Fiesta Ranch Creamy Crockpot Chicken

There’s something incredibly comforting about coming home to the rich aroma of Fiesta Ranch Creamy Crockpot Chicken. Picture this: after a long day, you walk through your door to find dinner practically waiting for you. The slow cooker has done all the heavy lifting, transforming simple ingredients into a creamy, flavorful dish. I can still remember the first time I made this recipe. It was a chilly evening, and I had friends over for dinner. I wanted to serve something that was not only hearty but also easy to prepare. The moment I served the Fiesta Ranch Creamy Crockpot Chicken, everyone’s eyes lit up with anticipation, and the first taste was met with delighted smiles. That’s the magic of this dish; it brings warmth and contentment with every bite.

Fiesta Ranch Creamy Crockpot Chicken Ingredients

The ingredients for Fiesta Ranch Creamy Crockpot Chicken are simple yet effective. Each plays a role in creating a deliciously creamy and flavorful dish. The chicken serves as the main protein, while the spices and cream cheese elevate the flavors, making for a comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy.

• 2 tablespoons of water – To help create moisture in the slow cooker.
• 2 pounds of chicken breasts (not frozen) – The star of the show, providing protein and texture.
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil – Adds richness and helps to sauté the spices.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cumin – A warm spice that adds depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon of ancho chili powder – Introduces a mild heat and smokiness.
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder – Enhances the savoriness of the dish.
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder – Adds sweetness and depth.
• 1 teaspoon of salt – Essential for flavor balance.
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano – Brings a hint of earthiness.
• 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika – Adds a lovely smoky flavor.
• 1 packet of dry ranch seasoning mix (3 tablespoons) – A zesty addition that ties everything together.
• 8 oz. of ⅓ less fat cream cheese, cubed – Provides creaminess and richness without the extra calories.
• Hot sauce to taste – For those who enjoy a bit of spice.

Directions for Fiesta Ranch Creamy Crockpot Chicken

Cooking Fiesta Ranch Creamy Crockpot Chicken is as simple as it gets! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a creamy, flavorful dish that everyone will love. It’s about layering flavors and letting the slow cooker work its magic.

1. Begin by lightly greasing your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Add two tablespoons of water to the bottom of the slow cooker. This moisture will help in cooking the chicken.
3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, ground cumin, ancho chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. This seasoning mix is where the flavor begins!
4. Rub this mixture all over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated. Take your time here; the more flavor you can get on the chicken, the better.
5. Place the seasoned chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure to pour any remaining seasoning mix on top of the chicken.
6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2 to 4 hours, or on low for 6 to 7 hours. The chicken should be tender enough to shred when done. Be careful not to overcook it, as you want it to remain juicy.
7. Once cooked, take the chicken out and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for 5 minutes before shredding. This resting time helps retain moisture.
8. Drain any excess liquid from the slow cooker, then return the shredded chicken to the pot.
9. Top the shredded chicken with the cubed cream cheese and sprinkle the dry ranch seasoning mix over the top. This step is crucial for creaminess and flavor.
10. Cook on high for an additional 20 minutes, allowing the cream cheese to melt. Stir well until the chicken is evenly coated with the creamy mixture. Taste your creation and add hot sauce if desired for an extra kick!

This dish is delicious as a filling in tacos, taquitos, burritos, or enchiladas. The options are endless!

Pro Tips and Tweaks

To make your Fiesta Ranch Creamy Crockpot Chicken experience even better, here are some pro tips to consider. These are tried and tested recommendations that will help enhance your dish.

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
• Freezing: If you have extra, this dish freezes well! Store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Pairing: Serve this dish with fresh avocado, diced tomatoes, and cilantro for a refreshing contrast.
• Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños to the slow cooker for an extra kick!
• Experiment: Feel free to swap out the cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative if necessary.
• Garnish: Top with shredded cheese or sour cream before serving for added richness.

Accompaniments for Fiesta Ranch Creamy Crockpot Chicken

Serving Fiesta Ranch Creamy Crockpot Chicken can be as versatile as the dish itself! Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

• Tacos: Serve this chicken in soft or hard taco shells with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese.
• Rice Bowls: Create a hearty meal by serving the chicken over a bed of rice or quinoa, topped with fresh veggies.
• Nachos: Use the chicken as a topping for nachos, layering it with cheese, guacamole, and salsa for a tasty snack.
• Salads: Pair it with mixed greens for a light meal that’s refreshing and satisfying.
• Wraps: Roll up the chicken with some fresh greens and a drizzle of your favorite dressing for a quick lunch.
• Seasonal Pairings: This dish is perfect for gatherings and works beautifully in any season!

FAQ

Conclusion

The Fiesta Ranch Creamy Crockpot Chicken is not just a recipe; it’s a celebration of flavor, convenience, and comfort. With its rich, creamy texture and zesty kick, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Don’t hesitate to give it a try; you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to whip up a meal that feels as good as it tastes. So gather your ingredients and let the slow cooker do its magic!

Fiesta Ranch Creamy Crockpot Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Fiesta Ranch Creamy Crockpot Chicken is a creamy, zesty dish that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Packed with flavor, this easy-to-make recipe will have your family craving more!

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 360

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 pounds chicken breasts not frozen
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 packet dry ranch seasoning mix (3 tablespoons)
• 8 oz. ⅓ less fat cream cheese cubed
• to taste hot sauce

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Mixing Bowl
• Slow Cooker

Method

 

1. Lightly grease slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Add two tablespoons water.
2. In a small bowl, mix olive oil and seasonings EXCEPT Ranch seasoning. Rub mixture all over chicken then place chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker along with any remaining mixture.
3. Cook on high for 2 to 4 hours or on low for 6 to 7 hours or until chicken is tender enough to shred, being careful not to overcook.
4. Remove chicken to a cutting board, and let rest 5 minutes before shredding. Drain excess liquid in slow cooker.
5. Return shredded chicken to slow cooker. Top shredded chicken with cubed cream cheese and sprinkle with ranch seasoning. Cook on HIGH an additional 20 minutes then stir in cream cheese until chicken is evenly coated. Taste and add hot sauce to taste if desired.
6. Delicious as filling in tacos, taquitos, burritos, enchiladas, etc.

Notes

• Tip 1: If you use regular cream cheese, then you will need to soften it before adding to slow cooker.

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Meet Jenna Miller

I’m the one who brought this group together. I’ve always believed that food tastes better when it’s shared, and I wanted to create a space that felt as warm and sunny as our home state. I’m usually the one writing our posts and helping Brooke develop our main course recipes. My favorite days are when we’re all in the kitchen together, music on, cooking up our next idea.