How to Make Slow-Cooker Ranch Chicken Sandwiches with Just 5 Ingredients

Name: How to Make Slow-Cooker Ranch Chicken Sandwiches with Just 5 Ingredients
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 3 h 20 min
Yield: 6 - 8 serving(s)
Ingredients: 2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1 (1-ounce) package Ranch dressing mix; Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper; 1/2 c. chicken stock; 8 potato hamburger buns, toasted; Ranch dressing, cooked bacon, sliced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, sliced Monterey Jack cheese, sliced avocado, for serving

It will quickly become your go-to for summer gatherings.

By Charlyne MattoxPublished: Jul 17, 2025

1 Rating

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slow cooker shredded ranch chicken on a toasted hamburger bun topped with melted cheese sliced tomato avocado crispy bacon and shredded lettuce

Becky Luigart-Stayner for Country Living

Yields:

6 - 8 serving(s)

Prep Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

3 hrs 20 mins

Most people think of slow cooker recipes as hearty stews and soups best enjoyed during the blistery winter months. But they’re also perfect for scorching summer days—especially when the air conditioning is already working overtime.

Did you know? Using your oven for an extended period can raise your kitchen and surrounding areas by up to 5°F. That means you're not only using energy to cook but also loads of energy to bring the temperature back down.

Enter the summer slow cooker recipe. There are so many excellent barbecue-style meat dishes—like Slow Cooker Ribs and Slow Cooker Beef Tacos—that come out beautifully with minimal effort. Trust us, when your prepping for a party you’ll love not having to babysit the main course while juggling side dishes, drinks, and party decorations.

Now meet our newest warm-weather favorite: Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken Sandwiches. With just five ingredients (plus your favorite toppings), this recipe delivers incredible flavor with very little prep. Serve it with a few of your favorite summer sides, and you've got and easy, crowd-pleasing meal. Summer entertaining has never been so easy!

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Ingredients

2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 (1-ounce) package Ranch dressing mix
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup chicken stock
8 potato hamburger buns, toasted
Ranch dressing, cooked bacon, sliced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, sliced Monterey Jack cheese, sliced avocado, for serving

Directions

1. Step 1Place chicken in the bowl of a 6-quart slow cooker. Add dressing mix and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Add chicken stock. Cover and cook until chicken is very tender, on high for 3 to 4 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours.
2. Step 2Shred chicken with 2 forks and serve on buns with desired toppings.
Note: To cook in InstaPot, place chicken thighs in bottom of a 6-quart InstaPot. Season as directed and add 1 1/2 cups chicken broth over top. Cover and seal. Set InstaPot to 15 minutes on the Pressure Cook setting. When done, release vent and shred chicken.