Description
Hearty ranch chicken sandwiches emerge as a crowd-pleasing comfort meal straight from your slow cooker. Juicy shredded chicken blends with zesty ranch seasoning, promising a simple yet irresistible dinner you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 lbs (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 packet (28 grams) ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
Serving Components:
- 4 sandwich buns
- Optional toppings: lettuce
- Optional toppings: tomato
- Optional toppings: pickles
- Optional toppings: cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Nestle whole chicken breasts into the slow cooker, creating an even layer.
- Generously dust the chicken with ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and freshly cracked black pepper for robust flavor.
- Carefully pour chicken broth around the seasoned chicken to ensure moisture during cooking.
- Secure the lid and slow cook on low temperature for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken becomes fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
- Remove chicken from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred the meat into fine, tender strands.
- Add cubed cream cheese directly into the shredded chicken, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy texture.
- Transfer the ranch-infused chicken mixture onto soft sandwich buns, allowing the creamy filling to peek out.
- Customize with optional toppings like crisp lettuce, sliced tomatoes, or additional ranch dressing for extra zest.
Notes
- Check chicken doneness by ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety and preventing potential bacterial risks.
- Swap cream cheese with Greek yogurt or dairy-free alternatives to accommodate lactose-intolerant or vegan dietary needs.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and homemade ranch seasoning blend to control salt intake.
- Enhance flavor complexity by adding fresh herbs like chopped chives or dill directly into the shredded chicken mixture for extra brightness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours (on Low) or 3 hours (on High)
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg