Description
This creamy ranch chicken crock pot recipe combines tender chicken, savory ranch seasoning, and comforting potatoes in a rich, creamy sauce made with cream cheese and sour cream. Perfect for an easy, hands-off meal, it offers a deliciously hearty flavor that’s ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins & Dairy
- 2 pounds chicken thighs or breasts
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1.5 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley or chives (optional garnish)
Seasoning & Liquids
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 ounce)
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Optional: Sear the chicken – Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil. Sear the chicken thighs or breasts for 2–3 minutes on each side to develop a deeper flavor before slow cooking.
- Prepare the crock pot base – Add the diced Yukon gold potatoes and minced garlic to the bottom of the crock pot. Sprinkle half of the ranch seasoning mix evenly over the potatoes and garlic.
- Add chicken and season – Place the seared (or raw) chicken on top of the potatoes. Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and sprinkle the remaining ranch seasoning on the chicken pieces.
- Slow cook – Cover the crock pot and cook the mixture on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and the potatoes are tender.
- Add creaminess – Approximately 30 minutes before serving, add the softened cream cheese and sour cream to the crock pot. Stir well to combine into a smooth, creamy sauce coating the chicken and potatoes.
- Garnish and serve – Just before serving, top with crispy bacon bits and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives for a bright, fresh finish. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For added flavor, searing the chicken before slow cooking is recommended but optional.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with breasts depending on preference; thighs tend to stay more tender.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your crock pot; ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat sour cream and cream cheese.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
