Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by washing and halving or quartering the baby potatoes. You can leave the skins on for added texture and nutrients. Season the chicken breasts with a little salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Layer in the Crockpot: Place the halved potatoes in the bottom of the crockpot. Lay the chicken breasts on top of the potatoes. This allows the chicken to cook in the juices from the potatoes and broth, keeping it juicy and tender.
3. Add the Flavor: In a small bowl, mix together the ranch dressing mix, chicken broth, sour cream, and melted butter. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken and potatoes.
4. Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender, and the potatoes should be soft and infused with the ranch flavor.
5. Finish and Serve: Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken from the crockpot. If desired, shred the chicken or leave it whole, depending on your preference. Stir the potatoes and sauce, making sure everything is well coated. Serve the chicken and potatoes with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and freshness.

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Tips for the Best Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes

• Customize the Potatoes:
  While baby potatoes are perfect for this dish, you can also use other types of potatoes. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work well too. Just be sure to cut them into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
• Add Veggies:
  If you want to add some extra vegetables, feel free to throw in some carrots, onions, or bell peppers along with the potatoes. They’ll cook beautifully in the crockpot and absorb all the delicious ranch flavor.
• Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness:
  If you prefer a juicier chicken, consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They’re more forgiving than breasts and stay tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
• Make It Spicy:
  For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the crockpot. It’ll add a delightful spicy kick to the creamy ranch flavor.
• Shred the Chicken:
  If you prefer shredded chicken, you can easily shred the chicken with two forks once it’s cooked. It will soak up more of the ranch sauce and be even more flavorful.

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Serving Suggestions

Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes is a meal all on its own, but you can serve it with a variety of sides for a more complete meal:

• Green Veggies:
  Pair the dish with a simple side of steamed green beans, broccoli, or a green salad for a balanced meal.
• Bread:
  A warm loaf of crusty bread or soft dinner rolls is perfect for soaking up the creamy ranch sauce.
• Rice or Quinoa:
  For an added layer of texture, serve the chicken and potatoes over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa.

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Conclusion:

Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes is a satisfying, flavorful meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With just a handful of ingredients and the magic of the slow cooker, you’ll have a comforting dinner that everyone will love. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing for a busy week, this dish is the ultimate go-to comfort food that’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Enjoy the creamy, savory goodness of this easy recipe, and let your crockpot do the heavy lifting!