This Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Chicken & Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food for busy nights. Tender chicken breasts, creamy ranch sauce, and perfectly cooked baby potatoes come together in a rich, cheesy dish that practically cooks itself. It’s hearty, flavorful, and ideal for a family dinner or a cozy meal at home. With minimal prep, your slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-off cooking with minimal prep
- Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor
- Family-friendly, perfect for kids and adults
- One-pot meal for easy cleanup
- Versatile and comforting, ideal for busy weeknights
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts — Tender and juicy when slow-cooked
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved — Absorb the creamy sauce and cook perfectly
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix — Adds zesty, herby flavor
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese — Melts to create a rich, gooey topping
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup — Makes the sauce creamy and flavorful
- 1 cup chicken broth — Provides moisture and helps cook the potatoes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder — Adds depth to the flavor
- 1 teaspoon onion powder — Enhances the savory taste
- Salt and pepper to taste — Balances all the flavors
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) — Adds color and freshness
How to Make Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Chicken & Potatoes
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker
Spray the inside of the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or lightly grease it.
2. Layer the Potatoes
Place the halved baby potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Add the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Place the seasoned chicken on top of the potatoes.
4. Mix the Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the ranch seasoning mix, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Stir until smooth and well combined.
5. Pour the Sauce
Pour the ranch mixture evenly over the chicken and potatoes, making sure everything is coated.
6. Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
7. Add Cheese
About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken and potatoes. Cover to let it melt.
8. Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Tips for Success
- Cut potatoes into similar sizes for even cooking
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and texture
- Stir the sauce gently before serving to coat everything evenly
- Add extra vegetables like carrots or green beans for a more balanced meal
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Ranch Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika
- Veggie-Loaded Version: Include carrots, green beans, or bell peppers
- Cheese Lovers’ Twist: Top with mozzarella or pepper jack along with cheddar
- Herb Boost: Add dried thyme or rosemary to the sauce for extra flavor
Serving Suggestions
- Freshly baked bread or garlic rolls
- Side salad with ranch or vinaigrette
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Mashed cauliflower for a low-carb alternative
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs stay extra juicy and work well in this recipe.
Can I prepare this the night before?
Yes, assemble in the slow cooker, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Cook the next day.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but add extra cooking time and ensure the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
Can I make it on high only?
Yes, 3–4 hours on high works, but low and slow yields the most tender chicken.
Can I substitute ranch seasoning?
You can use a homemade blend of herbs, garlic powder, and onion powder if desired.
Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Chicken & Potatoes
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Chicken & Potatoes is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken breasts, creamy ranch sauce, and delicious baby potatoes, all topped with melted cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 pound Baby potatoes, halved
- 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray or lightly greasing it.
- Place the halved baby potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Place on top of the potatoes.
- In a medium bowl, combine ranch seasoning mix, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Stir until well combined.
- Pour the ranch mixture over the chicken and potatoes, ensuring even coverage.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and let it melt.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or green beans for extra nutrition!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Chicken & Potatoes is a crowd-pleasing, comforting meal that’s perfect for busy families or anyone craving hearty, cheesy goodness. With tender chicken, creamy ranch sauce, and perfectly cooked potatoes, it’s a dish that will quickly become a weeknight favorite. Serve it hot, enjoy the melty cheese, and savor every comforting bite!
