Cheddar Bacon Ranch Slow Cooker Chicken & Potatoes
Looking for a delicious and easy meal that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this Cheddar Bacon Ranch Slow Cooker Chicken & Potatoes recipe! Packed with flavors and incredibly simple to make, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of cheddar, bacon, and ranch flavors creates a mouthwatering dish.
- Quick prep time makes it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
- Perfect for meal prep – make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs work well for this recipe.
- Red potatoes add a hearty element to the dish.
- Ranch dressing and seasoning provide a tangy and savory flavor.
- Butter, garlic, sour cream, parmesan, cheddar, mozzarella, bacon, and chives add richness and depth to the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Place chicken and potatoes in the slow cooker.
- Mix ranch dressing, paprika, onion powder, ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour mixture over chicken and potatoes.
- Add butter and garlic.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Top with sour cream, parmesan, cheddar, mozzarella, bacon, and chives before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the ranch dressing mixture overnight.
- Swap out the potatoes for sweet potatoes or cauliflower for a different twist.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Brown the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker for added depth of flavor.
- Use freshly grated cheeses for a creamier texture.
- Add a splash of chicken broth for extra moisture if needed.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this dish with a side of steamed broccoli and a crisp green salad. Pair it with a glass of chilled white wine for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through, adding a sprinkle of cheese on top for extra gooeyness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
- It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking.
- Can I substitute the ranch dressing with another sauce?
- Feel free to experiment with different sauces for a unique flavor profile.
- How can I make this dish healthier?
- Opt for low-fat cheese and turkey bacon for a lighter version.
- Can I cook this recipe on high in the slow cooker?
- Yes, cook on high for 2-3 hours instead of low for a quicker meal.
Conclusion:
Don’t wait any longer to try this irresistible Cheddar Bacon Ranch Slow Cooker Chicken & Potatoes recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Share your feedback and enjoy every delicious bite!
PrintCheddar Bacon Ranch Slow Cooker Chicken & Potatoes
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 mins
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheddar Bacon Ranch Slow Cooker Chicken & Potatoes recipe is a delicious and hearty meal that is easy to prepare. Tender chicken, flavorful potatoes, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese come together in a flavorful ranch seasoning blend.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
-
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or tenders thighs
- 2 lbs red potatoes
- 2/3 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
- 1 tsp each salt and pepper
- 6 tablespoons butter, cubed
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 strips bacon, cooked crispy and diced
- 2 tablespoons chives, minced
Cheese Mixture:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan, grated
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup mozzarella, shredded
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Grease the slow cooker with cooking spray.
- Layer Ingredients: Place chicken at the bottom, then layer potatoes on top.
- Season: In a bowl, mix ranch dressing, paprika, onion powder, ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour over potatoes.
- Add Butter: Scatter butter cubes over the top.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours.
- Add Cheese: In a bowl, mix sour cream, parmesan, cheddar, and mozzarella. Spread over the cooked chicken and potatoes.
- Finish: Sprinkle bacon and chives on top. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes until cheese is melted.
Notes
- You can add more veggies like carrots or broccoli for extra nutrition.
- For a crispy finish, broil the dish in the oven for a few minutes after slow cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg