Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Meal
If you’re looking for an easy, delicious, and hearty meal that practically cooks itself, then this Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes recipe is perfect for you! With just a handful of ingredients, this dish is packed with creamy, savory flavors that the whole family will love. Plus, using a slow cooker means minimal effort and easy cleanup. Let’s dive into how you can make this flavorful and comforting meal at home.
Ingredients You Will Need
To prepare Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes, gather the following ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 Russet potatoes, cut into 2-inch pieces
2 cups baby carrots
1 packet dry ranch dressing mix
1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup milk
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, milk, and dry ranch dressing mix. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Step 2: Arrange Ingredients in the Crockpot
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Next, add the chopped Russet potatoes and baby carrots, ensuring they are evenly distributed around the chicken.
Step 3: Pour the Sauce Over the Ingredients
Once the ingredients are in the crockpot, pour the ranch-seasoned sauce evenly over the top. This will allow the flavors to seep into the chicken and vegetables as they cook.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The longer cooking time on low helps the chicken remain tender and juicy, while the potatoes and carrots absorb all the rich flavors of the sauce.
Step 5: Shred (Optional) and Serve
Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, you can serve the breasts whole or shred them using two forks. Shredding the chicken allows it to soak up even more of the creamy ranch sauce, making it extra flavorful. Stir everything together, and your meal is ready to be enjoyed!
Serving Suggestions
This Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes dish is a complete meal on its own, but if you’d like to add a little extra to your dinner, consider pairing it with:
A side of steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts
A fresh garden salad
Crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce
Tips for the Best Results
Use fresh ingredients – Fresh carrots and potatoes will hold up better during the slow cooking process compared to frozen ones.
Don’t add extra salt – The ranch dressing mix and cream of chicken soup already contain enough seasoning, so additional salt is usually unnecessary.
Thicken the sauce if needed – If you find the sauce is too thin, mix a little cornstarch with water and stir it in towards the end of cooking.
Whisk the sauce before serving – If the sauce separates after cooking, remove the chicken and vegetables, whisk the sauce together, then return everything to the crockpot.
Nutritional Information
This recipe is not only delicious but also provides a balanced meal with protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving:
Calories: ~350-400
Protein: ~35g
Carbohydrates: ~40g
Fat: ~8g
Fiber: ~4g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Effortless Cooking: Just toss everything into the slow cooker, and let it do the work!
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of ranch seasoning, creamy sauce, and tender chicken is a guaranteed hit.
Great for Meal Prep: Leftovers store well and can be reheated for a quick meal later in the week.
So, the next time you’re in need of a comforting, homemade meal with minimal effort, give this Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes recipe a try. Your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!