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Dump and Go Creamy Ranch Chicken - Easy, Cozy, Weeknight Comfort

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning (about 1 ounce)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for extra tang and richness)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (optional for added richness)
  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish
  • Salt to taste (add at the end; ranch packets can be salty)

Method
 

  1. Prep the pan or slow cooker: Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish or the insert of your slow cooker with a little oil or cooking spray.
  2. Arrange the chicken: Place the chicken in a single layer. If the pieces are thick, you can lightly pound them to even thickness for more consistent cooking.
  3. Mix the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the ranch seasoning, cream cheese, chicken broth, garlic, onion powder, black pepper, and olive oil or butter. If using sour cream, stir it in now. The mixture will be lumpy—that’s okay; it smooths out as it cooks.
  4. Pour and cover: Pour the sauce over the chicken. Make sure each piece gets coated. Cover tightly with foil if baking, or place the lid on the slow cooker.
  5. Cook it: Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–35 minutes, depending on thickness, until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Slow cooker: Cook on Low for 4–5 hours or on High for 2–3 hours, until tender and fully cooked.
  7. Stir and taste: Remove the chicken and whisk the sauce in the pan or slow cooker to smooth it out. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
  8. Serve: Slice or shred the chicken and spoon the creamy ranch sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives.
  9. Pair it: Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or roasted vegetables. Add a crisp salad to balance the richness.