If you’re looking for a dinner that practically cooks itself and fills your home with irresistible aromas, Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes is here to steal the show. This all-in-one meal is a celebration of tender chicken, perfectly seasoned potatoes, and that classic ranch flavor everyone loves, all melded together in the cozy embrace of your slow cooker. It’s pure comfort in a bowl, making even the busiest weeknights feel special. The best part? You barely have to lift a finger, let the crockpot do the magic!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes recipe is wonderfully simple yet incredibly tasty, thanks to each thoughtfully chosen ingredient. Every component plays a special part, lending color, flavor, and heartiness that makes this meal comforting and crave-worthy.
- Chicken (1.5 pounds boneless, skinless breasts or thighs): Go for juicy thighs if you like extra tenderness, or chicken breasts for a lighter, leaner result.
- Baby potatoes (1.5 pounds, halved): These bring creamy texture and soak up all the savory flavors—no peeling needed!
- Ranch seasoning mix (1 packet, 1 oz): The star of the show, delivering herby, tangy, downright irresistible ranch taste.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Gives the dish warmth and depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses gentle sweetness and layers of flavor.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick, making the ranch pop even more.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): For a colorful touch and a little smoky flavor in every bite.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (1/2 cup): Keeps everything moist and adds savory richness.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the seasonings cling to the potatoes and ensures even cooking.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup, optional): Melts into gooey perfection for cheesy lovers—totally worth it!
- Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons): The vibrant, finishing touch that brightens up every plate.
How to Make Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes
Step 1: Season the Potatoes
Start by tossing your halved baby potatoes in a large bowl with the olive oil, half of the ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. Mixing the seasonings with the potatoes ensures every bite is packed with flavor and the spuds will come out golden, aromatic, and oh-so-tender.
Step 2: Layer the Slow Cooker
Arrange the seasoned potato halves in the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker. This positioning lets the potatoes soak up all the juicy goodness as the chicken cooks above them, resulting in the tastiest, creamiest potatoes you can imagine.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
Lay your chicken breasts or thighs directly over the bed of potatoes. Sprinkle the remaining ranch seasoning mix over the chicken—this way, the ranch flavor seeps deep into the meat while it cooks, ensuring every bite is infused with that crowd-pleasing taste.
Step 4: Pour in the Broth
Carefully pour the chicken broth around the sides of the chicken (not directly on top), so it helps steam and moisten the ingredients without washing away your lovely seasonings. This small detail makes a big difference in the texture and taste!
Step 5: Cook Low and Slow
Pop on the lid and set your crockpot to low for 6 to 7 hours (or high for 3 to 4 hours). Don’t peek too often—letting that steam work its magic ensures the chicken is incredibly tender and the potatoes are fork-soft and flavorful.
Step 6: Add the Cheese (Optional, but Recommended!)
If you’re craving extra indulgence, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken during the last 5 to 10 minutes of cooking. Cover again until the cheese is melted and irresistible. This step is optional, but who doesn’t love a gooey, cheesy finish?
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish things off with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley right before serving. That fresh, green burst brightens the dish beautifully, making Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes as gorgeous as it is delicious.
How to Serve Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes
Garnishes
A handful of freshly chopped parsley does wonders, giving every plate a burst of color and a hint of garden-fresh flavor. If you want to up the ante, try a sprinkle of extra black pepper or even some thinly sliced green onions for a lively kick. Don’t forget that final drizzle of the slow-cooked juices right from the crockpot—it’s liquid gold!
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to shine on its own, but pairing it with something bright or crispy makes your meal feel downright festive. Think a crisp green salad dressed with lemon, steamed green beans, or a slice of warm, buttered bread to soak up every drop of ranchy goodness. Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes practically begs for easy-going sides that let its flavors shine.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving a crowd? Pile the chicken and potatoes onto a large platter and let folks help themselves, family-style. For weeknight comfort, scoop everything into shallow bowls so you catch plenty of sauce in each serving. Hosting brunch? Shred the chicken, mix it with potatoes, and top with a poached egg—your guests will be wowed. This recipe is as versatile as your mood!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes will happily wait for you in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors develop even more overnight, making your next lunch or dinner an absolute treat. Just make sure everything cools to room temperature before storing.
Freezing
This dish freezes like a champion! Place cooled chicken and potatoes in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags, and store for up to two months. For the best results, freeze portions with some of the sauce so things stay moist and flavorful upon reheating.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep things juicy. If you’re reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first. Don’t rush—gentle heat keeps that chicken tender and the potatoes velvety.
FAQs
Can I use different types of potatoes in Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes offer convenience and a creamy texture, you can easily use russet or Yukon gold potatoes cut into chunks. Just make sure the pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
Simply skip the optional shredded cheddar cheese at the end. Be sure to double-check your ranch seasoning mix and chicken broth for hidden dairy ingredients, as some brands sneak it in.
Can I add vegetables to Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes?
Of course! Stir in a few handfuls of green beans or broccoli florets during the last hour of cooking for a full one-pot meal. This is a fantastic way to sneak in extra veggies and save on cleanup, too.
What’s the best way to ensure my chicken stays juicy?
Using thighs instead of breasts is a surefire way to lock in moisture, but either cut will work as long as you don’t overcook. Stick to the recommended cooking times and check for doneness around the lower end.
Is it possible to double Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes?
Yes, as long as your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra volume without overflowing. Layer ingredients as instructed and maybe extend the cooking time by 30–60 minutes, checking for doneness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to fall in love with an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner, Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes is your ticket. It brings cozy, comforting flavors to the table with almost no effort and endless ways to customize. If you haven’t tried it yet, gather your ingredients and let your slow cooker do the rest—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!
Print
Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes recipe is a delicious and easy one-pot meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken cooked with flavorful ranch seasoning, paired with seasoned baby potatoes, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
Chicken and Potatoes:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes (halved)
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional Garnishes:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the halved baby potatoes with olive oil, half of the ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper.
- Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned potatoes in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Lay the chicken on top of the potatoes.
- Season Chicken: Sprinkle the remaining ranch seasoning mix over the chicken.
- Add Broth: Pour the chicken broth around the chicken.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender.
- Add Cheese (Optional): If desired, sprinkle cheddar cheese over the chicken and cover for 5–10 minutes until melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can swap baby potatoes for russet or Yukon gold, cut into chunks.
- Add green beans or broccoli during the last hour of cooking for a complete one-pot meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
