Description
This Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes recipe offers a flavorful, easy-to-make one-pot meal perfect for busy days. Tender chicken breasts or thighs are slow-cooked atop seasoned baby potatoes with a savory ranch seasoning blend and a hint of garlic and paprika, resulting in a comforting, juicy dinner. Optional cheddar cheese adds a creamy finish, while fresh parsley brings a burst of color and freshness. Minimal prep and hands-off slow cooking make it ideal for home cooks seeking convenience without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Potatoes
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix, divided
- 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
Optional Toppings and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the 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 until they are evenly coated.
- Layer in Crockpot: Place the seasoned potatoes in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker, creating an even layer as the base for the dish.
- Add the Chicken: Lay the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs on top of the potatoes in the slow cooker.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the remaining ranch seasoning mix evenly over the chicken pieces.
- Add Broth: Pour the low-sodium chicken broth around the chicken (avoiding pouring directly on it) to keep the chicken moist during cooking.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked through and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add Cheese (Optional): If using cheddar cheese, sprinkle it over the cooked chicken and cover the slow cooker again for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- You can substitute baby potatoes with russet or Yukon gold potatoes cut into chunks.
- Add green beans or broccoli during the last hour of cooking to make this a complete one-pot meal.
- For a lower sodium option, consider using a reduced-sodium ranch seasoning mix or adjusting the amount used.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the microwave or stovetop.
