Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes

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If you’re searching for an easy, flavorful meal that requires minimal prep, look no further than this Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes recipe. It’s the perfect one-pot dish, combining tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and a zesty ranch sauce. This meal is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for a richer flavor)
  • 1 lb (450 g) baby potatoes or 4-5 medium potatoes, cut into chunks
  • 1 packet (1 oz or 28 g) ranch seasoning mix (adds tangy, herby flavor)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz or 300 g) cream of chicken soup (for creamy richness)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth or water (for moisture and flavor)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream (adds creaminess and tang)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional, adds earthy flavor)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra richness)
  • Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot

Begin by lightly greasing the inside of your slow cooker with either cooking spray or a small amount of oil. This will help prevent the ingredients from sticking to the crockpot during cooking.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

  • First, place the potatoes in the bottom of the crockpot. If you’re using baby potatoes, you can leave them whole, or cut them in half for quicker cooking. For medium potatoes, cut them into chunks.
  • Season the potatoes lightly with salt and pepper.
  • Next, place the chicken breasts or thighs on top of the potatoes.

Step 3: Make the Ranch Sauce

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:

  • Ranch seasoning mix
  • Cream of chicken soup
  • Chicken broth or water
  • Sour cream

Whisk the mixture together until it’s smooth and well combined. If you’re using the optional ingredients, stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme at this stage to enhance the flavor of the sauce.

Step 4: Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken and Potatoes

Once the sauce is ready, pour it evenly over the chicken and potatoes in the crockpot. The ranch sauce will infuse both the chicken and potatoes with a delicious, tangy flavor as it cooks.

Step 5: Cook the Dish

  • Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook the dish on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The cooking time will depend on your slow cooker and the thickness of the chicken breasts or thighs. You’ll know the dish is ready when the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 6: Add the Cheese (Optional)

About 30 minutes before serving, if you want an extra cheesy kick, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the chicken and potatoes. Cover the crockpot again and allow the cheese to melt.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Once the chicken and potatoes are fully cooked, serve them hot with the creamy ranch sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if you’d like to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Why You’ll Love Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes:

  • Minimal Effort: With just a few simple ingredients and a hands-off cooking process, this meal is perfect for those busy days when you don’t have time to fuss over dinner.
  • Comforting and Creamy: The combination of tender chicken, soft potatoes, and a creamy ranch sauce makes this dish incredibly comforting and satisfying.
  • Customizable: This recipe is flexible—swap chicken thighs for breasts, add different herbs, or adjust the amount of cheese to suit your taste.

Pro Tips for Success:

  • Chicken Options: You can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference. Thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, while breasts are leaner.
  • Potato Varieties: Baby potatoes are easy to use and require no peeling, but you can also use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. Just make sure to cut them into evenly sized chunks to ensure they cook evenly.
  • Ranch Seasoning: Store-bought ranch seasoning packets work well in this recipe, but you can make your own blend using dried herbs and spices if preferred.

Serving Suggestions:

This Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a few side dishes to complement the flavors:

  • Steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots
  • A side salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish
  • Crusty bread to soak up the delicious creamy ranch sauce

Storing and Reheating Leftovers:

  • Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheat: To reheat, simply warm the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
  • Freeze: You can also freeze the chicken and potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

  • Calories: Approximately 450
  • Protein: 35g
  • Fat: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 3g

This Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes is a perfect solution for busy families looking for a delicious, filling meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and a zesty ranch sauce, this dish is sure to be a new favorite in your weekly meal rotation. Enjoy!

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