Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken (Keto+Gluten Free)
This easy Crockpot Ranch Chicken is the perfect set it and forget it meal! It is great for tacos, salads, sandwiches, and all kinds of keto meal prep!
This easy Crockpot Ranch Chicken is a staple in our house. It is my go-to dinner when I am feeling uninspired because it is extremely versatile. You can toss this with pasta, serve over rice, add to toasted buns with melty cheese, or make amazing tacos! In addition to being gluten-free, it also has no nuts or eggs and is low-carb and keto-friendly.
If you like the tangy pepperoncini flavor from a classic Mississippi Pot Roast, you are going to love this chicken recipe! You only need five ingredients and a slow cooker for this amazingly easy, flavorful meal. Forget the mountain of dishes, grab that crock pot and make this freezer-friendly meal for simple dinners all week!
Ingredients
This Hidden Valley Ranch chicken recipe has super basic ingredients. For exact measurements, scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- Chicken – I used boneless skinless chicken breasts, but you could easily use chicken tenderloins or thighs if you prefer. While it technically could work with bone-in chicken, that would add the additional step of deboning the chicken.
- Butter and Cream cheese – This makes it ultra creamy and ensures that the chicken stays nice and juicy. I have not tried any dairy-free alternatives, but I imagine those commercial substitutes could work. You can use low-fat or full-fat cream cheese; it will work the same. I recommend unsalted butter since the ranch seasoning has a hefty dose of sodium.
- Ranch seasoning packet – I use Hidden Valley Ranch as we know it is gluten-free. Feel free to use your favorite brand, homemade ranch seasoning mix, or even their other flavors like Buffalo Ranch, Lemon Pepper Ranch, etc. if you want a different twist. Do not use the liquid dressing in a bottle.
- Pepperoncini peppers – These jarred peppers do not add a lot of heat or spice, more of a tangy flavor that complements the ranch seasoning very well.
How to Make Crockpot Ranch Chicken
This cream cheese ranch chicken is possibly the easiest recipe ever! You don’t need to melt the butter or soften the cream cheese — Just pour it all into the slow cooker and cook for 6-8 hours on low. Once cooked through, remove chicken breasts and peppers from the crock pot, shred with forks or a mixer, then add back into the slow cooker to coat in the creamy sauce.
How to Serve Ranch Chicken
As I mentioned, this is a great all purpose chicken recipe. Since I have been doing keto I had this with roasted vegetables (zucchini, cabbage, or mushrooms are so quick and easy) and then had the leftovers on a “taco shell” (melted provolone cheese or zucchini tortillas) and a salad. It’s also an amazing snack stuffed into mini sweet peppers and topped with cheese!
Mr. Maebell, who is not keto, likes it best on tostadas or a toasted gluten-free English muffin. He also loves these easy Air Fryer Potato Wedges for a quick, delicious side. It would make a great filling for a Baked Potato with some bacon and cheddar cheese, too!
Storage and Reheating
This crockpot ranch chicken will last up to five days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you want to prep this for later, place the creamy chicken in a freezer-safe bag and freeze up to three months. To thaw, place in the fridge overnight or place the bag in a bowl of cool water. Reheating is simple — Just microwave on 50% power in 1-minute increments, stirring between each blast.
Tips for Making Crockpot Chicken with Ranch Seasoning
- You want to use a ranch seasoning packet for this recipe, not the pre-made bottled dressing.
- If needed, check that your ranch seasoning is certified gluten-free. I used Hidden Valley ranch seasoning.
- I used full-fat, brick style cream cheese for this recipe, but low-fat cream cheese would work too.
- Use boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken tenderloins if that is what you have on hand.
More Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Ranch Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 1-ounce package Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix
- 8-10 pepperoncini peppers, from the jar
Equipment
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a small slow cooker (I use a 2 quart and it fits perfectly).
- Cook on low for 8 hours.
- Stir and shred the chicken and peppers when ready to serve.
