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Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken & Veggies Recipe

If you’re on the lookout for an easy, hands-off dinner that packs flavor without the fuss, you’re going to adore this Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken & Veggies Recipe. It’s the kind of meal I love making when I want comfort food that feels homemade but doesn’t have me tethered to the stove. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked potatoes and carrots, all infused with a cozy, herby ranch seasoning—it’s just fan-freaking-tastic. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a weeknight favorite in your house too!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Totally hands-off cooking: You just toss everything into the slow cooker and forget it until dinnertime—easy peasy.
  • Fresh homemade ranch seasoning: No need for pre-made packets here; the blend is simple, flavorful, and tastes way better.
  • Versatile and family-friendly: Even my picky eaters gobble this up and it works well as a base for countless tweaks.
  • One-pot meal magic: Chicken, potatoes, and carrots all cook together, making cleanup so much easier.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for this Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken & Veggies Recipe is simple but mighty. These familiar everyday staples come together in a fresh way, adding layers of flavor and texture. When shopping, aim for fresh, firm potatoes and carrots, and if you can, grab good quality chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference.

  • Onion powder: Adds a subtle, sweet-savory base note typical in ranch seasoning.
  • Granulated garlic powder: Offers depth without overpowering—just the right amount of garlicky warmth.
  • Dried dill: This herb is key for that classic ranch flavor and brings a light, herbaceous kick.
  • Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors throughout the dish.
  • Yellow waxy potatoes: Their creamy texture holds up well in slow cooking without falling apart too much.
  • Carrots: Naturally sweet and colorful, they soften beautifully and balance the savory flavors.
  • Chicken stock: Acts as the cooking liquid, adding moisture and a subtle, savory background taste.
  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Both work well; thighs add juiciness, breasts keep it lean.
  • Ranch seasoning blend (homemade): This homemade mix is fresh and allows you to control salt and flavor intensity.
  • Whole Greek yogurt (or non-dairy yogurt): Gives the ranch dressing that creamy tanginess that’s irresistible.
  • Avocado mayo: Adds richness and a smooth finish to the dressing.
  • Apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice: Provides acidity to brighten the ranch dressing.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken & Veggies Recipe is—you can easily swap ingredients or tweak flavors to suit your cravings or dietary needs. I often switch things up based on what’s in my fridge or who I’m cooking for.

  • Use chicken thighs instead of breasts: For extra juiciness and richer flavor, I like thighs best, especially on busy days when I don’t mind a bit more fat.
  • Swap potatoes: Sweet potatoes or red potatoes add a different sweetness and texture that your family might love.
  • Make it dairy-free: Use a non-dairy yogurt and vegan mayo for the ranch dressing, and it’s just as delicious.
  • Add other veggies: Green beans, bell peppers, or even some chopped zucchini thrown in toward the last hour add variety and color.

How to Make Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken & Veggies Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Ranch Seasoning and Veggies

Start by mixing together your onion powder, garlic powder, dried dill, and kosher salt to create that fresh homemade ranch seasoning blend. Then, toss the diced potatoes and carrots into the base of your slow cooker with a splash of chicken stock and half of the ranch seasoning. This layering is important because it helps the veggies soak up that savory, herbaceous flavor as they cook low and slow.

Step 2: Add the Chicken & Season Well

Place the chicken breasts or thighs on top of the veggies, then sprinkle on the remaining ranch seasoning and a pinch of kosher salt. You’ll want to distribute the seasoning evenly, so every bite bursts with that classic ranch tang. Seal the slow cooker and choose your cooking setting — high for about 3 hours or low for 6 hours works perfectly depending on your time frame.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Creamy Ranch Dressing

While the slow cooker does its magic, whisk together the whole Greek yogurt, avocado mayo, apple cider vinegar, and the rest of the ranch seasoning to create a vibrant, creamy dressing. This part is my favorite because it’s what really makes the dish sing—bright, tangy, and smooth. Feel free to taste and tweak the seasoning until it hits the perfect note for your palate.

Step 4: Serve It Up and Enjoy!

Once the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are fork-tender, carefully remove everything from the slow cooker. Slice the chicken and plate it alongside the potatoes and carrots. Drizzle the homemade ranch dressing over the top, or serve it on the side for dipping. I like this because everyone at my table can control how much dressing they want, and it stays fresh and creamy right up until the last bite.

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken & Veggies Recipe

  • Don’t Overcook the Chicken: I’ve learned that timing matters — check a bit early if using smaller breasts to avoid dry chicken.
  • Use Waxy Potatoes: They hold their shape beautifully during slow cooking and give you that perfect soft-but-not-mushy texture.
  • Layer Flavor Thoughtfully: Tossing veggies with chicken stock and half the ranch seasoning upfront ensures they get ample flavor from the start.
  • Adjust Ranch Seasoning to Taste: If you like it bolder, double the seasoning in the dressing for an extra punch.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken & Veggies Recipe

The dish has a white oval plate filled with a base layer of cubed yellow and orange roasted vegetables like potatoes and carrots, creating a chunky and colorful bed. On top, there are four large, pale beige cooked chicken pieces, arranged in a row across the vegetables. The chicken is drizzled with white creamy sauce in thin lines, and finely chopped green herbs are sprinkled over the whole dish. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a folded white and blue striped cloth napkin beside it, along with two shiny silver spoons close to the bottom left of the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a bit of fresh chopped parsley or chives over the plate before serving. It adds a pop of color and a fresh, slightly oniony lift that balances the creamy ranch dressing beautifully. If you want to get creative, a light dusting of smoked paprika or a few crunchy fried shallots on top take it to the next level!

Side Dishes

This Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken & Veggies Recipe is such a well-rounded meal that it often stands on its own, but when we want sides, I love serving it alongside a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread. Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus also complement the flavors and add a green veggie boost.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to arrange the sliced chicken over a bed of the veggies on a large wooden board, drizzling the ranch dressing artistically and scattering fresh herbs and edible flowers for a pretty, rustic look. It turns an everyday meal into something that feels extra festive and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers? Absolutely! I store any extra chicken and veggies in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay tasty for up to 3 days. The chicken stays tender and the veggies keep their flavor, making easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.

Freezing

I’ve frozen portions of this dish with success. Just cool everything completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently in the microwave or stovetop to keep the chicken juicy and avoid dry, overcooked meat.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, I prefer doing it low and slow in a covered skillet on the stove with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. If I’m in a hurry, the microwave works too—I just cover the dish to trap moisture. Always add a fresh drizzle of ranch dressing to keep the flavors bright and creamy.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?

    You can, but I recommend fresh potatoes and carrots for the best texture since frozen veggies might become too soft and mushy when slow cooked for hours.

  2. Which slow cooker setting is better for this recipe, high or low?

    Both work well—it depends on how much time you have. Use high for about 3 hours if you’re short on time, or low for 6 hours if you want to prep in the morning and come home to ready dinner.

  3. Can I make the ranch seasoning ahead of time?

    Definitely! I often mix a big batch and keep it in an airtight jar in my pantry so I can use it for this and other recipes whenever I want.

  4. What’s the best cut of chicken to use?

    Both boneless skinless breasts and thighs work great. Thighs add extra juiciness, which I personally adore, but breasts are leaner and still turn out tender with this slow cooker method.

  5. Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

    Absolutely, as long as your ranch seasoning and chicken stock are gluten-free. The homemade ranch seasoning used here is naturally gluten-free too, making it a safe and tasty option.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken & Veggies Recipe holds a special place in my recipe arsenal—not only because of how simple and satisfying it is, but also because it creates those cozy, comforting vibes we all crave after busy days. I love how the homemade ranch seasoning breathes new life into simple ingredients, and how effortlessly it all comes together without compromising on flavor. If you try this one, I bet it’ll become a go-to for easy weeknight dinners in your home too. Happy cooking, friend!

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Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken & Veggies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 120 reviews
  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours (high) or 6 hours (low)
  • Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken & Veggies recipe is a hearty, comforting one-pot meal featuring tender chicken breasts slow-cooked with diced potatoes and carrots, seasoned with a homemade ranch blend. Perfect for an easy, wholesome dinner that requires minimal prep and delivers big on flavor.


Ingredients

Ranch Seasoning Mix

  • 2 tablespoons onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Slow Cooker Base

  • 3 cups ½-inch diced yellow waxy potato
  • 3 cups ½-inch diced carrots
  • ¼ cup chicken stock
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or boneless, skinless thighs)
  • 1 tablespoon Ranch Seasoning (divided)
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Ranch Dressing

  • ⅓ cup whole Greek yogurt (or non-dairy yogurt)
  • 1 tablespoon avocado mayo
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (or fresh lemon juice)
  • 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons Ranch Seasoning


Instructions

  1. Make the Ranch Seasoning: In a small bowl, stir together the onion powder, granulated garlic powder, dried dill, and kosher salt until thoroughly combined to create your homemade ranch seasoning blend.
  2. Prepare the slow cooker base: Place the diced potatoes and carrots into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the chicken stock and ½ tablespoon of the ranch seasoning, then toss to evenly coat the vegetables.
  3. Add the chicken: Place the chicken breasts on top of the veggies. Sprinkle the chicken with the remaining ½ tablespoon of ranch seasoning and ½ teaspoon kosher salt to season thoroughly.
  4. Cook the chicken and veggies: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Cooking times may vary slightly based on your slow cooker model.
  5. Make the Ranch Dressing: While the chicken and veggies cook, whisk together the Greek yogurt, avocado mayo, apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of ranch seasoning in a bowl. Taste and adjust seasonings to preference for a creamy, tangy ranch sauce.
  6. Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken and vegetables from the slow cooker. Slice the chicken breasts and serve alongside the veggies with the ranch dressing on the side for drizzling or dipping.

Notes

  • This dish is a versatile, filling meal that uses simple ingredients with a homemade ranch seasoning blend, making it perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
  • You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if preferred for a moister texture.
  • Use non-dairy yogurt and a vegan mayo alternative to make it dairy-free if desired.
  • Adjust ranch seasoning quantities to taste based on your preference for herb and spice intensity.
  • Cooking times may need adjustment for different slow cooker models; ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (of 6)
  • Calories: 319 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 716 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.02 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 98 mg

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