Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken (Printable)

Tender ranch-seasoned shredded chicken slow-cooked to perfection, served in warm tortillas with fresh toppings for an easy weeknight meal.

# What You Need:

→ Poultry

01 - 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thighs may be substituted)

→ Seasonings & Sauces

02 - 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
03 - 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
04 - ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth

→ For Serving

05 - 12 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
06 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
07 - 1 cup diced tomatoes
08 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
09 - ½ cup sour cream
10 - ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
11 - Lime wedges

# How To Make:

01 - Place the chicken breasts in an even layer across the bottom of the slow cooker.
02 - Sprinkle the ranch seasoning and taco seasoning evenly over the chicken, coating all surfaces.
03 - Pour the chicken broth along the sides of the slow cooker, avoiding pouring directly over the seasoned chicken to prevent washing off the spices.
04 - Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender and shreds apart easily.
05 - Using two forks, shred the chicken directly inside the slow cooker. Stir thoroughly so the shredded meat absorbs the accumulated juices and seasonings.
06 - Warm the tortillas according to package directions until pliable and lightly toasted.
07 - Fill each warmed tortilla with the shredded ranch chicken. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and a generous squeeze of fresh lime. Serve immediately.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The ranch and taco seasoning combination is the kind of unexpected pairing that makes you wonder why you never tried it before.
  • It requires exactly ten minutes of effort and then the slow cooker does every single thing for you.
  • Leftovers transform into completely different meals without any extra work on your part.
02 -
  • Do not be tempted to cook this on high heat because the chicken will dry out and become stringy before it becomes tender.
  • Stirring in half a cup of salsa right before serving changes the entire dish in the best possible way.
03 -
  • Chicken thighs are almost impossible to overcook in a slow cooker, so use them when you know you might not be home exactly on time.
  • Let the shredded chicken sit in the juices for at least ten minutes before serving because that is when it really soaks up the flavor.

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