Name: Creamy Ranch Chicken Crock Pot Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken thighs or breasts; 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits; 1.5 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley or chives (optional garnish); 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 cup sour cream; 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 ounce); 1 cup chicken broth

Description

This creamy ranch chicken recipe is an easy, comforting crock pot meal featuring tender chicken thighs or breasts cooked with Yukon gold potatoes in a rich, velvety sauce made from cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch seasoning. Enhanced with garlic and topped with crispy bacon bits and fresh herbs, it’s a perfect hands-off dinner for busy days.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

2 pounds chicken thighs or breasts
1/2 cup cooked bacon bits

Vegetables

1.5 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley or chives (optional garnish)

Dairy

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream

Pantry

1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 ounce)
1 cup chicken broth

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Instructions

Optional searing: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a small amount of oil. Sear the chicken thighs or breasts for 2–3 minutes on each side until lightly browned to develop extra flavor, then remove from skillet.
Prepare base layer: 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 broth: Place the chicken pieces on top of the potatoes in the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth, then sprinkle the remaining ranch seasoning evenly over the chicken.
Slow cook: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender.
Add creamy elements: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Mix well to create a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the chicken and potatoes.
Finish and serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the cooked bacon bits over the dish and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives if desired. Enjoy the creamy ranch chicken hot from the crock pot.

Notes

For best flavor, searing the chicken before slow cooking is recommended but optional.
You can substitute chicken breasts or thighs based on preference.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes to reduce some liquid.
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat easily.