Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes is an easy and delicious one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This dish features tender chicken breasts, creamy potatoes, and a flavorful ranch seasoning—all cooked together in a crockpot for a comforting, no-fuss dinner. The magic of this recipe lies in the slow cooking, which allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich and savory dish that will have your family asking for seconds. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Variations
- Serving Suggestions
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Arrange Potatoes: Place the halved baby potatoes at the bottom of your crockpot. The potatoes serve as a base and soak up all the delicious juices from the chicken, making them tender and flavorful.
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with the ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. Be generous with the seasoning to ensure each bite is packed with flavor.
Step 2: Assemble the Crockpot
- Layer Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the potatoes in the crockpot. This layering helps the flavors to infuse both the chicken and potatoes as they cook.
- Add Butter and Broth: Scatter the butter pieces over the chicken and potatoes, then pour the chicken broth into the crockpot. The butter adds richness, while the chicken broth keeps the dish moist and tender during the cooking process.
Step 3: Cook the Meal
- Cover and Cook: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a comforting, well-balanced meal.
Step 4: Serve
- Add Parmesan: Once the chicken and potatoes are done, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top, if desired, and let it melt before serving. The cheese adds a creamy, salty touch that complements the ranch seasoning perfectly.
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the dish.
Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Chicken Thickness: If the chicken breasts are thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness for more consistent cooking. This helps ensure the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy.
- Potato Size: Make sure the potatoes are cut into even pieces to ensure they cook evenly. You can use baby red potatoes, Yukon gold, or even russet potatoes—just make sure they are roughly the same size for uniform cooking.
- Moisture: The chicken broth adds moisture to keep the chicken juicy. You can add a little more broth if you prefer extra sauce, which can be spooned over the chicken and potatoes when serving.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
Variations
- Add Vegetables: Add carrots, green beans, or bell peppers to the crockpot for added color and nutrition. Vegetables like green beans and bell peppers will add a nice crunch and flavor contrast to the creamy potatoes and tender chicken.
- Creamy Ranch Chicken: For a creamy twist, add 1/2 cup of cream cheese or sour cream during the last hour of cooking. Stir it into the broth to create a creamy sauce that coats the chicken and potatoes.
- Spicy Version: Add 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. You could also use a spicy ranch seasoning mix if you want to elevate the flavors with some extra kick.
- Herb Ranch Chicken: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to infuse the dish with an earthy, aromatic flavor. These herbs complement the ranch seasoning and give the dish a more complex flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Salad: Serve with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a fresh contrast. The acidity of the vinaigrette will cut through the richness of the dish and provide a refreshing balance.
- Dinner Rolls: Pair with warm dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices. The bread is perfect for sopping up every last bit of the delicious ranch-flavored broth.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus to round out the meal. The slight bitterness of these vegetables balances the savory flavors of the chicken and potatoes.
- Rice or Quinoa: If you want to add some grains, serve the chicken and potatoes over rice or quinoa to make the meal more filling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or breasts. Adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. Bone-in chicken often adds extra flavor and stays very moist during the slow cooking process.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to keep the chicken and potatoes moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can assemble everything in the crockpot the night before and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply place the crockpot on and cook as directed. This is a great time-saving option for busy mornings.
Can I Use Sweet Potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes can be used instead of baby potatoes for a different flavor profile. The sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs well with the savory ranch seasoning, adding an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
Can I Cook This on the Stove or in the Oven?
If you don’t have a crockpot, you can cook this dish in a large Dutch oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 1 hour or until the chicken and potatoes are tender. Alternatively, simmer it on the stovetop over low heat for about 45 minutes, covered.
Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes is a comforting and easy-to-make one-pot meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. The combination of tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and flavorful ranch seasoning will have everyone asking for seconds. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal without the hassle. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit. Gather your ingredients, set up your crockpot, and let the magic happen!
Happy Cooking!