Preparation & Cooking Time
– Preparation time: 10 minutes
– Cooking time: 4–5 hours on LOW or 2½–3½ hours on HIGH
– Total time: Approximately 4½–5½ hours
– Servings: 6
– Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the chicken:
– 10–12 chicken drumsticks
– 1 cup bottled ranch dressing
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– ½ teaspoon dried parsley
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ¼ teaspoon paprika
– Salt to taste (optional)
Optional ingredients for extra creaminess:
– ½ cup sour cream
– 2 tablespoons cream cheese
– ¼ cup chicken broth
– ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For garnish:
– 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
– Extra grated Parmesan cheese
– A little cracked black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the chicken
Remove the chicken drumsticks from their packaging.
Pat them dry with paper towels.
Arrange them on a clean plate and remove any excess moisture.
Patting the chicken dry helps the seasoning stick better.
Step 2: Prepare the ranch seasoning
In a small bowl, combine:
– Garlic powder
– Onion powder
– Italian seasoning
– Dried parsley
– Black pepper
– Paprika
Mix thoroughly.
Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over the chicken drumsticks.
Turn the drumsticks to coat all sides.
Step 3: Prepare the creamy ranch sauce
In a medium mixing bowl, add bottled ranch dressing.
Add minced garlic and half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
Stir until everything is well combined.
For an extra creamy sauce, mix in sour cream or softened cream cheese.
Step 4: Arrange the chicken in the slow cooker
Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker.
Arrange the seasoned chicken drumsticks inside the crockpot.
Place them in a single layer when possible.
If necessary, stack them carefully to fit.
Step 5: Add the ranch dressing
Slowly pour the prepared ranch dressing mixture over the chicken.
Use a spoon to distribute the sauce evenly.
Make sure the drumsticks are coated with the creamy ranch mixture.
Step 6: Add Parmesan cheese
Sprinkle the remaining grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken.
Add a little extra black pepper and dried parsley.
The Parmesan will add a rich, savory flavor as the chicken cooks.
Step 7: Slow cook the chicken
Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
Cook according to your slow cooker:
– LOW: 4–5 hours.
– HIGH: 2½–3½ hours.
Cooking time depends on the size of the drumsticks and your slow cooker.
Check that the thickest part of each drumstick reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), without touching the bone.
Step 8: Add extra cheese (optional)
During the last 15–20 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the chicken.
Cover again and allow the cheese to melt.
This creates an extra cheesy, creamy topping.
Step 9: Prepare the creamy sauce
Carefully remove the cooked chicken and place it on a serving platter.
Stir the sauce remaining in the slow cooker.
If the sauce is too thin, transfer it to a saucepan and simmer until slightly thickened.
Add a little extra Parmesan if desired.
Step 10: Final touch
Spoon the creamy ranch Parmesan sauce generously over the chicken.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Step 11: Serve and enjoy!
Serve these delicious chicken drumsticks while hot.
They taste wonderful with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, buttered rice, roasted potatoes, or garlic bread.
Enjoy the juicy chicken and rich, creamy garlic ranch sauce!
Nutritional Information
Estimated values per serving, based on 6 servings. Using chicken drumsticks with skin and without optional ingredients.
Nutrient Amount
Calories 410 kcal
Protein 36 g
Carbohydrates 3 g
Fat 28 g
Saturated Fat 8 g
Fiber 0 g
Sugar 2 g
Sodium 850 mg
Calcium 160 mg
Potassium 390 mg
Quick Nutrition Info (Q/S)
– Protein: Chicken provides high-quality protein for muscle maintenance and repair.
– Calcium: Parmesan cheese contributes calcium for healthy bones.
– Vitamin B12: Chicken and Parmesan provide vitamin B12.
– Phosphorus: Chicken and cheese contribute phosphorus.
– Zinc: Chicken provides zinc for immune system function.
– Vitamin B6: Chicken contributes vitamin B6.
– Energy: Chicken and cheese provide protein and dietary fats.
– Sodium: Ranch dressing and Parmesan can make this recipe high in sodium.
Helpful Cooking Tips
1. Use fresh chicken drumsticks for the best flavor.
2. Pat chicken dry before adding seasonings.
3. Use freshly grated Parmesan for better flavor.
4. Avoid adding too much salt because ranch dressing and Parmesan already contain sodium.
5. Do not add too much broth because chicken releases moisture while cooking.
6. Arrange drumsticks evenly for more consistent cooking.
7. Add mozzarella near the end to prevent overcooking.
8. For golden, crispy skin, place cooked drumsticks under the oven broiler for 3–5 minutes.
9. Stir the sauce before serving to distribute the melted Parmesan.
Storage Instructions
– Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
– Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken with sauce for up to 3 months.
– Reheating: Warm gently in a covered skillet with a little extra broth.
– Microwave: Heat individual portions in 1-minute intervals until thoroughly hot.
Always refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking.
Allergen Information
– Contains dairy (ranch dressing and Parmesan cheese).
– May contain eggs (depending on ranch dressing).
– May contain soy depending on packaged dressing ingredients.
– Check ranch dressing labels for additional allergens.
Nut Information (Q/S)
Nut type Included?
Peanuts No
Almonds No
Walnuts No
Cashews No
Pistachios No
Pecans No
Hazelnuts No
Other tree nuts No
Nut allergy note: This recipe does not require peanuts or tree nuts. However, check bottled ranch dressing, Parmesan cheese, and seasoning labels for possible cross-contamination.
Easy creamy crockpot dinner
Enjoy your homemade Creamy Ranch Parmesan Chicken Drumsticks!