Dump this bottled ranch dressing and just 2 more ingredients over chicken in the slow cooker for a crowd-pleasing meal.

This 3-ingredient slow cooker BBQ ranch chicken is one of those wonderfully unfussy dishes that leans on pantry staples but still feels intentional. At its core, it’s a modern spin on classic Midwestern shredded chicken—something you’d see at potlucks, game days, or busy weeknights when you need dinner to take care of itself. The combination of bottled ranch dressing and barbecue sauce might sound very contemporary, but it’s essentially a shortcut to layering flavors: creamy, herbaceous notes from the ranch, plus the sweet-smoky tang of BBQ sauce. You end up with tender, pull-apart chicken that’s versatile enough for sandwiches, tacos, or spooned over rice. It’s an easy entry point for newer cooks and a reliable back-pocket recipe for more experienced ones who appreciate how a slow cooker can transform three simple ingredients into a satisfying, family-friendly meal.

This BBQ ranch chicken is wonderfully flexible when it comes to sides. For a classic Midwestern-style plate, pile the shredded chicken onto soft sandwich buns and serve it with creamy coleslaw, potato salad, or baked beans. If you’d like something a bit lighter, spoon the chicken over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa with a side of roasted or steamed vegetables—green beans, broccoli, or corn all work nicely. It also makes a great topping for baked potatoes or sweet potatoes, especially with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar and a few sliced green onions. For a more casual, build-your-own spread, set out tortillas, shredded lettuce, pickled onions, and sliced cucumbers or pickles so everyone can assemble their own wraps or tacos.

2 to 2 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 cup bottled ranch dressing
1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite style—sweet, smoky, or spicy)