Tender Crockpot Ranch Chicken And Potatoes Recipe

Tangy Slow-Cooked Ranch Chicken & Potatoes Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand delicious, hassle-free meals that ranch chicken in a crockpot can perfectly deliver.

Busy families deserve simple, satisfying recipes that come together with minimal effort.

This tender, flavorful dish transforms everyday ingredients into a comforting meal everyone will love.

Slow cooking infuses the chicken with rich, creamy ranch seasoning while keeping the meat incredibly juicy.

Crisp potatoes absorb the savory sauce, creating a complete one-pot wonder.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of herbs and hearty goodness.

Dive into this effortless recipe that will become your new dinner staple.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 67 hours (low) or 34 hours (high)

Total Time: Up to 7 hours

Calories: 385 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients For Crockpot Ranch Chicken And Potatoes

For Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Lean protein that absorbs flavors beautifully and becomes incredibly tender during slow cooking. Choose fresh, boneless cuts for easy preparation and even cooking.
  • Bacon: Optional crispy topping that adds a smoky, salty crunch to the dish. Select thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and texture.
For Vegetables:
  • Baby Potatoes: Creamy and compact potatoes that hold their shape perfectly during slow cooking. Look for small, uniform potatoes with smooth skins for best results.
  • Carrots: Sweet and hearty root vegetable that adds subtle earthiness and nutrition. Choose fresh, firm carrots for the best flavor and texture.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb that provides a vibrant green garnish and adds a light, herbal finish to the dish.
For Sauce and Seasoning:
  • Ranch Seasoning Mix: Zesty blend that infuses the entire dish with tangy, herbal flavors. Select a high-quality mix for maximum taste.
  • Chicken Broth: Moisture-rich liquid that helps tenderize meat and creates a flavorful cooking environment.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, luxurious sauce.
  • Sour Cream: Creamy ingredient that transforms the sauce into a luscious, velvety coating.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that enhances the ranch flavor and adds depth to the sauce.

Instructions To Prep Crockpot Ranch Chicken And Potatoes

  • Crockpot Preparation

Create a welcoming environment for your delicious meal by lightly coating the inside of the crockpot with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking.

  • Vegetable Foundation

Spread baby potatoes across the bottom of the crockpot, creating a cozy base for the chicken. Sprinkle a light touch of salt and pepper to wake up the flavors.

  • Chicken Layer

Gently place chicken on top of the potatoes, allowing them to nestle comfortably. Shower the entire dish with ranch seasoning, creating a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance.

  • Liquid Magic

Pour chicken broth over the entire creation, letting it seep into every nook and cranny. Dot the surface with butter pieces to add a rich, luxurious touch.

  • Slow Cooking Transformation

Cover and let the crockpot work its magic. On low heat, cook for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is perfectly tender and potatoes are melt-in-your-mouth soft.

  • Creamy Finale

Thirty minutes before serving, stir in sour cream and Parmesan cheese. Gently mix to create a luscious ranch sauce that hugs the chicken and potatoes.

  • Serving Celebration

Sprinkle with fresh parsley or crispy bacon crumbles if you’re feeling extra fancy. Dish out and savor every single bite of this comfort food masterpiece.

Ideas To Change Up Crockpot Ranch Chicken And Potatoes Flavor

  • Perfect Crockpot Ranch Chicken Secrets
  • Chicken Temperature Trick: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe eating, preventing dry or undercooked meat.
  • Potato Prep Hack: Cut larger potatoes into uniform bite-sized pieces to guarantee even cooking and consistent tenderness throughout the dish.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap sour cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a lactose-free version that maintains the creamy ranch texture and flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Transformation: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets or radish chunks to create a lower-carbohydrate friendly meal that still delivers incredible ranch-seasoned comfort.
  • Herb Enhancement: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill, chives, or thyme to elevate the ranch seasoning and add unexpected depth to the classic recipe's flavor complexity.

Serve Crockpot Ranch Chicken And Potatoes Comfortably

  • Cozy Family Dinner Night: Gather everyone around the table for a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug. This hearty dish brings loved ones together with its creamy ranch goodness.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Perfect for busy weekdays! Portion out leftovers into meal prep containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. The chicken stays tender and flavorful.
  • Potluck Superstar: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to your next gathering. Its creamy sauce and perfectly cooked chicken will have everyone asking for the recipe. Pack in a portable slow cooker to keep warm.
  • Fresh Herbal Twist: Elevate the dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives, dill, or additional parsley. These bright green garnishes add a pop of color and fresh flavor to the creamy ranch chicken.

How To Store Crockpot Ranch Chicken And Potatoes For Later

  • Smart Portion Control: Divide the chicken and potatoes into individual meal-sized containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. Perfect for busy professionals and meal preppers wanting quick, delicious options.
  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Pack cooled chicken and potatoes in airtight freezer containers, keeping them fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the microwave or oven to maintain moisture and flavor.
  • Refrigeration Magic: Store leftovers in sealed containers within 2 hours of cooking. Consume refrigerated chicken and potatoes within 3-4 days for optimal taste and food safety. Always use clean utensils when handling to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Reheating Techniques: Warm refrigerated or thawed meals in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Alternatively, reheat in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until thoroughly heated to 165°F internal temperature.

Tools You’ll Use For Crockpot Ranch Chicken And Potatoes

  • Crockpot: Large slow cooker for effortless one-pot cooking.
  • Cutting board: Solid surface for prepping vegetables and chicken.
  • Chef's knife: Sharp tool for slicing ingredients cleanly.
  • Measuring spoons: Precise measurements for seasonings and salt.
  • Measuring cup: Helps pour exact amount of chicken broth.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients gently.
  • Meat thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165F.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Tender Crockpot Ranch Chicken And Potatoes Recipe

Tender Crockpot Ranch Chicken And Potatoes Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: Up to 7 hours
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Ranch-seasoned chicken and potatoes shine in this simple crockpot marvel from hearty Midwestern kitchens. Comfort meets convenience as creamy ranch flavors meld with tender chicken and golden potatoes for a satisfying family meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1.5 lbs (680 g) baby potatoes (halved or quartered if large)
  • 2 cups baby carrots (optional)
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (1 oz)
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsps unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Pepper (to taste)
  • Fresh parsley (chopped, optional)
  • Crumbled bacon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Lightly coat crockpot interior with cooking spray to prevent adhesion and simplify cleanup.
  2. Foundation Building: Layer baby potatoes evenly across crockpot base, seasoning with salt and pepper for initial flavor enhancement.
  3. Protein Placement: Position chicken pieces atop potato layer, distributing them strategically to ensure consistent heat penetration and thorough cooking.
  4. Seasoning Infusion: Liberally sprinkle ranch seasoning mix across chicken and potatoes, creating a uniform flavor profile that will permeate the entire dish.
  5. Liquid Integration: Pour chicken broth surrounding ingredients, establishing a moisture-rich environment that prevents drying and promotes flavor melding.
  6. Fat Incorporation: Distribute butter pieces across surface, allowing gradual melting to introduce richness and depth to the overall composition.
  7. Slow Cooking Process: Cover crockpot and set to low temperature, enabling gradual flavor development and tenderization over approximately 6 hours.
  8. Completion and Enhancement: Thirty minutes before serving, fold in sour cream and Parmesan cheese, transforming the cooking liquid into a velvety ranch sauce.
  9. Serving Presentation: Carefully transfer contents to serving platter, optionally embellishing with fresh parsley or crispy bacon fragments for textural contrast and visual intrigue.

Notes

  • Potatoes Placement: Arrange baby potatoes in a single, even layer to ensure consistent cooking and prevent uneven texture.
  • Chicken Distribution: Spread chicken pieces carefully to promote uniform heat distribution and prevent overcrowding.
  • Moisture Management: Pour chicken broth gently around ingredients to maintain a moist cooking environment without diluting ranch seasoning flavor.
  • Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exactly 165°F for safe, perfectly cooked protein without drying out.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 67 hours (low) or 34 hours (high)
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 385
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star