Description
Hearty cheddar bacon ranch slow cooker chicken and potatoes bring comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen to your dinner table. Rich flavors meld together effortlessly, promising a meal that satisfies hunger and warms hearts with each savory bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 kg (2 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup chicken broth
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream or 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasonings and Vegetables:
- 1 packet (30 g) ranch seasoning mix (or 2 tablespoons homemade ranch mix)
- 500 g (1 lb) baby potatoes, halved (or red potatoes, diced)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives
- Extra bacon crumbles (optional)
Instructions
- Coat the interior of the slow cooker with a thin layer of nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Arrange chicken breasts and diced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a uniform base for cooking.
- Generously dust the chicken and potatoes with ranch seasoning mix, minced garlic, onion powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to infuse deep flavor throughout the dish.
- Gently pour chicken broth around the ingredients, ensuring the liquid settles underneath the meat and potatoes without disturbing the seasoning.
- Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the contents to simmer on low temperature for 6-7 hours or on high temperature for 3-4 hours, letting the chicken become fork-tender and potatoes reach a soft, creamy consistency.
- Approximately 30 minutes before serving, introduce heavy cream to create a rich, velvety sauce, then fold in sharp cheddar cheese and sprinkle most of the crumbled bacon, stirring carefully to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Continue cooking until the cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, glossy coating over the chicken and potatoes.
- Plate the dish, garnishing with remaining crispy bacon bits and freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, appetizing presentation.
Notes
- Customize the ranch seasoning intensity by adjusting the amount to suit personal taste preferences.
- Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels, especially for those monitoring sodium intake.
- Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or milk for a lighter, lower-fat version of the dish.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety, using a meat thermometer to check doneness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg