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Switch up taco night with these 4-ingredient slow cooker ranch tacos! The chicken shreds perfectly and is packed with flavor. Dinner has never been easier!

Ranch seasoning powder is the secret weapon in so many delicious recipes! It adds the best flavor in recipes like this Mississippi pork roast, my poolside dip, or these yummy chicken bacon ranch pinwheels.

Top view of slow cooker ranch chicken tacos on a platter.

Reasons to Make These Tacos!

  • 5 Minutes to Prepare: Everyone has 5 minutes to throw dinner together! It’s a fast and easy dinner to put in the slow cooker before your day gets busy.
  • Versatile: Yes, these are ranch chicken tacos, but you can enjoy them any way you want! Add the shredded chicken to salads, in a rice bowl, or on nachos.
  • Dinner is Ready When You Get Home: I love it when I can walk in the door and immediately feed my family! No one has to wait for dinner to be made because it’s in the slow cooker ready to go.

Ranch Chicken Tacos

I love ranch AND I love tacos! Put the two together and I’m in heaven! These are so easy to make with only 4 ingredients. Groceries can be expensive with a family and this is the perfect meal on a budget! Simply throw it all in the slow cooker and dinner is ready when you are. The ranch seasoning mixed with the taco flavors is such a delicious combination and the chicken shreds perfectly! This slow cooker ranch chicken can be enjoyed in tacos, or on nachos, or add it to a salad or a rice bowl. The possibilities are endless!

Any kind of taco meat made in the slow cooker is the way to go! It’s easy to prepare the meat is always tender. Try this sweet pulled pork, pork chili verde, or this tasty salsa chicken. All easy slow cooker recipes that never disappoint!

Ingredients For Slow Cooker Ranch Tacos

It doesn’t get any easier than a 4 ingredient dinner! You’re going to love how easy these slow cooker ranch tacos are to prepare. It is also a very inexpensive meal to feed your family! I love this recipe when I’m trying to make more budget-friendly dinners. Follow the recipe card below for exact measurements!

  • Chicken Breasts: Boneless skinless chicken breast is my favorite, but boneless skinless chicken thighs would also be delicious!
  • Ranch Seasoning Packet: I always have these packets on hand! It adds great flavor to so many recipes.
  • Taco Seasoning: I always use my homemade taco seasoning because it’s so quick and easy to make! It also lasts up to 6 months!
  • Chicken Broth: Adds flavor as it cooks all day in the chicken broth.
Ingredients labeled to make the chicken.
Ingredients labeled to make the tacos.

Slow Cooker Ranch Tacos Recipe

This recipe is SO simple and prepped in no time at all! It only takes 5 minutes to throw it all together then the slow cooker does all the work. My kids beg for these tacos to be on the weekly rotation because they’re just that good!

  1. Add Chicken to the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken into the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. Sprinkle on the Seasonings: Sprinkle the taco seasoning and ranch powder over the chicken.
  3. Pour in the Chicken Broth: Pour the chicken broth over the seasonings.
  4. Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours.
  5. Shred and Enjoy: Shred the chicken using two forks. Serve with tortillas and your favorite taco toppings.

Tips and Variations

These slow cooker ranch tacos are so versatile, and there are lots of ways to make it just the way you like it! Follow my tips and ideas below for switching up how you make this delicious dinner.

  • Add Veggies: Throw in some sliced onions or sliced bell peppers in the slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients. They will soften as they cook with the chicken while adding extra nutrition to your meal.
  • Beans: Canned beans would be a tasty texture to add to the chicken. Try pinto beans or black beans, or use your favorite beans because any kind would work in this recipe. Just drain and rinse the beans before adding them to the slow cooker.
  • Easy Cleanup: To make cleanup easier, line your crock pot with a slow cooker line or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Shredding Tips: An easy way to shred the chicken is by using a stand mixer or an electric hand mixer. Two forks will do the trick, but I find that the chicken shreds better and much easier with the mixer.
  • Serving: Skip the tortillas and serve this chicken over a salad, rice, or on a plate of nachos!
Top view of cooked in a slow cooker with a wooden spoon and cilantro garnished on top.

Can I Use the Instant Pot?

Want to speed up the cooking time? These ranch chicken tacos can easily be made in an instant pot. Add all of the ingredients to the pot. Secure the lid in the “seal” mode then cook on “manual” mode for 25 minutes. Allow the instant pot to release the steam then you can shred the chicken and enjoy!

Storing Leftover Slow Cooker Ranch Tacos

These slow-cooker ranch tacos make the best leftovers! I’d recommend doubling the recipe because it’s perfect for making lunches and dinners all week long.

  • In the Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • In the Freezer: Once cooled, place the leftovers in a sealable bag or airtight container. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • To Reheat: Thaw frozen meat in the refrigerator then reheat the salsa chicken in the microwave or over the stove until warmed through.
Close view of a hand holding an assembled taco.

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Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken Tacos

By: Alyssa Rivers
Switch up taco night with these 4-ingredient slow cooker ranch tacos! The chicken shreds perfectly and is packed with flavor. Dinner has never been easier!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 6 people

Ingredients 

For Serving

Instructions 

  • Place the chicken into the bottom of the slow cooker.
  • Sprinkle the taco seasoning and ranch powder over the chicken.
  • Pour the chicken broth over the seasonings.
  • Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours.
  • Shred the chicken using two forks. Serve with tortillas and your favorite taco toppings.

Notes

Updated on May 02, 2024
Originally Posted on September 09, 2012

Nutrition

Calories: 199kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 32gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 98mgSodium: 1141mgPotassium: 566mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 593IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 9mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dinner
Tried this recipe?Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic!

About Alyssa Rivers

Alyssa Rivers is the author of 'The Tried and True Cookbook', a professional food photographer and experienced recipe-developer. Having a passion for cooking, her tried and true recipes have been featured on Good Morning America, Today Food, Buzzfeed and more.

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3 Comments

    1. Hi Marianne! One packet of taco seasoning is equivalent to about three tablespoons. Depending on how spicy you want it, I would start with two tablespoons and add more to get the flavor where you want! I hope this helps! Let me know how it turns out!