Easy Ranch Chicken & Potatoes Crockpot Recipe for Busy Nights
Tender crockpot ranch chicken and potatoes offer a mouthwatering solution for busy weeknight dinners.
Slow cookers work magic with minimal kitchen effort.
Creamy ranch seasoning infuses every bite with incredible flavor.
Hearty ingredients meld together creating a comforting meal everyone will adore.
Potatoes become perfectly soft while chicken remains juicy and delectable.
No complicated techniques or fancy equipment needed for this simple recipe.
You can serve this crowd-pleasing dish with confidence and ease.
Dig into a delicious meal that satisfies hunger and brings smiles to the table.
Storage Advice for Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes
Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Transfer cooled chicken and potatoes to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly. Add splash of milk to prevent dryness.
Pour leftovers into skillet, add small amount of chicken broth or water, cover and warm over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
FAQs
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but increase cooking time by 1-2 hours and ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
Packet ranch seasoning mix from brands like Hidden Valley works perfectly. Avoid liquid ranch dressing.
Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup are good alternatives if you want different flavor profiles or have dietary restrictions.
Absolutely! It uses affordable ingredients like chicken breasts, potatoes, carrots, and pantry staples, making it an economical meal for families.
Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes: Comfort in a Crockpot
Ingredients for Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes
For the Protein:For the Vegetables:For the Sauce and Seasoning:How to Prepare Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes
Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Ranch Sauce
In a cozy mixing bowl, blend together the rich cream of chicken soup, smooth milk, and zesty ranch dressing mix. Whisk until the sauce becomes silky and well-combined, creating a mouthwatering flavor base for your meal.
Step 2: Layer Protein and Veggies
Gently place the succulent chicken pieces into your trusty slow cooker. Nestle crisp carrots and hearty potatoes around the chicken, creating a colorful and delicious foundation for your one-pot wonder.
Step 3: Drench with Flavorful Sauce
Pour the dreamy ranch sauce you’ve just created evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Make sure every morsel gets a generous coating of the creamy, tangy goodness.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your crockpot and let the magic happen. For a leisurely cooking method, set to low and let it simmer for 6 to 8 hours.
If you’re short on time, use the high setting for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken will become tender and juicy, while the vegetables soak up all the incredible flavors.
Step 5: Transform Chicken (Optional)
Want a different texture? Carefully remove the chicken breasts, use two forks to shred the meat into delectable pieces, then return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
Stir to blend the chicken with the sauce and vegetables, creating a harmonious, comforting dish.
Tips for Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes
Variations on Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes
Pairing Ideas for Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes
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Crockpot Ranch Chicken And Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Comforting Ranch Chicken and Potatoes slow-cook to perfection, blending zesty seasonings with tender meat and hearty potatoes. Families will savor this simple, satisfying meal that brings warmth and flavor to dinner tables with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Vegetables:
- 4 russet potatoes (cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 2 cups baby carrots
Sauce and Seasoning:
- 1 packet dry ranch dressing mix
- 1 can (10 ounces / 280 grams) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
Instructions
- Whisk together cream of chicken soup, milk, and ranch dressing mix in a mixing bowl to create a flavorful, creamy sauce.
- Arrange chicken pieces, chopped carrots, and diced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the crockpot.
- Gently drizzle the prepared ranch sauce over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
- Secure the crockpot lid and set to low temperature for 6-8 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours, allowing ingredients to meld and cook thoroughly.
- Once cooking is complete, verify chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- For tender, pull-apart texture, use two forks to shred chicken directly in the crockpot, mixing it with vegetables and sauce.
- Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to further develop and sauce to slightly thicken.
Notes
- Swap cream of chicken soup for a homemade version to reduce sodium and control ingredients for healthier meal preparation.
- Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs as an alternative protein option that stays incredibly moist during slow cooking.
- Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary directly into the ranch sauce for enhanced depth of flavor and aromatic complexity.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of milk to increase protein content and create a slightly tangier sauce with richer texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Michael Thompson
Founder & Recipe Developer
Expertise
Education
Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR
ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR
Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.
Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.