Are you ever stuck in a dinner rut? You know, that feeling when you want something totally delicious but have zero energy to cook. I get it. That’s when the slow cooker becomes my best friend, and this recipe is a true favorite.
We are talking about one of the most flavorful Chicken Breast Crockpot Recipes you will ever try. It is creamy, tangy, and so simple to put together. You barely have to do any work, and the result is absolutely fantastic. Get ready to add a new staple to your meal rotation.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, the flavor is just incredible. The combination of creamy Boursin cheese, zesty pepperoncini peppers, and savory ranch seasoning is out of this world. It creates a rich, tangy sauce that coats every piece of shredded chicken.
It’s also one of the easiest Chicken Crockpot Meals you can imagine. You literally just place the ingredients in the slow cooker and walk away. There is no browning, no complicated steps. Just pure simplicity. This is what Easy Crockpot Chicken Recipes are all about.
Another great thing is its versatility. You can serve this chicken in so many ways. Pile it high on a toasted bun for a hearty sandwich. Serve it over fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes. You can even spoon it over pasta or a baked potato. The options are endless.
This recipe is also great for meal prep. It makes a generous amount, and the leftovers are just as good, if not better, the next day. It is a wonderful dish to have on hand for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Ingredients
The magic of this recipe is in its simple yet powerful ingredient list. Each one plays a key role in creating that unforgettable flavor.
- 2 lbs. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 ounce packet Ranch Dressing Powder (Hidden Valley works great)
- 8 Pepperoncinis (sliced)
- 1 (5.3 ounce) package Garlic and Herb Boursin Cheese
- 2 to 3 Tablespoons Butter (optional)
Let’s talk a little about these ingredients. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal because they become so tender in the slow cooker and are easy to shred. They soak up all the delicious sauce beautifully.
The ranch dressing powder is a fantastic shortcut. It provides a complex savory and herby flavor base without you having to measure out a dozen different spices. It is a pantry staple for a reason.
Pepperoncinis are the star here. They add a bright, tangy kick that cuts through the richness of the cheese. Don’t worry, they are not overly spicy. They just add a wonderful briny flavor. Using some of their juice is a great tip for extra zest.
And the Boursin cheese? Oh, it is what makes this dish so creamy and luxurious. Its garlic and herb flavor melts right into the other ingredients, creating an amazing sauce. There is really no substitute for its unique texture and taste.
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to see how easy this is? Let’s walk through the process together. It will be done before you know it.
Step 1: Prep The Slow Cooker
First things first, lightly grease your slow cooker crockpot. A quick spray with nonstick cooking spray or a little drizzle of olive oil works wonderfully. This just helps prevent any sticking and makes cleanup a breeze later on.
Step 2: Layer The Ingredients
Now for the fun part. Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning powder, black pepper, and salt evenly over the chicken. Try to get a nice coating on all of them.
Next, scatter the sliced pepperoncini peppers over the top. Then, for that extra bit of tang, drizzle in about one or two tablespoons of the brine from the pepperoncini jar. This little step adds so much flavor.
Finally, place the entire wheel of Boursin cheese right in the center, on top of everything. If you are using butter for extra richness, just dot a few small pieces around the cheese.
Step 3: Cook Low And Slow
Put the lid on your slow cooker and set it to LOW for 4.5 to 5 hours, or on HIGH for 3 hours. I really suggest cooking it on low. The slower cooking time makes the chicken incredibly tender and juicy. It is worth the wait, I promise.
Step 4: Shred The Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a plate or in a shallow bowl. It should be so tender that it practically falls apart. Use two forks to easily shred the chicken into bite sized pieces.
Step 5: Create The Creamy Sauce
While the chicken is out, look at that glorious melted cheese and butter in the crockpot. Use a whisk or a spoon to stir everything together until you have a smooth, creamy, and consistent sauce. It should come together very easily.
Step 6: Combine And Serve
Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to make sure all that chicken is completely coated in the wonderful sauce. Let it all hang out together and warm through for another 10 to 15 minutes. This lets the chicken soak up even more flavor.
Then, it is ready to serve! You can garnish it with a few extra pepperoncini slices or some fresh chopped parsley for a bit of color. This is one of those Chicken Breast Crockpot Recipes that looks as good as it tastes.
How To Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, which is a big if, storing them is simple. Just let the chicken cool down to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days.
Reheating is easy too. You can gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat on the stovetop. Or, you can pop it in the microwave. I suggest adding a splash of chicken broth or water if it seems a little thick to help loosen up the sauce.
This recipe also freezes surprisingly well. Place it in a freezer safe bag or container and it will last for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Tips
Want to customize this recipe? Go for it! You could use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They have a bit more fat, which makes them extra moist. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
If you can’t find Boursin, you can get a similar result by using a block of cream cheese mixed with a little garlic powder and dried herbs like parsley and dill. It will still be creamy and delicious.
For those looking for Healthy Crockpot Recipes, you can make a few adjustments. You can skip the optional butter and choose a lower fat cream cheese alternative if you like. Serving it over a bed of steamed vegetables or quinoa is also a great healthy option.
Don’t be afraid to add more vegetables. Some chopped onions or bell peppers at the bottom of the slow cooker would be a fantastic addition. This is one of those flexible Easy Crockpot Chicken Recipes that you can truly make your own.
Conclusion
Honestly, this is one of my all time favorite Chicken Breast Crockpot Recipes. It’s packed with flavor, ridiculously easy to make, and so satisfying. It’s a wonderful meal for a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend. I hope you and your family enjoy it as much as I do!
FAQ
Can I Make This In The Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt this for the Instant Pot. Place all ingredients in the pot, secure the lid, and cook on high pressure for about 12 to 15 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before doing a quick release. Then shred the chicken and stir the sauce just like in the original recipe.
Is This Recipe Gluten Free?
It can be! Boursin cheese is naturally gluten free, as are the other whole ingredients. The key is to check your ranch seasoning packet. Many brands, including Hidden Valley, are gluten free, but it is always best to double check the label to be certain.
What Can I Serve With This Boursin Chicken?
So many things! It is fantastic on toasted brioche buns for sandwiches. It’s also great over rice, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes to soak up all that creamy sauce. For a lower carb option, try it with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. These are great ideas for any Chicken Crockpot Meals.
Can I Use A Different Kind Of Cheese?
Boursin is highly recommended for its specific garlic and herb flavor profile. However, if you are in a pinch, you could use a block of softened cream cheese mixed with a teaspoon of garlic powder, and half a teaspoon each of dried parsley and dill. The texture will be similar.
Creamy Crockpot Chicken Breast
This creamy, tangy slow cooker chicken breast recipe is incredibly easy to make and packed with flavor. Just add ingredients to the crockpot, cook, shred, and enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort. Perfect for a busy weeknight!
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Lightly grease your slow cooker crockpot. A quick spray with nonstick cooking spray or a little drizzle of olive oil works wonderfully. This just helps prevent any sticking and makes cleanup a breeze later on.
- Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning powder, black pepper, and salt evenly over the chicken. Try to get a nice coating on all of them.
- Next, scatter the sliced pepperoncini peppers over the top. Then, for that extra bit of tang, drizzle in about one or two tablespoons of the brine from the pepperoncini jar. This little step adds so much flavor.
- Finally, place the entire wheel of Boursin cheese right in the center, on top of everything. If you are using butter for extra richness, just dot a few small pieces around the cheese.
- Put the lid on your slow cooker and set it to LOW for 4.5 to 5 hours, or on HIGH for 3 hours. I really suggest cooking it on low. The slower cooking time makes the chicken incredibly tender and juicy. It is worth the wait, I promise.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a plate or in a shallow bowl. It should be so tender that it practically falls apart. Use two forks to easily shred the chicken into bite sized pieces.
- While the chicken is out, look at that glorious melted cheese and butter in the crockpot. Use a whisk or a spoon to stir everything together until you have a smooth, creamy, and consistent sauce. It should come together very easily.
- Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to make sure all that chicken is completely coated in the wonderful sauce. Let it all hang out together and warm through for another 10 to 15 minutes. This lets the chicken soak up even more flavor.
- Then, it is ready to serve! You can garnish it with a few extra pepperoncini slices or some fresh chopped parsley for a bit of color. This is one of those Chicken Breast Crockpot Recipes that looks as good as it tastes.
Notes
You could use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They have a bit more fat, which makes them extra moist. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
If you can’t find Boursin, you can get a similar result by using a block of softened cream cheese mixed with a little garlic powder and dried herbs like parsley and dill. It will still be creamy and delicious.
For those looking for healthy options, you can skip the optional butter and choose a lower fat cream cheese alternative if you like. Serving it over a bed of steamed vegetables or quinoa is also a great healthy option.
Don’t be afraid to add more vegetables. Some chopped onions or bell peppers at the bottom of the slow cooker would be a fantastic addition.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
