Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of perfectly cooked, tender chicken that practically melts in your mouth - without spending hours in the kitchen! This Slow Cooker Chicken in a Hurry recipe is your ultimate lifesaver for busy weeknights, promising restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Whether you're a cooking novice or a seasoned home chef, this foolproof dish will transform your meal prep from stressful to sensational, delivering a delicious dinner that will have your family asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup chopped vegetables (carrots, celery, etc.)
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by patting chicken breasts dry with paper towels and ensuring they are trimmed of any excess fat.
- In a large slow cooker, pour the entire can of cream of mushroom soup and spread it evenly across the bottom of the cooking vessel.
- Sprinkle the entire packet of ranch seasoning over the soup base, creating an even layer of seasoning.
- Gently place the chicken breasts on top of the seasoned soup layer, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Add chopped vegetables around and between the chicken breasts, distributing them evenly throughout the slow cooker.
- Slowly pour the chicken broth around the sides of the chicken, being careful not to wash away the seasoning on top.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to low heat setting for 6 hours.
- After 6 hours, check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, carefully remove chicken and vegetables, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Optional: Shred chicken or slice and serve with the vegetables and sauce from the slow cooker.
Tips
- Pat chicken breasts completely dry before cooking to ensure better seasoning adherence and more flavorful results.
- For extra moisture, consider using chicken thighs instead of breasts, as they tend to be more forgiving in slow cookers.
- Don't lift the lid during cooking - each time you do, you'll add 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.
- Use fresh vegetables when possible for the best texture and flavor profile.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir into the liquid during the last hour of cooking.
- Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken has reached the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For added depth of flavor, consider briefly searing the chicken breasts before placing them in the slow cooker.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 97kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
