Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken (Printable)
Juicy ranch-seasoned shredded chicken made effortlessly in the slow cooker, perfect for taco night.
# What You'll Need:
→ Poultry
01 - 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
→ 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
# Directions:
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 top of the chicken, coating each piece thoroughly.
03 - Pour the chicken broth around the sides of the chicken rather than directly on top to keep the seasonings from washing off.
04 - Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender and easily shreds apart.
05 - Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir the shredded meat through the accumulated juices and seasonings until evenly coated.
06 - Warm the tortillas according to package directions until pliable and lightly toasted.
07 - Fill each tortilla with the shredded ranch chicken and top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and a generous squeeze of fresh lime. Serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The chicken practically shreds itself after a long slow cook, so you never have to worry about tough or dry meat ruining your tacos.
- Two humble seasoning packets create a flavor that tastes like you spent hours building layers from scratch.
- It practically invites everyone to customize their own plate, which means picky eaters and adventurous food lovers can sit at the same table and all leave happy.
02 -
- Pouring the broth over the seasoned chicken instead of around it will wash the seasoning right off, and you will end up with bland meat floating in flavored water at the bottom.
- Resist the urge to lift the lid and check on the chicken during cooking, because every time you do, you add another 15 to 20 minutes to the total cook time.
03 -
- If the juices seem too thin after shredding, let the slow cooker run on high for 15 more minutes with the lid off so the liquid reduces and clings to the chicken.
- Double the recipe and freeze half of the shredded chicken in its juices for a dinner you can thaw and reheat on a night when cooking feels impossible.