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To make a simple and tasty five-ingredient crockpot chicken, gather these items: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 packet ranch seasoning mix - ½ cup cream cheese These ingredients work together to create a rich and creamy dish. The chicken breasts provide a lean protein that cooks to tender perfection. Using low-sodium chicken broth keeps the dish flavorful without being too salty. Cherry tomatoes add a sweet burst of flavor and a pop of color. The ranch seasoning mix gives the dish a tangy kick, while cream cheese melts into a luscious sauce. You can find these ingredients at most grocery stores. This recipe is a great choice for busy weeknights or meal prep. Each ingredient plays a key role, making this dish both easy and delicious. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Placing chicken in the crockpot Start by laying four boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Be sure they are flat and not stacked. This helps them cook evenly. - Adding broth and seasoning Pour one cup of low-sodium chicken broth over the chicken. This keeps the chicken moist. Next, sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix on top. Make sure to cover the chicken well for the best flavor. - Layering tomatoes and cream cheese Halve one cup of cherry tomatoes and place them on top of the chicken. This adds a fresh taste. Cut half a cup of cream cheese into cubes and scatter it over the tomatoes. The cream cheese will melt and create a rich sauce. - Setting the crockpot temperature Cover the crockpot and set it to low heat for 6-7 hours. If you are short on time, you can set it to high heat for 3-4 hours. Either way, the chicken will be tender and full of flavor. - Shredding the chicken for serving About 30 minutes before serving, take two forks and shred the chicken right in the crockpot. Mix it well with the tomatoes and cream cheese. This makes each bite tasty and creamy. - Cooking time breakdown After shredding, let the mixture cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes. This helps thicken the sauce slightly. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it's fully cooked. To ensure chicken tenderness, always use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. These cuts cook evenly and stay juicy. The key is to use chicken broth. It adds moisture and flavor throughout the cooking time. For best results, shred the chicken 30 minutes before serving. This allows the meat to soak up the sauce. Different crockpots can cook at different speeds. Some cook faster than others. If your crockpot runs hot, check your chicken after 3 hours on high heat. If it’s done, you can skip the full 4 hours. If it cooks slower, you might need an extra hour. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F. This dish pairs well with simple sides. Rice or pasta is a perfect choice. They soak up the tasty sauce and make a filling meal. For a lighter option, serve with a fresh salad. Garnishing adds a nice touch. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top. It adds color and a hint of freshness. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice. This brightens the dish and enhances the flavors. Pro Tips Keep it Moist: Make sure to pour the chicken broth evenly over the chicken breasts to prevent dryness during the slow cooking process. Shred at the Right Time: Shred the chicken about 30 minutes before serving to allow it to absorb the flavors from the cream cheese and tomatoes. Thicken the Sauce: Cooking uncovered for the last 30 minutes helps thicken the sauce, making it richer and more flavorful. Flavor Boost: Consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick of flavor. {{image_2}} You can change the ranch seasoning. Try a packet of Italian seasoning for a fresh twist. You can also use taco seasoning for a spicy flavor. For vegetables, cherry tomatoes shine, but you can add bell peppers or zucchini. Both options bring color and extra nutrition. Carrots or mushrooms can also work well. Choose what you love for a personal touch. If you need gluten-free options, check the ranch seasoning packet. Some brands are gluten-free, while others are not. Use gluten-free broth to keep your meal safe. For a dairy-free version, swap cream cheese with a dairy-free spread. You can also use plant-based cream cheese. This keeps the dish creamy without dairy. To store leftovers, let the chicken cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to eat it again, reheat it on low heat. You can use the microwave or a stovetop. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Heat it until warm, but don’t overcook it. You can freeze the chicken before or after cooking. If you freeze it before, store the raw ingredients in a freezer bag. Just label it with the date. You can keep it for up to three months. If you freeze it after cooking, wait for it to cool. Then place it in a freezer-safe container. It will last up to six months in the freezer. For the best taste, try to use it within three months. You can store leftover crockpot chicken in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe to eat. Yes, you can use frozen chicken for this recipe. Just know it will take longer to cook. If using frozen chicken, cook it on high for about five hours. Always check that it reaches 165°F for safety. Crockpot chicken is great with many sides. You can serve it over rice or pasta for a filling meal. Fresh veggies or a simple salad also pair well. For added flavor, try some warm bread on the side. If you want to make more servings, just double the ingredients. You can use the same size crockpot, but it may take longer to cook. Always check the chicken to ensure it is fully cooked before serving. This blog post covered everything you need to make a tasty crockpot chicken dish. We discussed key ingredients like chicken, broth, and cream cheese. I provided step-by-step preparation and cooking instructions, ensuring your chicken turns out tender. You also learned tips for serving and creative dish variations. Plus, I shared smart ways to store leftovers. These tips will help you enjoy this meal long after it’s cooked. You now have all the info to make this dish your own. Happy cooking!

Savory Crockpot Chicken Delight

A delicious and easy chicken dish cooked in a crockpot with ranch seasoning, tomatoes, and cream cheese.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 7 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 0.5 cup cream cheese

Instructions
 

  • Place the boneless chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
  • Pour the chicken broth over the chicken breasts to keep them moist during cooking.
  • Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix evenly over the chicken.
  • Add the halved cherry tomatoes on top of the chicken and seasoning mix.
  • Cut the cream cheese into cubes and scatter it on top of the tomatoes.
  • Cover the crockpot and set it to low heat for 6-7 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  • About 30 minutes before serving, shred the chicken using two forks in the crockpot, mixing it well with the tomatoes and cream cheese sauce.
  • Allow the mixture to cook for the final 30 minutes uncovered to thicken slightly.

Notes

Serve over rice or pasta, garnished with parsley.
Keyword chicken, comfort food, crockpot, easy dinner, ranch