If you’re on the hunt for a simple, no-fuss dinner that will leave your whole family asking for seconds, these Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken Tacos are a game-changer! The chicken turns out irresistibly tender, perfectly seasoned with a bold combo of taco spices and ranch, and paired with sweet bell peppers and onions. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want to set it and forget it. Plus, kids love customizing their tacos with their favorite toppings!
In just 10 minutes of prep, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing meal ready to go in your slow cooker. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or a lazy Sunday, this recipe is bound to be a hit!
Jump to RecipeWhat You’ll Need

- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch dressing dry mix
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 onion, peeled and cut into ½-inch wide and 2-inch long strips
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and cut into ½-inch wide and 2-inch long strips
- 1 red or orange bell pepper, seeded and cut into ½-inch wide and 2-inch long strips
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes
- 1 cup water
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Spices: For even bolder flavor, you can substitute the taco seasoning packet with a homemade blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Layer Ingredients Correctly: Placing the chicken on the bottom of the slow cooker ensures it absorbs all the seasoning and juices, making it extra tender.
- Prevent Soggy Veggies: If you prefer crisper bell peppers, add them during the last 2 hours of cooking rather than at the start.
- Double It Up: This recipe freezes beautifully. Make extra chicken and freeze the leftovers for quick taco nights or burrito bowls.
- Shredding Hack: Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to shred the chicken quickly and evenly.
Tools You’ll Need
- 4-6 quart slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Forks (for shredding)
Substitutions and Variations
- Protein Swap: Try boneless skinless chicken thighs for an even juicier result.
- Veggie Options: Add sliced zucchini or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium taco seasoning and bouillon to reduce the salt content.
- Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce for heat.
- Dairy-Free: Skip the ranch mix and add extra taco seasoning for a dairy-free option.
Make Ahead Tips
- Prep the Night Before: Slice the vegetables and measure out the seasonings the evening before to make morning assembly quick and effortless.
- Freeze for Later: Combine all the ingredients (except the water) in a freezer-safe bag, then thaw overnight and cook as directed.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Layer the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a 4-6 quart slow cooker. Sprinkle half of the ranch dressing mix and half of the taco seasoning over the chicken. Flip the chicken and sprinkle the other half of the seasoning.
Step 2: Add Vegetables

Layer the sliced onion, green bell pepper, and red or orange bell pepper on top of the seasoned chicken.
Step 3: Add Liquid and Bouillon
Add the chicken bouillon cubes to the slow cooker and pour in 1 cup of water.
Step 4: Cook
Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Set it to low and cook for 6-8 hours, or high for 4-6 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is tender, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. Mix the chicken with the juices and vegetables.
Step 6: Serve

Serve the chicken hot with warm tortillas and your favorite taco toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, and avocado.
Leftovers and Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth.
- Freezer: Freeze shredded chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
- Meal Prep: Use leftovers in salads, burrito bowls, quesadillas, or as a topping for nachos.
Ready to Try These Tasty Tacos?
I’m confident your family will devour these Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken Tacos just like mine does! Whether it’s a busy weekday or a lazy weekend, this recipe brings incredible flavor with minimal effort. Don’t forget to personalize your tacos with your favorite toppings, and let me know how they turned out in the comments below. Happy cooking!
Chicken Ranch Slow Cooker Tacos
6
servings10
minutes6
hoursNeed an easy dinner? These Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken Tacos take just 10 minutes to prep—set it and forget it! Perfect for busy nights, and kids love customizing their tacos.
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Ingredients
2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 packet ranch dressing dry mix
1 packet taco seasoning (or 3T of seasoning)
1 onion, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch wide and 2-inch long strips
1 red or orange bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch wide and 2-inch long strips
2 chicken bouillon cubes
1 cup water
Directions
- Place the chicken in a 4-6 quart slow cooker. Sprinkle half of the ranch mix and half of the taco seasoning over the chicken, then flip the chicken and sprinkle with the remaining ranch and taco seasonings.
- Place the sliced onion and bell peppers in the slow cooker on top of the chicken.
- Add the chicken bouillon cubes to the slow cooker along with 1 cup of water.
- Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours until the chicken is fork tender (or high for 4-6 hours).
- Shred the chicken with forks.
- Serve the chicken hot in hard shell corn taco shells and taco toppings.
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Final Thoughts
These Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken Tacos are the perfect go-to meal for busy nights. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, they make dinnertime effortless and enjoyable. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a fun Taco Tuesday, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and let me know how you like it!