwatering, melt-in-your-mouth meal. It’s family-approved, freezer-friendly, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re hosting guests or feeding your family, this recipe is sure to land in your regular dinner rotation.
For more slow cooker ideas and cozy dinners, don’t forget to check out Meals We Share on Pinterest.
Also try our:
- Garlic Chicken Stir Fry with Rice
- Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta
- Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Pasta
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Creamy Ranch Chicken Crock Pot
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Creamy Ranch Chicken Crock Pot recipe is the ultimate in comfort food convenience. Tender chicken thighs or breasts slowly simmer in a rich, ranch-infused cream cheese sauce, creating a mouthwatering main dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, easy dinners, or weekly meal prep. With minimal prep time and pantry-friendly ingredients, this easy recipe delivers big flavor with very little effort. Whether you’re after a quick dinner idea or cozy food ideas, this one’s a keeper in your rotation.
Ingredients
2 pounds chicken thighs or breasts
8 oz cream cheese
1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/4 cup bacon bits (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
1 tablespoon cold water (optional, for slurry)
Instructions
1. Place 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts into the bottom of your crock pot.
2. Sprinkle 1 (1 oz) packet of ranch seasoning over the chicken.
3. Dot the top with 8 oz of softened cream cheese and pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth.
4. Add 2 teaspoons of minced garlic.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is fork-tender.
6. If desired, thicken the sauce by mixing 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water, stir into the crock pot, and cook on high for 15 more minutes.
7. Stir in 1/4 cup bacon bits if using.
8. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and black pepper over the top before serving.
Notes
Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest sauce.
Chicken thighs provide more flavor, but chicken breasts work great too.
You can double the recipe in a larger crock pot for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: creamy ranch chicken, crock pot recipe, slow cooker chicken, easy dinner, ranch chicken recipe


