Toss fresh diced chicken breast in the slow cooker and 4 other simple items to get a meal so delicious your family will be begging for more.

This 5-ingredient slow cooker Father’s Day feast chicken is the kind of set-it-and-forget-it meal that makes you look like a kitchen rock star with almost no effort. You start by tossing fresh diced chicken breast right into the bottom of the slow cooker, then add just four pantry-friendly ingredients to build a creamy, savory sauce that tastes like you fussed all afternoon. It’s perfect for busy parents who still want something special on the table, and it’s simple enough that even on a hot summer day you don’t have to turn on the oven.

Serve this creamy slow cooker chicken spooned over hot cooked egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes so all that flavorful sauce has something to soak into. Add a simple green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted broccoli on the side to round out the plate. Warm dinner rolls or garlic bread are always a hit for sopping up the extra sauce, and if you’re making it for Father’s Day, finish the meal with an easy dessert like brownies or a fruit crisp to make it feel extra celebratory.

Servings: 6

2 1/2 pounds fresh boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into 1-inch pieces

Place the fresh diced chicken breast in an even layer in the bottom of the slow cooker. This should look like a full, single layer of chicken pieces resting on the bottom, with no liquid yet.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, dry ranch seasoning mix, and chicken broth until smooth and well combined.

Pour the soup mixture evenly over the diced chicken in the slow cooker, making sure most of the chicken is covered with sauce.

Dot the top of the sauce with the pieces of butter, spacing them out so they can melt and flavor the whole dish.

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours, or on HIGH for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach at least 165°F (74°C).

Once cooked, give the chicken and sauce a gentle stir to coat all the pieces evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt or pepper if needed, keeping in mind the ranch mix already adds saltiness.

Serve the creamy chicken hot over noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes, spooning extra sauce over the top.

For picky eaters, you can dial back the ranch flavor by using only 3/4 of the packet and adding a splash more broth; the sauce will be milder but still creamy and comforting. If your family likes a little extra richness, stir in 1/4 cup of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt during the last 10 minutes of cooking (this keeps it from curdling) for a tangy, silky sauce. To sneak in some veggies, scatter 1 to 1 1/2 cups of frozen peas and carrots or mixed vegetables over the chicken before you pour on the sauce; they will cook along with the chicken and make this more of a one-pot meal. You can also swap cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery if that’s what you have on hand. For a bit of texture, top each serving with shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled cooked bacon, or sliced green onions. If you need to stretch the meal, add an extra 1/2 cup of broth and serve it like a gravy over toast or biscuits. FOOD SAFETY TIPS: Always start with fresh, fully thawed chicken breast—never add frozen chicken directly to the slow cooker, as it can stay too long in the temperature “danger zone” and increase the risk of bacteria growth. Dice the chicken on a clean cutting board reserved for raw meat and wash your hands, knife, and any surfaces that touched the raw chicken with hot, soapy water. Use a food thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches at least 165°F (74°C) in the center of the thickest pieces before serving. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking in shallow containers, and reheat gently until hot all the way through before eating.