– **Title**: Pioneer Woman Crockpot Ranch Chicken
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup cream cheese
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
– **Instructions**:
1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix evenly over the chicken.
3. Pour the chicken broth over the seasoned chicken.
4. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the cream cheese on top of the chicken. Allow it to soften, then stir it into the mixture until well combined.
6. About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and sliced green onions over the chicken. Cover and let it melt.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.
This recipe offers a creamy and flavorful chicken dish perfect for serving with rice or vegetables. Enjoy!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great choice for this recipe. If you prefer dark meat, try using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor and even more moisture.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: If you don’t have ranch seasoning on hand, you can make a homemade version using dried herbs like dill, parsley, and garlic powder. It’s a fun way to customize the flavor without a packet!
Cream of Chicken Soup: For a healthier twist, you can substitute this with a homemade creamy sauce or even a can of cream of mushroom soup. Just check for any dietary preferences.
Potatoes: Red or Yukon gold potatoes are fantastic for their creaminess. However, you can also use sweet potatoes for a hint of sweetness. Just adjust the cooking time if needed, as they may cook faster.
Carrots: Feel free to swap in other root vegetables like parsnips or even bell peppers for a different texture and flavor. They add color and nutrition!
Fresh or Dried Thyme: If you don’t have thyme, you can use Italian seasoning as an alternative. It gives a similar herb flavor and works nicely in savory dishes.
How Do You Layer Ingredients for the Best Flavor?
The order you place your ingredients in the slow cooker is essential for developing rich flavors. Start with the firmer vegetables at the bottom, like potatoes and carrots, since they take longer to cook.
- Layer the quartered potatoes and chunked carrots at the bottom of the Crockpot.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic on top of the root vegetables to infuse flavor as they cook.
- Finally, place the seasoned chicken on top. This helps keep the chicken moist while allowing the juices to drip down onto the vegetables.
Cover the chicken with your ranch sauce mixture, ensuring every ingredient is well-coated. This way, each bite will be packed with flavor!
How to Make Pioneer Woman Crockpot Ranch Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken and Vegetables:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4-5 medium potatoes, quartered (preferably red or Yukon gold)
- 4-5 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh thyme or dried thyme, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For The Sauce:
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Optional: 1 cup sour cream or cream cheese for extra creaminess
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and will need to cook in the Crockpot for 6-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. It’s a perfect make-ahead meal that fills the house with comforting aromas!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Ranch Sauce:
Start by mixing the ranch seasoning, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth in a medium bowl. Stir well until everything is combined, and you have a smooth sauce. This delicious mixture will keep the chicken moist and flavorful!
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
In your slow cooker, layer the quartered potatoes, carrots, diced onion, and minced garlic at the bottom. This combo will create a tasty base for your chicken to sit on. Don’t forget to give them a little sprinkle of salt and pepper for extra flavor!
3. Add the Chicken:
Next, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them on top of the vegetables in the Crockpot, nestling them nicely. It’s okay if they overlap a bit; they’ll cook through just fine!
4. Pour on the Sauce:
Now, take that lovely ranch sauce you made and pour it evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Make sure everything gets a good covering for the best flavor.
5. Season with Thyme:
Sprinkle fresh or dried thyme over the top of the mixture. This will add a lovely herbal note that complements the ranch beautifully.
6. Cook to Perfection:
Cover your slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Give it a quick check towards the end to make sure the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender.
7. Add Extra Creaminess (Optional):
If you want a creamier dish, stir in the sour cream or cream cheese about 15 minutes before serving. This will make the sauce rich and velvety!
8. Serve and Enjoy!
When everything is ready, serve hot. Make sure to scoop some of the tender vegetables and sauce along with the chicken for a filling meal. Enjoy this comforting dish with your family!
Can I Substitute the Chicken Breasts with Another Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for more flavor, or even use pork chops. If using a different meat, adjust the cooking time as needed; pork may require a longer cooking time to ensure it’s tender.
What If I Don’t Have Cream of Chicken Soup?
No problem! You can make a homemade substitute using 1 cup of plain yogurt mixed with 1 tablespoon of chicken bouillon, or use cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile. If you want a healthier option, consider using a can of diced tomatoes with their juice instead.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans. Just chop them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on the cooking time as softer vegetables may cook faster than potatoes and carrots.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dish for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing, and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
