This incredibly simple 3 Packet Crockpot Chicken combines ranch seasoning, Italian dressing mix, and chicken gravy for a flavorful, tender shredded chicken that practically cooks itself. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This 3 Packet Crockpot Chicken recipe is a game-changer for busy households. With just five minutes of prep time and a handful of ingredients, you’ll have incredibly flavorful, versatile shredded chicken ready to use in countless meals. The combination of ranch, Italian, and gravy seasonings creates a depth of flavor that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, when in reality your slow cooker did all the work. It’s perfect for meal prep, freezes beautifully, and can be transformed into sandwiches, tacos, pasta dishes, salads, and more. Best of all, it’s nearly impossible to mess up, making it ideal for beginner cooks and seasoned chefs alike.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts are the star of this dish, becoming tender and easily shreddable after slow cooking. You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result if preferred.
Ranch seasoning powder adds a creamy, herbaceous flavor profile with notes of dill, garlic, and onion that infuses the chicken as it cooks. This packet is a powerhouse of flavor without any work.
Italian dressing powder brings tangy, herbal notes with oregano, basil, and a hint of acidity that balances the richness of the other seasonings. It adds complexity that makes people wonder what your secret ingredient is.
Chicken gravy powder creates a savory base that thickens slightly during cooking, ensuring your chicken stays moist while adding depth and umami flavor. This packet is what transforms the cooking liquid into something truly special.
Low-sodium chicken broth provides the moisture needed for proper slow cooking while enhancing the chicken flavor. Water can be substituted in a pinch, but broth adds extra dimension to the final dish.
Directions
- Spray the inside of the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine chicken broth, ranch seasoning, Italian dressing powder, and chicken gravy powder. Whisk until dissolved.
- Pour the broth mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5 hours or HIGH for 4 hours. Shred the chicken with two forks and serve.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields 6 generous servings at approximately 320 calories per serving. Prep time is just 5 minutes, with a cooking time of 4 hours on high (or 5 hours on low), for a total time of 4 hours and 5 minutes. It’s perfect for meal prepping on Sunday for use throughout the week, or for feeding a family with plenty of leftovers.
Variations
Mexican-Style: Add a packet of taco seasoning instead of the Italian dressing mix, then use the shredded chicken for tacos, burritos, or taco salads.
BBQ Chicken: Add 1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce along with just the ranch packet for tangy BBQ pulled chicken perfect for sandwiches.
Buffalo Chicken: Add ½ cup buffalo sauce with the ranch and gravy packets (omit Italian) for spicy buffalo chicken perfect for wraps or pizza toppings.
Garlic Parmesan: Use the Italian and gravy packets, then add 4 cloves of minced garlic and finish with ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese after shredding.
Lemon Herb: Use just the ranch and gravy packets, then add the zest and juice of one lemon and 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep the chicken in its cooking liquid to maintain moisture.
Freezer: This chicken freezes exceptionally well. Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags along with some of the cooking liquid and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date and contents.
Reheating: For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat in a microwave with a splash of water or broth at 50% power, stirring occasionally until heated through (about 2-3 minutes). Alternatively, reheat gently on the stovetop in a covered pan with a splash of liquid over medium-low heat.
Meal Prep Tip: Portion into individual containers with sides like rice, pasta, or vegetables for ready-to-go lunches throughout the week.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
While it’s generally not recommended to use frozen meat in a slow cooker for food safety reasons, if you must use frozen chicken, add an additional 1-2 hours of cooking time and ensure the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature before shredding.
What if I don’t have all three seasoning packets?
You can still make a delicious version with just one or two of the packets. The flavor profile will be different but still tasty. If missing one, increase the others slightly or add your own seasonings like garlic powder, dried herbs, or onion powder.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Sturdy vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or onions can be added at the beginning. More delicate vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini should be added in the last 30-60 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and shreds easily with two forks. If it’s difficult to shred, it likely needs more time.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not typically, as many gravy and seasoning packets contain gluten. Check all packet ingredients carefully or look for specifically labeled gluten-free alternatives of each seasoning type.
Can I make this with chicken thighs instead?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and often result in juicier, more flavorful shredded chicken. The cooking time remains approximately the same.
What can I serve with 3 Packet Crockpot Chicken?
This versatile chicken pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, on sandwiches, in wraps, on salads, as a pizza topping, or stuffed in baked potatoes.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles well. Just ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra chicken without overcrowding, which could affect cooking time and evenness.
How can I make this recipe lower in sodium?
Use low-sodium chicken broth, look for reduced-sodium seasoning packets, and consider using only half of each packet if sodium is a concern. You can add additional herbs and spices to compensate for flavor.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot instead?
Yes! Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot, seal, and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes with a 10-minute natural release. Then shred the chicken as directed.
Conclusion
This 3 Packet Crockpot Chicken recipe proves that exceptional flavor doesn’t have to be complicated. With minimal prep time and just a handful of ingredients, you’ll create tender, versatile shredded chicken that can transform your weeknight meals. The beauty lies in its simplicity and adaptability – use it as a foundation for countless dishes throughout the week. Whether you’re a busy parent, meal prep enthusiast, or someone who appreciates effortless cooking, this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your rotation. The combination of convenience and incredible flavor makes it a true kitchen hero that you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Print
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A flavorful, easy-to-make crockpot chicken recipe using ranch seasoning, Italian dressing powder, and chicken gravy powder.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (1-ounce) packet ranch seasoning powder
- 1 (0.6-ounce) packet Italian dressing powder
- 1 (0.9-ounce) packet chicken gravy powder
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
Instructions
- Spray the inside of the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine chicken broth, ranch seasoning, Italian dressing powder, and chicken gravy powder. Whisk until dissolved.
- Pour the broth mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
- Shred the chicken with two forks and serve.
Notes
- You can use water instead of chicken broth if desired for a lighter option.
- Feel free to add veggies like carrots or potatoes for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 56 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
