Description
Creamy ranch chicken and potatoes bring comfort straight from your slow cooker, promising a hassle-free family dinner. One-pot magic combines tender chicken, crisp potatoes, and rich ranch seasoning for a memorable meal that satisfies hungry crowds with minimal kitchen effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) chicken breasts or thighs
Starches and Vegetables:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) baby potatoes (halved, or quartered if large)
- 2 cups baby carrots (optional)
Seasoning and Dairy Ingredients:
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (1 ounce)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Crumbled bacon
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker by coating the interior with a light layer of cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Create a base layer of baby potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker, arranging them evenly and seasoning with a delicate sprinkle of salt and pepper.
- Carefully position chicken pieces directly on top of the potato foundation, ensuring they are spread out for uniform cooking.
- Generously dust the entire dish with ranch seasoning mix, allowing the powdery blend to cascade over both chicken and potatoes.
- Gently pour chicken broth around the ingredients, creating a moist cooking environment that will infuse flavor and prevent drying.
- Strategically dot butter pieces across the surface, which will melt and contribute rich, silky undertones to the dish.
- Secure the lid and set the slow cooker to low temperature, allowing the meal to simmer and develop deep, complex flavors for approximately 6 hours.
- Verify chicken’s doneness by checking that internal temperature reaches 165°F and potatoes achieve a tender, soft consistency.
- Approximately 30 minutes before serving, introduce sour cream and grated Parmesan cheese, folding them gently to create a luxurious, creamy ranch sauce.
- Transfer the finished dish to a serving platter, optionally garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or crispy bacon crumbles for added texture and visual appeal.
Notes
- Swap chicken cuts based on preference, keeping cooking times consistent with chicken thickness.
- Trim excess fat from chicken to prevent greasy sauce and ensure leaner meal.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and customize flavor intensity.
- Opt for Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a protein-packed, lower-fat alternative that maintains creamy texture.
- Dice potatoes smaller for faster cooking and more even potato tenderness.
- Experiment with different ranch seasoning brands to find your favorite flavor profile.
- Add frozen mixed vegetables during last hour of cooking for extra nutrition and color.
- Ensure chicken reaches exact 165°F internal temperature using meat thermometer for food safety.
- Prevent sauce separation by adding dairy ingredients closer to serving time and stirring gently.
- Substitute ranch mix with homemade seasoning blend for preservative-free, customized taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 67 hours (low) or 34 hours (high)
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 405
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg