Craving a delicious, easy, and healthy dinner that practically cooks itself? Look no further! This Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that's guaranteed to become a family favorite. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy prep times – this one's all about effortless homemade cooking at its finest. This recipe is perfect for those seeking quick dinner ideas and healthy meals without sacrificing taste. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food, ready in just a few hours!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 lbs small red potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream (for extra richness)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
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Prep the ingredients: Start by washing and chopping all the vegetables. Halve or quarter the potatoes depending on their size, ensuring even cooking. Chop the onion into bite-sized pieces.
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Sear the chicken (optional but recommended): For extra flavor, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This step isn't essential, but it adds a lovely depth of flavor.
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Combine everything in the slow cooker: Place the seared (or unseared) chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the chopped potatoes and onion on top.
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Season and add liquid: Pour the chicken broth and milk (or cream) over the chicken and vegetables. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix evenly over everything. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Cook on low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender. You can easily check the chicken's doneness by piercing it with a fork; it should be easily pierced without resistance.
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Shred and serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and gently stir to combine with the potatoes and sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicier kick.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, broccoli florets, or green beans. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes to the potatoes for even cooking.
- Make it creamy: For an extra creamy sauce, stir in a tablespoon or two of sour cream or Greek yogurt at the end.
- Use different herbs: Experiment with different herbs and spices to personalize the flavor. Dried dill, thyme, or rosemary would all be delicious additions.
- Meal prep friendly: This dish is perfect for meal prepping! Make a large batch on the weekend and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. It's always best to use a nutrition calculator for precise values.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
This Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes recipe is a fantastic example of delicious and easy recipes that are also healthy and satisfying. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful dish, perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal. It’s the best of both worlds – minimal effort, maximum flavor!