Hearty Creamy Cheddar Bacon Ranch Slow Cooker Chicken and Potatoes Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this creamy cheddar bacon ranch slow cooker chicken strikes the perfect balance between comfort and convenience.

Rich flavors meld together in a hearty dish that promises satisfaction with every bite.

Tender chicken bathes in a luxurious sauce that combines tangy ranch with sharp cheddar and smoky bacon.

The slow cooker does all the hard work, infusing each ingredient with incredible depth.

Potatoes soak up the delicious sauce, becoming irresistibly creamy and flavorful.

Every forkful delivers a perfect blend of protein and comfort.

Gather your ingredients and let this one-pot wonder transform your evening meal into a memorable feast.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)

Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 650 kcal

Servings: 6

The Building Blocks of Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken & Potatoes

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender foundation of the dish, choose fresh, boneless cuts for even cooking and best texture.

• Potatoes: Hearty base that absorbs flavors, select firm, waxy varieties like Yukon Gold for maintaining shape during slow cooking.

• Ranch Seasoning: Zesty flavor booster that adds tangy complexity to the entire dish.
• Garlic Powder: Provides deep, mellow aromatic undertones without harsh raw garlic bite.
• Onion Powder: Delivers subtle sweetness and rounded savory notes.
• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer that balances and elevates other ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complements the creamy elements.

• Chicken Broth: Creates moisture and infuses rich, savory depth throughout the recipe.
• Heavy Cream: Introduces luxurious richness and helps create a silky, smooth texture.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty component that adds creamy indulgence and tangy complexity.
• Bacon: Crispy, smoky element that provides textural contrast and intense flavor punch.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh garnish that adds color and subtle herbaceous note.

Kitchen Tools for This Comfort Food Classic

• Slow Cooker: Essential for effortless, hands-off cooking of chicken and potatoes.
• Measuring Spoons: Precisely measure ranch seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper.
• Measuring Cups: Accurately pour chicken broth and heavy cream.
• Cheese Grater: Optional, for freshly grated cheddar cheese.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and mixing melted cheese.
• Cutting Board: Chop bacon and parsley before adding to the dish.
• Sharp Knife: Slice bacon and finely chop fresh parsley for garnish.

Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken & Potatoes Made Simple

• Prep Your Cooking Vessel

Grab your trusty slow cooker and give it a quick spray with nonstick coating to prevent any stubborn stuck-on bits.

• Layer the Flavor Foundation

Nestle chicken breasts and chunky potato pieces into the slow cooker, creating a hearty base for your meal.

• Sprinkle and Splash

Shower the ingredients with ranch seasoning, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour in chicken broth to keep everything juicy and delicious.

• Let the Magic Happen

Cover and let the slow cooker work its wonder. On low heat, cook for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours until chicken is perfectly tender and potatoes are soft.

• Cheese and Bacon Finale

Thirty minutes before serving, stir in heavy cream, melt in cheddar cheese, and mix in most of the crumbled bacon. Let everything mingle and get deliciously creamy.

• Plate and Celebrate

Top with remaining bacon bits and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve piping hot and watch everyone dig in with excitement!

Fun Ways to Add Your Spin on This Slow Cooker Combo

• Always ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for safe consumption and perfectly tender meat.
• Prep ingredients the night before, store in refrigerator, then simply dump into slow cooker in morning for effortless meal preparation.
• Swap regular bacon for turkey bacon, use low-fat cheddar cheese, and replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt for lighter, healthier version.
• Experiment with different seasoning blends like Italian herbs, taco seasoning, or cajun spice mix to transform dish's flavor profile completely.
• Replace chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower chunks, use vegetable broth, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for plant-based alternative.

Sharing Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken & Potatoes at the Table

• Comfort Food Feast: Serve this hearty chicken dish with a crisp garden salad to balance the richness of the cheese and bacon.
• Brunch Brilliance: Transform leftovers into a delightful breakfast by shredding the chicken and placing it over toasted bread with an extra sprinkle of cheese.
• Family-Style Presentation: Use a large serving platter to create a stunning centerpiece, arranging the chicken and potatoes with a generous garnish of fresh parsley and remaining bacon crumbles.
• Perfect Pairing: Complement the dish with a light, tangy white wine or a cold beer to cut through the creamy, savory flavors of the meal.

How to Store or Meal Prep This Hearty Dish

• Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Refrigerated chicken and potatoes remain safe for 3-4 days when sealed properly in shallow containers to maximize cooling.
• Warm portions in microwave or oven, adding splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness. Stir gently during reheating to distribute heat evenly.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating, ensuring texture and flavor remain consistent.

Creamy Cheddar Bacon Ranch Slow Cooker Chicken and Potatoes Recipe

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Cheddar bacon ranch slow cooker chicken and potatoes elevate comfort dining with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Melted cheese, crispy bacon, and zesty ranch seasoning create a hearty meal that brings warmth to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 kg (2 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 500 g (1 lb) baby potatoes, halved (or red potatoes, diced)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream or 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 packet (30 g) ranch seasoning mix (or 2 tbsps homemade ranch mix)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsps chopped green onions or chives
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• Extra bacon crumbles (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Coat the interior of the slow cooker with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Assembly: Layer chicken breasts and potatoes in the slow cooker, creating an even distribution for consistent cooking.
3. Seasoning: Generously dust the layers with ranch seasoning, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper to infuse deep, robust flavors throughout the dish.
4. Liquid Integration: Pour chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring moisture and creating a flavorful cooking environment.
5. Slow Cooking: Seal the slow cooker and allow the ingredients to simmer on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, transforming the chicken into tender, succulent morsels and softening the potatoes to a perfect consistency.
6. Creamy Enhancement: During the final 30 minutes of cooking, introduce heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and half the crumbled bacon, stirring gently to create a rich, velvety sauce that coats the chicken and potatoes.
7. Finishing Touch: Sprinkle the remaining bacon and fresh parsley over the dish, adding a crisp texture and vibrant garnish before serving piping hot.

Notes

• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts of similar size to ensure even cooking and retain moisture throughout the slow cooking process.
• Cut potatoes into uniform, bite-sized chunks to guarantee consistent tenderness and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
• If the sauce appears too thin, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow excess liquid to evaporate and thicken naturally.
• Swap regular cheddar with low-fat or dairy-free cheese alternatives, and use turkey bacon for a lighter version of the recipe without compromising flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg