If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor, incredibly easy to prepare, and perfect for cozy nights, this Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes Recipe will quickly become your go-to comfort food. Imagine tender baby potatoes, smoky sausage, and creamy ranch-infused sauce slowly mingling together in your crockpot, then topped with melty cheddar cheese. This dish is all about simplicity meeting deliciousness, ensuring you get a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simple but essential ingredients, each bringing something special to the table—texture from the potatoes, savory richness from the sausage, and that unmistakable tang of ranch seasoning tying everything together perfectly.
- Baby potatoes, 1 ½ lbs: These add a creamy texture and soak up all the delicious flavors as they cook.
- Smoked sausage, 1 lb: Provides a smoky, meaty depth that complements the ranch perfectly.
- Ranch seasoning mix, 1 packet: The key flavor booster that gives this dish its signature taste.
- Cream of chicken soup, 1 can (10.5 oz): Adds creaminess and a silky base to the sauce.
- Shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup: Melts into gooey perfection, giving each bite a cheesy finish.
- Sour cream, ½ cup: Adds tanginess and richness to balance the smoky sausage.
- Chicken broth, ½ cup: Helps create a smooth sauce and keeps everything moist during cooking.
- Olive oil, 1 tablespoon: Adds richness and helps bind the sauce ingredients together.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors to life.
How to Make Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by washing the baby potatoes thoroughly, then cut them into halves or quarters so they cook evenly and become tender in the crockpot. Slice the smoked sausage into 1-inch pieces, which will distribute flavor beautifully throughout the dish.
Step 2: Layer in the Crockpot
In your 6-quart crockpot, place the potatoes in a flat layer first, then add the sausage slices on top. This layering ensures that the potatoes absorb the delicious juices from the sausage as everything cooks together low and slow.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the ranch seasoning packet, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, and olive oil. Stir gently until everything is well blended into a smooth, creamy sauce that will coat the potatoes and sausage wonderfully.
Step 4: Pour Over the Potatoes and Sausage
Pour your ranch sauce mixture evenly over the layered potatoes and sausage. Use a spoon or spatula to stir everything lightly, ensuring all ingredients are coated with the flavorful sauce for maximum taste.
Step 5: Cook
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. You want the potatoes tender and the sausage cooked through, with the flavors melding into a creamy, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Step 6: Add Cheese
About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the casserole. Cover again to let that cheese melt into a luscious, golden blanket, adding an irresistible finishing touch.
Step 7: Serve
Once the cheese is melty and bubbling, give the entire crockpot a final gentle stir to combine everything. Serve it piping hot and enjoy the perfect balance of smoky, creamy, and cheesy flavors.
How to Serve Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can brighten this hearty dish beautifully—think chopped parsley or green onions sprinkled on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. You can even add a dash of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky twist that complements the sausage perfectly.
Side Dishes
This recipe is a complete meal on its own, but if you’d like to add a side, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or steamed green beans with lemon zest will bring freshness and balance to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes Recipe in a rustic casserole dish right from the crockpot to the table. Alternatively, portion it into individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch that feels extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making the next-day meal just as delightful as the first.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover portions by placing them in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the creaminess and texture of the potatoes and sauce.
Reheating
Reheat the leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much to keep things moist and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage adds a rich flavor, you can substitute with kielbasa, spicy chorizo, or even a chicken sausage for a lighter twist. Just adjust cooking times if needed.
Is it possible to make this recipe without dairy?
Yes! Substitute the cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free version or homemade broth-based sauce, use dairy-free sour cream, and choose a vegan cheese alternative. The ranch seasoning may contain dairy, so look for a dairy-free blend or make your own.
Can I prepare this dish without a crockpot?
Definitely. You can bake everything in a covered casserole dish at 375°F for about 45-60 minutes until the potatoes are tender. Just monitor closely and stir occasionally to prevent drying out.
What can I add to make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a bit of water during the last hour of cooking. This will give a creamier, more luscious consistency.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, adding veggies like diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms can add extra flavor and nutrition. Just add them in with the potatoes and sausage at the beginning of cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes Recipe is the ultimate comfort food that is as easy to make as it is satisfying to eat. Whether you’re feeding family on a busy weeknight or looking for a cozy dish for friends, this recipe delivers warmth, flavor, and simplicity every time. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your meal rotation.
Print
Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes recipe combines tender baby potatoes, smoky sausage, and a creamy ranch-flavored sauce slow-cooked to perfection and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Ideal for an effortless, hearty meal with minimal prep, this dish brings together rich flavors and creamy textures for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Produce
- 1 ½ lbs baby potatoes, halved or quartered
Meat
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
Pantry
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Wash and halve or quarter the baby potatoes to ensure even cooking. Slice the smoked sausage into 1-inch pieces to create perfect bite-sized portions.
- Layer in the crockpot: In a 6-quart crockpot, evenly layer the prepared baby potatoes followed by the sliced smoked sausage to build the base of your dish.
- Mix the sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the ranch seasoning mix, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, and olive oil. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and uniform in texture.
- Pour over potatoes and sausage: Pour the ranch mixture evenly over the layers of potatoes and sausage in the crockpot. Stir gently to combine and ensure everything is well coated with the sauce.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and flavors meld together beautifully.
- Add cheese: About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the dish and cover again to allow the cheese to melt into a creamy, delicious topping.
- Serve: Once the cheese has melted, give the casserole a final stir to incorporate the melted cheese throughout. Serve hot and enjoy this rich, savory comfort meal.
Notes
- You can substitute smoked sausage with cooked chicken sausage or kielbasa for a different flavor variation.
- For a thicker sauce, reduce the chicken broth to ¼ cup and add more sour cream.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed green vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the microwave or oven.
