Slow-Cooked Ranch Chicken in Creamy Herb Sauce
Description
Slow-Cooked Ranch Chicken in Creamy Herb Sauce features juicy chicken simmered slowly in a creamy mixture of herbs, garlic, and ranch seasoning. The long cooking time makes the chicken incredibly tender while blending all the flavors into a smooth, savory sauce. It pairs perfectly with rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta.
Flavor profile: Creamy • Savory • Herbaceous • Mildly tangy
Skill level: Easy
Best for: Family dinners, comfort food meals, meal prep
Time Required
Task
Time
Prep Time
10 minutes
Slow Cooking Time
4–6 hours (low) or 2–3 hours (high)
Total Time
4–6 hours 10 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 28 g)
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
½ cup chicken broth
120 g cream cheese (softened)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tsp dried parsley
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp black pepper
Salt to taste
Optional Add-Ins
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Mushrooms or spinach
Chili flakes for slight heat
Garnish
Fresh parsley
Extra herbs
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together:
Ranch seasoning
Cream
Chicken broth
Cream cheese
Garlic
Parsley and thyme
Mix until smooth.
Step 3: Cook
Pour sauce over chicken.
Cover and cook:
LOW: 4–6 hours (best texture)
HIGH: 2–3 hours
Step 4: Finish the Sauce
Stir sauce well before serving.
If desired, shred chicken and mix back into sauce.
Step 5: Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
Cooking Tips
Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
Add Parmesan at the end for richer flavor.
If sauce is too thick, add a little warm broth.
For thicker sauce, cook uncovered for last 20 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Steamed rice
Garlic mashed potatoes
Buttered pasta
Roasted vegetables
Crusty bread
Nutritional Estimate (Per Serving)
Calories: ~420 kcal
Protein: 35 g
Fat: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 6 g
(Varies by ingredients used.)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this without a slow cooker?
Yes. Simmer covered in a pan on low heat for 30–40 minutes until chicken is cooked.
2. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Add 1 tsp cornstarch if needed.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
4. Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
5. How do I make it healthier?
Use low-fat cream cheese, light cream, or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.