Description
Succulent ranch chicken sandwiches elevate weeknight dinner with minimal effort. Creamy, tangy sauce and tender shredded meat create a simple meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 pounds (0.9 kg) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
- 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
Bread and Optional Toppings:
- 4 sandwich buns
- Optional: shredded lettuce
- Optional: sliced tomatoes
- Optional: crispy bacon
Instructions
- Nestle chicken breasts into the crock pot and gently pour chicken broth around them, ensuring they are partially submerged.
- Generously dust the chicken with ranch seasoning mix, incorporating garlic powder, onion powder, and freshly cracked black pepper for a robust flavor profile.
- Secure the lid and slow cook on low temperature for 6-7 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours until chicken becomes exceptionally tender and easily pulls apart.
- Using two forks, methodically shred the cooked chicken directly inside the crock pot, breaking it into delicate, uniform pieces.
- Add cream cheese and sour cream to the shredded chicken, stirring thoroughly to create a smooth, velvety sauce that coats every morsel.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, which helps meld the flavors and achieve a rich, creamy consistency.
- Transfer the luxurious chicken mixture onto soft sandwich buns, garnishing with optional toppings like fresh herbs or crisp lettuce for added texture and freshness.
Notes
- Swap chicken breasts with thighs for richer, more tender meat that stays juicy during slow cooking.
- Add a splash of white wine or apple cider to chicken broth for deeper flavor complexity.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium broth and homemade ranch seasoning blend.
- Lactose-free adaptation works perfectly by substituting dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg