Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes
Ingredients:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer)
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1 1/2 lbs baby potatoes (halved or quartered, depending on size)
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1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
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1 cup chicken broth (or water)
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1/2 cup heavy cream or cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
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2 tbsp butter (optional for added flavor)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Potatoes:
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Wash and halve or quarter the baby potatoes. If you have larger potatoes, cut them into bite-sized pieces.
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Season the Chicken:
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Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and half of the ranch seasoning packet. Set the chicken aside for a moment.
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Layer in the Crockpot:
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Place the potatoes at the bottom of the crockpot, creating a layer. Add the chicken breasts on top of the potatoes.
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Add the Ranch Seasoning:
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Sprinkle the remaining ranch seasoning over the chicken and potatoes.
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Add Liquid:
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Pour the chicken broth (or water) into the crockpot. This will help keep everything moist and flavorful during the cooking process.
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Optional Creaminess:
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For an extra creamy dish, add in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or cream cheese. This will make the sauce more rich and smooth. You can also add butter for added flavor if you’d like.
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Cook:
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Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through, and the potatoes tender when pierced with a fork.
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Add Cheese (Optional):
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In the last 10-15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the chicken and potatoes. Let it melt into the dish.
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Serve:
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Once everything is cooked, use a slotted spoon to scoop out the chicken and potatoes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
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Tips:
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Vegetables: You can add other vegetables like carrots, green beans, or onions to make it a one-pot meal.
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Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or add a bit of hot sauce to the ranch seasoning.
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Thick Sauce: If you want a thicker sauce, you can whisk in a bit of flour or cornstarch at the end. To do this, mix 1 tbsp of flour or cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the sauce. Let it cook for 10 minutes to thicken up.
Serving Ideas:
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Pair this with a simple side salad or steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
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For extra indulgence, serve with garlic bread to scoop up the creamy sauce!
How does that sound? Super easy, right? Let me know if you give it a try!