Slow Cooker Loaded Chicken and Potatoes Recipe

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Cook Time: 175 minutes

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy slow cooker chicken and potato dish. Tender shredded chicken meets fork-soft baby potatoes in a luscious ranch-infused sauce, perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 3 1/2 tablespoons ranch dressing mix
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 1/2 pounds yellow baby potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 6 ounces cream cheese, cubed at room temperature
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing
• 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
• Cooked and crumbled bacon to taste
• Thinly sliced scallions for garnish

Directions

1. Gather all ingredients and prepare your slow cooker.
2. In the base of a 5-quart slow cooker, whisk together chicken broth and ranch dressing mix until fully combined.
3. Layer the chicken breasts evenly over the broth mixture, then add the potatoes on top. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Cover and cook until the chicken is fully cooked and the potatoes are tender, approximately 2 hours 45 minutes on HIGH or 3 hours 45 minutes on LOW.
5. Carefully remove the chicken and place it on a cutting board. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes, then shred coarsely using two forks.
6. Add the cream cheese, ranch dressing, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded Cheddar to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for about 10 minutes, until cheeses begin to melt and potatoes are tender.
7. Uncover and gently stir the cheese mixture until nearly smooth.
8. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir until evenly coated with the creamy cheese mixture.
9. Serve in 8 shallow bowls, topping each with the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheese, bacon, and scallions. Enjoy immediately.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: 552
• Total Fat: 29g (37% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 12g (62% DV)
• Cholesterol: 153mg (51% DV)
• Sodium: 1065mg (46% DV)
• Total Carbohydrates: 23g (8% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 2g (8% DV)
• Total Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 48g (95% DV)
• Vitamin C: 9mg (10% DV)
• Calcium: 276mg (21% DV)
• Iron: 2mg (14% DV)
• Potassium: 884mg (19% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutrient data is calculated from available information and may vary depending on specific ingredients used. For any dietary restrictions, consult a healthcare professional before preparing this recipe.

The Story Behind Slow Cooker Loaded Chicken and Potatoes

The Slow Cooker Loaded Chicken and Potatoes dish has its roots in classic American comfort food, designed to provide a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal effort. Emerging from the widespread popularity of slow cookers in the late 20th century, this recipe reflects the eras shift toward convenient home cooking that didnt compromise on taste. The combination of chicken, potatoes, cheese, and ranch seasoning is a modern twist on traditional casseroles, blending creamy textures with tender, savory ingredients to create a family-friendly dish that warms both body and soul.

Regional Variations and Local Twists

Though widely enjoyed across the United States, regional adaptations of this dish exist. In the Midwest, cooks often incorporate bacon and cheddar for a rich, smoky flavor, reflecting the areas love of hearty, indulgent meals. Southern versions may include green onions, hot sauce, or even a touch of cornbread topping, adding layers of spice and texture. Meanwhile, West Coast renditions sometimes introduce vegetables such as zucchini or carrots, emphasizing fresh, lighter ingredients to balance the creamy base. Each regional variation highlights local tastes while keeping the essence of the slow-cooked, comfort-food experience intact.

What Sets It Apart from Similar Dishes

While reminiscent of traditional chicken casseroles or loaded baked potatoes, this slow cooker version stands out due to its method and flavor profile. Unlike oven-baked casseroles, the slow cooker method allows the chicken and potatoes to absorb flavors deeply over hours of gentle cooking, producing a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The creamy ranch sauce, combined with shredded cheddar, adds a tangy richness that differentiates it from standard cream-of-chicken dishes. The inclusion of bacon and scallions as a topping provides a fresh, crispy contrast that enhances both flavor and presentation.

Where Youll Typically Find It Served

This dish is commonly enjoyed in home kitchens as a weeknight dinner or a family-style meal for gatherings. Its also popular at potlucks, office parties, and casual holiday meals because of its simplicity, large yield, and crowd-pleasing flavors. In restaurants, particularly casual American diners, it may appear as a hearty entree or a comfort-food special, often served with a side salad or crusty bread to complement the richness of the dish.

Interesting Facts About the Dish

• The recipes popularity has surged due to the convenience of slow cookers, which allow busy families to prepare a complete meal with minimal active cooking time.
• The combination of ranch seasoning and cheddar cheese reflects the mid-20th-century American palate, which favored bold, creamy, and slightly tangy flavors.
• Shredding the chicken after slow cooking enhances the texture and helps it meld seamlessly with the sauce, creating a unified, luscious dish.
• This recipe is highly customizable; vegetables, different cheeses, or spices can easily be added to suit personal tastes without compromising the core flavor.
• It exemplifies the growing trend of loaded comfort foods, where classic ingredients like potatoes and chicken are enhanced with rich, layered toppings for maximum indulgence.

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