Description
Crockpot Ranch Chicken Casserole is a creamy, comforting slow-cooker dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with ranch seasoning, cream of chicken soup, and a medley of vegetables. Combined with cooked pasta and melted cheddar cheese, this casserole offers an easy, dump-and-go meal perfect for busy days or family dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Liquids and Dairy
- 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Pasta
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta, cooked separately
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the crockpot base ensuring they are spread evenly.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning and garlic powder evenly over the chicken breasts to ensure flavor throughout the dish, followed by a pinch of black pepper.
- Add Creamy Ingredients: Pour in the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth over the seasoned chicken, distributing them evenly to keep the chicken moist during cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on LOW heat for 5 to 6 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), indicating it is safely cooked and tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken directly in the crockpot to mix the flavors thoroughly.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese: Add the cream cheese to the crockpot and stir gently until it melts completely, creating a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Add Pasta and Vegetables: Stir in the cooked pasta and frozen peas and carrots to the creamy chicken mixture carefully to avoid breaking the pasta.
- Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture and stir gently to combine, then cover again for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese melts and the vegetables warm through.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted, garnish with sliced green onions before serving to add freshness and a mild onion flavor.
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts for a more moist and flavorful result.
- Broccoli or spinach can be substituted for peas and carrots to vary the vegetable mix.
- For a lighter alternative, replace some or all of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt.
- Do not add the cooked pasta too early in the cooking process to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5–6 hours
- Category: Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
