Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken & Veggies Recipe with Zing

My weekend meal planning always includes this hearty slow cooker ranch chicken & veggies that saves precious time during busy days.

Weeknight dinners demand smart solutions for hungry families.

Ranch seasoning adds incredible depth to tender chicken pieces nestled among colorful vegetables.

Minimal prep work means maximum flavor without complicated techniques.

Busy home cooks appreciate recipes that combine convenience and deliciousness effortlessly.

Comfort meets nutrition in this simple one-pot wonder that guarantees smiles around the dinner table.

You’ll want to bookmark this foolproof recipe for your next hectic evening.

What You’ll Need for This Ranch-Seasoned Dish

• Chicken: Lean protein that provides the main substance of the dish, boneless and skinless works best for even cooking.

• Potatoes, Carrots, Green Beans: Fresh seasonal vegetables add nutrition and create a complete one-pot meal, choose firm and colorful produce for best results.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: Basic seasonings that enhance the chicken's natural flavor, use kosher salt for better taste distribution.
• Ranch Seasoning: Adds tangy and herbal notes to the entire dish, packet or homemade seasoning works well.

• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and helps tenderize the chicken, low-sodium preferred for better control of salt content.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps prevent sticking, extra virgin olive oil offers the best flavor.

• Sour Cream, Cream Cheese: Creates a richer, more luxurious sauce when stirred in at the end, full-fat versions provide the best texture.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds brightness and color to the finished dish, finely chopped for best presentation.

Cooking Chicken and Veggies in One Pot

Step 1: Prep Vegetable Base

Arrange potatoes and carrots in the bottom of your slow cooker, creating a colorful foundation for your meal.

Step 2: Season Chicken Perfectly

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Ranch seasoning

Nestle the seasoned chicken on top of the vegetable layer.

Step 3: Add Green Beans

Sprinkle green beans over the chicken. For a crisp texture, add them during the final hour of cooking.

Step 4: Create Flavor Liquid

• Chicken broth
• Olive oil
• Remaining ranch seasoning

Pour this liquid mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The dish is ready when chicken is tender and vegetables are soft.

Step 6: Enhance Creaminess

Optional: Stir in sour cream or cream cheese just before serving for a luxurious, velvety finish.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top and serve piping hot. Enjoy your comforting one-pot meal!

Tips to Keep Veggies Bright and Not Mushy

• Optimize Veggie Placement: Layer potatoes and carrots at the bottom for even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
• Customize Seasoning Intensity: Adjust ranch seasoning amount to suit personal taste preferences or dietary needs.
• Perfect Green Bean Texture: Add green beans in the last hour for a crisp, fresh-like crunch instead of soft, overcooked beans.
• Boost Creaminess Strategically: Stir in sour cream or cream cheese just before serving to create a rich, velvety sauce without breaking down during cooking.
• Enhance Serving Presentation: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and added fresh herb flavor that brightens the entire dish.

Storing and Reheating Without Drying Anything Out

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chicken and vegetables together to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Refrigerated meals stay fresh for 34 days. Consume within this timeframe to enjoy optimal taste and food safety.
• Warm portions in microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out.
• Transfer cooled chicken and vegetables to freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Sides That Pair Well with Ranch-Flavored Dinners

• A light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the ranch seasoning and cuts through the richness of the chicken.
• Serve with crusty sourdough or herb-infused focaccia to soak up the flavorful broth and add delightful texture contrast.
• Create a bright arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty slow cooker dish and add a zesty, clean flavor profile.
• Prepare a refreshing drink with cucumber, mint, and lemon slices to cleanse the palate and enhance the meal's herbal ranch notes.

Variations That Mix Up the Veggie Lineup

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace sour cream or cream cheese with coconut cream or cashew cream for a vegan-friendly option. Use dairy-free ranch seasoning mix to maintain the flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Makeover: Swap potatoes with cauliflower or turnips. Replace green beans with zucchini or asparagus for a lower-carbohydrate meal that fits keto dietary needs.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Substitute ranch seasoning with Italian herb blend or Mediterranean spice mix. Add fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano for an aromatic herb-forward chicken dish.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Mix in chili powder, cumin, and paprika with ranch seasoning. Add diced bell peppers and jalapeños for a southwestern-inspired flavor profile that brings heat and excitement to the classic recipe.

Chicken and Veggie FAQs You Might Ask

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work perfectly. Just ensure they’re boneless and skinless to prevent drying out during slow cooking.

• Do I need fresh ranch seasoning or can I use a packet?

A ranch seasoning packet is recommended for the most consistent flavor. Homemade seasoning can work but might require adjusting salt and herb quantities.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Check your ranch seasoning packet, as some contain gluten. Use a certified gluten-free ranch seasoning to make the entire dish gluten-free.

• Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Chop vegetables and season chicken the night before, storing everything in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply assemble in the slow cooker and start cooking.

Why Ranch Chicken and Veggies Is a Weeknight Lifesaver

• Prepare a complete dinner with minimal prep and cleanup, making weeknight cooking a breeze.
• Dump ingredients into the pot, set it, and forget it – perfect for busy families and working professionals who want a delicious home-cooked meal.
• Easily swap vegetables or adjust seasonings to suit personal tastes, making this recipe adaptable for picky eaters or dietary preferences.
• Combines lean protein from chicken with hearty vegetables, providing a well-rounded meal packed with essential nutrients and flavors.

Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken & Veggies Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty slow cooker ranch chicken & veggies deliver comfort straight from home kitchens to dinner tables. Juicy chicken and garden-fresh vegetables mingle with zesty ranch seasoning, promising a simple, satisfying meal that brings families together with minimal kitchen effort.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Vegetables:

• 1 pound (454 grams) baby potatoes, halved
• 2 cups baby carrots
• 2 cups green beans (fresh or frozen, ends trimmed)

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or 2 tablespoons homemade ranch seasoning)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Creamy Addition:

• ¼ cup sour cream or cream cheese (for creamier version)

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Layer root vegetables like potatoes and carrots across the base of the slow cooker, creating a sturdy foundation for the dish.
2. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with a blend of aromatic seasonings including salt, pepper, garlic powder, and half the ranch seasoning mix, ensuring even flavor distribution.
3. Strategically arrange green beans atop the chicken, or postpone their addition until the final hour of cooking to preserve their crisp texture.
4. Craft a savory liquid mixture by whisking together chicken broth, fragrant olive oil, and the remaining ranch seasoning, then delicately cascade this liquid over the assembled ingredients.
5. Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the meal to gently simmer on low temperature for 6-7 hours, or alternatively, use high heat for 3-4 hours until the chicken becomes fork-tender and vegetables reach a perfectly soft consistency.
6. For an indulgent touch, swirl in a dollop of tangy sour cream or velvety cream cheese moments before serving, transforming the dish into a luxuriously creamy experience.
7. Elevate the presentation by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley across the top, then serve the aromatic meal while still warmly steaming.

Notes

• Enhance vegetable crispness by adding green beans in the final hour of cooking, preserving their vibrant color and tender-crisp texture.
• Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version, adjusting cooking time to prevent overcooking plant-based proteins.
• Create a lighter version by using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, reducing calories while maintaining a creamy consistency.
• Prep ingredients the night before and store in the refrigerator for a quick morning assembly, saving time during busy weekdays.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg