If you’re craving an easy, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug in every bite, look no further than this Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes Recipe. It brings together tender baby potatoes, smoky sausage, and juicy chicken all smothered in a creamy, cheesy ranch sauce that’s bursting with flavor. The beauty of this dish is how effortlessly it comes together in the crockpot, filling your home with irresistible aromas while you go about your day. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend, this recipe promises a satisfying, hearty dinner that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple yet wonderfully effective in crafting a dish that boasts layers of savory, creamy, and smoky flavors. Each component plays a starring role, from the tender baby potatoes that soak up every bit of ranch goodness to the smoked sausage that adds that perfect touch of smokiness and texture.
- Baby potatoes, 1 ½ lbs, halved or quartered: Small potatoes cook evenly and absorb the sauce for a tender, flavorful bite.
- Smoked sausage, 1 lb, sliced: Adds a smoky richness and a satisfying meaty texture to balance the creamy sauce.
- Ranch seasoning mix, 1 packet: The secret flavor bomb that delivers the irresistible creamy herbiness.
- Cream of chicken soup, 1 can (10.5 oz): Enhances the sauce’s richness and ties the whole dish together smoothly.
- Shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup: Melts into gooey perfection, adding a sharp, cheesy finish that everyone loves.
- Sour cream, ½ cup: Brings tangy creaminess that keeps the sauce luscious and balanced.
- Chicken broth, ½ cup: Lightens the sauce just enough, contributing moisture and subtle chicken flavor.
- Olive oil, 1 tablespoon: Helps unite the sauce ingredients and adds a lovely richness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential finishers to elevate every flavor component.
How to Make Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Start by giving your baby potatoes a good wash, then halve or quarter them depending on their size. This ensures they cook evenly and soak up that luscious ranch sauce just right. Slice the smoked sausage into lovely 1-inch pieces so every bite features that smoky, meaty goodness.
Step 2: Layer in the crockpot
Grab your trusty 6-quart crockpot and begin by layering the potatoes and slices of sausage. This layering helps build a base of hearty ingredients that will slowly soften and mingle flavors during cooking.
Step 3: Mix the sauce
In a separate bowl, combine the ranch seasoning mix, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, and olive oil. Stir this all together until it’s smooth and well blended—a creamy dream that will coat the potatoes and sausage beautifully.
Step 4: Pour over the potatoes and sausage
Now, pour the creamy ranch mixture evenly over your layered potatoes and sausage in the crockpot. Give it a gentle stir to make sure everything is coated nicely, promising flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Cook low and slow
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or if you’re short on time, cook on high for 3 to 4 hours. Either way, you’re aiming for tender potatoes and fully melded flavors that make this dish so irresistible.
Step 6: Add cheese
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the crockpot casserole. Cover it back up and let the cheese melt into those creamy layers, adding a golden, melty, cheesy finish that’s impossible to resist.
Step 7: Serve and enjoy
Once the cheese has beautifully melted, give everything a quick stir to blend that cheesy goodness throughout. Serve it hot and watch as every forkful delivers a mouthwatering combination of creamy, smoky, and tender flavors.
How to Serve Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
To add a pop of freshness and texture, sprinkle some chopped parsley or green onions over the top just before serving. A light dusting of paprika or freshly cracked black pepper also adds a subtle kick and vibrant color that enhances the dish’s visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This meal is wonderfully complete on its own, but if you want to round it out, consider serving with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies to balance the richness. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls also make fantastic companions to scoop up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving a crowd or want to impress at a casual dinner, try plating this Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes Recipe in rustic cast iron skillets or individual ramekins. Garnishing with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs turns it into an eye-catching, hearty entrée that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for easy, tasty lunches or quick reheated dinners.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish on hand longer, you can freeze it. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and it’ll last up to 2 months. Just be aware that the texture of the potatoes may soften slightly after freezing, but the flavors will remain fantastic.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes Recipe gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Adding a splash of broth or water helps loosen the sauce and keeps everything creamy and luscious, so it tastes almost as good as freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of smoked sausage?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage adds a wonderful smoky flavor, you can substitute with chicken breasts for a leaner option. Just cut the chicken into chunks and place it with your potatoes before cooking.
Is ranch seasoning mix easy to find?
Yes! Ranch seasoning mix is a pantry staple and widely available at most grocery stores. You can also make your own homemade ranch seasoning blend if you want to customize the herbs and spices.
What if I don’t have a crockpot?
You can replicate this recipe using a slow cooker or even bake it covered in a casserole dish at 350°F for about 60-75 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the sauce is bubbly.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Definitely! Substitute the cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free alternative, use dairy-free sour cream, and nut-based vegan cheese instead of cheddar for a delicious dairy-free version.
How spicy is this Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes Recipe?
This dish is mild and friendly for all palates, but you can easily add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some sliced jalapeños to the sauce if you like a little heat.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes Recipe is the kind of comforting, worry-free meal that becomes a go-to favorite in your recipe collection. Its perfect balance of creamy ranch flavor, tender potatoes, and smoky sausage is pure magic that will keep everyone coming back for more. Trust me, once you try it, it’s going to feel like your new classic dinner staple—easy to make, full of flavor, and downright delicious.
Print
Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes recipe is a comforting and easy-to-make meal featuring tender baby potatoes, smoky sausage, and a creamy ranch-flavored sauce, all slow-cooked to perfection and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Ideal for a hassle-free dinner, this dish combines hearty ingredients in a flavorful, cheesy casserole.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Protein
- 1 ½ lbs baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (typically about 1 oz)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Wash the baby potatoes thoroughly and cut them into halves or quarters, depending on their size. Slice the smoked sausage into 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking and easy serving.
- Layer in the crockpot: Place the prepared potatoes and sliced sausage evenly into the bottom of a 6-quart crockpot, creating a solid base for the dish.
- Mix the sauce: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the ranch seasoning mix, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, and olive oil. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Pour over the potatoes and sausage: Pour the prepared ranch sauce evenly over the potatoes and sausage in the crockpot. Stir gently to coat the ingredients thoroughly and evenly with the sauce.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and flavors are well blended.
- Add cheese: About 30 minutes before serving time, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover the crockpot again to allow the cheese to melt and become gooey.
- Serve: Once the cheese is melted, give the dish a final gentle stir to mix the cheese throughout. Serve hot and enjoy a comforting, cheesy meal perfect for any occasion.
Notes
- Use smoked sausage for extra flavor; kielbasa or andouille work well.
- Adjust seasoning and salt depending on the saltiness of the sausage and soup.
- For a thicker sauce, reduce the chicken broth slightly.
- You can prepare this recipe the night before and refrigerate it, then cook it the next day.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure the ranch mix and cream of chicken soup are gluten-free varieties.
