Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 5 ingredients
- One-pot slow cooker meal
- Creamy, comforting, and hearty
- Budget-friendly and family-approved
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
- No browning or pre-cooking required
Ingredients
- 1.5–2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3–4 medium)
- 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, diced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 packet (about 1 ounce) dry ranch seasoning mix
- Note: Yukon gold potatoes hold their shape well and have a naturally buttery flavor, making them ideal for slow cooking.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Wash the Yukon gold potatoes thoroughly and dice them into roughly 1-inch pieces. Peeling is optional—the skins are thin and soften nicely during cooking.
Step 2: Layer the Potatoes
Spread the diced potatoes evenly across the bottom of your slow cooker. This allows them to cook fully while soaking up all the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly on top of the potatoes in a single layer as much as possible. Keeping them on top helps prevent overcooking.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Cream of chicken soup
- Chicken broth
- Dry ranch seasoning mix
Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Pour and Coat
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and potatoes, making sure everything is lightly coated. No stirring is required.
Step 6: Slow Cook
Cover and cook:
- LOW for 5–6 hours, or
- HIGH for 2.5–3.5 hours
The dish is ready when:
- Chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally
- Potatoes are fork-tender
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Taste and season lightly with salt and pepper if needed. Serve the chicken with a generous scoop of potatoes and plenty of creamy sauce spooned over the top.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with:
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted broccoli or carrots
- Simple side salad
- Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread
Variations & Tips
- Use chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs stay extra juicy and flavorful—just check them a bit earlier as they can cook faster.
- Lighter option: Use 98% fat-free cream of chicken soup or swap in cream of mushroom for a deeper savory flavor.
- Change the seasoning: Italian dressing mix creates a herby, rotisserie-style twist.
- Prevent dry chicken: If your slow cooker runs hot, check doneness 30–45 minutes early and switch to WARM once the chicken hits 165°F.
- Meal prep idea: Portion into containers with fresh spinach or green beans—when reheated, the veggies steam gently for a complete meal.
- Extra cheesy finish: Stir in a small handful of shredded cheddar cheese at the end and let it melt into the sauce.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth if the sauce thickens.
- Freezing: Freeze portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Chicken and Potatoes recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create a comforting, satisfying dinner with almost no effort. Creamy, hearty, and endlessly adaptable, it’s the kind of meal you’ll come back to again and again.