If you are craving a meal that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day, the Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes Recipe might just become your new favorite go-to. This dish brings together tender potatoes, smoky sausage, and a creamy ranch sauce that all meld beautifully in your slow cooker, transforming simple ingredients into a comforting crowd-pleaser. It’s a hands-off, flavorful feast that requires minimal prep but delivers maximum satisfaction. Whether you’re feeding the family or need a hearty meal prep option, this recipe hits all the right notes with its rich textures and savory layers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role in building those layers of flavor and texture. From the creamy ranch blend to the hearty smoked sausage, every component is essential to the dish’s soul.
- Baby potatoes (1 ½ lbs): These are perfect for slow cooking since they hold their shape well and offer a creamy texture inside.
- Smoked sausage (1 lb): Adds a smoky, savory depth that pairs perfectly with the creamy elements.
- Ranch seasoning mix (1 packet): The star seasoning that brings a tangy, herby punch to the dish.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Provides richness and a velvety base for the sauce.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully into the mix, adding a sharp, gooey finish.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Balances the flavors with a smooth, tangy creaminess.
- Chicken broth (½ cup): Keeps everything moist and infuses subtle chicken flavor.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps blend the sauce and adds a slight fruitiness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and round out the flavors.
How to Make Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by washing the baby potatoes, then halving or quartering them depending on their size to ensure even cooking. Slice the smoked sausage into 1-inch pieces, which will roast perfectly alongside the potatoes, releasing its smoky flavor into the dish.
Step 2: Layer Potatoes and Sausage
Place the potatoes and sausage slices into the bottom of your 6-quart crockpot, layering evenly. This forms the hearty base that will soak up all the delicious sauce you’ll add next.
Step 3: Mix the Ranch Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine the ranch seasoning mix, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, and olive oil. Stir vigorously until you get a smooth, well-blended sauce that brings together tangy, creamy, and savory notes beautifully.
Step 4: Combine and Coat
Pour this luscious ranch mixture right over the potatoes and sausage inside the crockpot. Give everything a good stir to ensure each potato piece and sausage slice is fully coated with that flavorful sauce.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The potatoes should become tender, soaking up all those smoky, creamy flavors. The slow cooking process brings out the dish’s comforting and homey feel.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover again, allowing the cheese to melt into a golden, gooey blanket that ties all the flavors together with its richness.
Step 7: Final Stir and Serve
Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, give everything one last gentle stir. Then, dish out generous helpings of this warm, cheesy, and spectacularly flavorful Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes Recipe and enjoy!
How to Serve Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh, vibrant touch, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives right before serving. The green color brightens the dish visually and adds a mild oniony freshness that cuts through the richness wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This recipe is hearty enough to stand on its own but pairs lovely with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for balance. Consider serving with buttery garlic bread to soak up every bit of the delicious ranch sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving portions in individual ramekins for a charming presentation at family dinners or potlucks. For a fun twist, add a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkling of crispy fried onions on top to create extra layers of texture and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen with time, making it a great option for next-day meals. Gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, too! Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth if the mixture looks dry to bring back its creamy texture and prevent it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Absolutely! Just cut larger potatoes into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly within the recommended time frame. Yukon golds or red potatoes work beautifully for this recipe.
Is it possible to make this recipe without sausage?
Yes! You can skip the sausage for a lighter dish or replace it with diced cooked chicken or turkey to keep the protein element without the smokiness.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Definitely. You can assemble everything in the crockpot insert, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. This makes for a super convenient make-ahead meal.
What if I want to make it spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the ranch sauce mixture before pouring it over the potatoes and sausage for a bit of heat.
What type of cheddar cheese is best?
Sharp cheddar adds a nice tang and depth, but feel free to use mild or extra sharp based on your preference. Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes Recipe is one of those magical dishes that combines ease, flavor, and comfort in every bite. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or whenever you want a satisfying, fuss-free meal that feels special. Give it a try—you just might find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!
Print
Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 7 hours 10 minutes (low), or 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes recipe combines tender baby potatoes, savory smoked sausage, and a creamy ranch-infused sauce for a deliciously comforting slow-cooked meal. Perfect for busy days, it requires minimal prep and results in a cheesy, hearty dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Potatoes & Sausage
- 1 ½ lbs baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces
Sauce Mixture
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Wash and halve or quarter the baby potatoes. Slice the smoked sausage into 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking and easy serving.
- Layer in Crockpot: Place the halved or quartered potatoes in the bottom of a 6-quart crockpot, then add the sliced smoked sausage on top for even layering.
- Make Ranch Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the ranch seasoning mix, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, and olive oil until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Coat: Pour the ranch sauce mixture evenly over the potatoes and sausage in the crockpot. Stir gently to coat all ingredients thoroughly with the sauce.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add Cheese: About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Cover the crockpot again to allow the cheese to melt evenly.
- Final Stir and Serve: Once the cheese is melted, give the dish a final gentle stir to mix in the melted cheese. Serve hot for a comforting, cheesy meal that’s perfect for family dinners.
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese.
- Smoked sausage can be substituted with cooked chicken sausage or kielbasa.
- Make sure to check the seasoning before serving; add salt and pepper to taste as needed.
- This dish can also be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 2 days before cooking.
- Use baby potatoes of similar size to ensure even cooking.
