Why Make This Recipe
Crockpot Ranch Chicken is a fantastic dish for busy families or anyone who loves a hearty meal without much hassle. This recipe combines tender chicken with flavorful ranch seasoning and vegetables, all cooked together in one pot. The slow cooker does the work, and you can enjoy a delicious dinner without standing over the stove. Plus, it’s easy to customize with different veggies or spices to fit your taste.
How to Make Crockpot Ranch Chicken
Ingredients:
- 24 ounces tiny red potatoes (or Yukon Gold)
- 16 ounces baby carrots
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 21.5 ounces cream of chicken soup (2-10.5 ounce cans)
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 4 ounces chopped chiles (optional but really good)
- 1 ounce Ranch seasoning mix
Directions:
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a tablespoon of the Ranch dressing mix.
- Add the washed baby potatoes and carrots to the slow cooker. No need to peel.
- Top with the seasoned chicken.
- Blend the cream of chicken soup, chicken stock, chiles, and remaining Ranch dressing mix until smooth.
- Pour over the chicken and vegetables.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
- Shred the chicken or break it into chunks with a fork before serving.
You can also adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot or oven cooking if you prefer those methods.
How to Serve Crockpot Ranch Chicken
Serve the Crockpot Ranch Chicken hot, with the tender veggies and creamy sauce spooned over the top. It pairs well with rice, bread, or a simple side salad. You can also garnish it with fresh herbs for added flavor.
How to Store Crockpot Ranch Chicken
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove until heated through. You can also freeze any leftovers for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store them in a freezer-safe container.
Tips to Make Crockpot Ranch Chicken
- For extra flavor, try adding minced garlic or sliced onions to the slow cooker.
- Feel free to replace the potatoes or carrots with your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or green beans.
- If you want a spicier dish, add more chopped chiles or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Variation
You can make this dish with different proteins like turkey or pork, or even use a meat substitute for a vegetarian meal. The ranch seasoning is versatile, so feel free to experiment!
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to increase the cooking time.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe is not gluten-free due to the cream of chicken soup and ranch seasoning. You can use gluten-free alternatives instead.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. Just make sure to keep the water content in check to avoid a watery dish.
Crockpot Ranch Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a tablespoon of the Ranch dressing mix.
- Add the washed baby potatoes and carrots to the slow cooker.
- Top with the seasoned chicken.
- Blend the cream of chicken soup, chicken stock, chiles, and remaining Ranch dressing mix until smooth.
- Pour the blended mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
- Shred the chicken or break it into chunks with a fork before serving.