This cozy dish brings together tender chicken, tasty potatoes, and fresh green beans in a warm crockpot. Just toss everything in, and let it slow-cook to perfection!
I love how simple it is—set it and forget it! Plus, it’s a complete meal, so I don’t have to think about sides. Perfect for busy days when I just want tasty comfort food! 😊
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are perfect for a juicy texture. If you prefer chicken breasts or even drumsticks, they can work too, just adjust the cooking time slightly since breasts cook faster.
Potatoes: Baby potatoes are great since they cook evenly. If you can’t find them, you can cut regular potatoes into chunks. Yukon Gold or red potatoes would also be wonderful choices.
Green Beans: Fresh green beans add a lovely crunch. Frozen green beans can also be used; just add them at the same time to keep their texture.
Ranch Dressing Mix: This packet adds flavor easily, but if you’re out, you can mix your own with dried herbs like dill, parsley, and buttermilk powder or use an Italian seasoning mix as a substitute.
Olive Oil: While I love using olive oil for its taste, you can swap it for vegetable oil or melted butter if needed.
How Can You Ensure the Chicken Stays Juicy While Cooking?
Keeping chicken moist in a crockpot is key for a great dish. Follow these steps to achieve juicy chicken every time:
- Season the chicken well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder before cooking; this adds flavor.
- Place a layer of potatoes at the bottom to create a base that helps cook the chicken evenly.
- Add chicken broth around the edges instead of pouring it directly over the chicken to avoid washing off the seasoning.
- Cook on low for longer if you can. Low and slow is the golden rule of crockpot cooking for juicy results.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken with Potatoes and Green Beans
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and depending on your crockpot setting, it will need 3-7 hours to cook. You can just set it and relax while the crockpot does the work, making it a perfect meal for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken thighs. Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder evenly on both sides. This gives the chicken a lovely flavor.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
Next, take your halved baby potatoes and place them in the bottom of your crockpot. This will create a nice bed for the chicken to sit on while it cooks.
3. Layer the Ingredients:
Now, gently place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the potatoes in the crockpot. It’s okay if they overlap a bit—this will help keep them juicy!
4. Add the Ranch and Broth:
Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix over the chicken. Then pour the low-sodium chicken broth around the edges of the crockpot, making sure the chicken is coated but not completely submerged. This helps keep the chicken moist.
5. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This will make the chicken tender and flavorful!
6. Add the Green Beans:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, add the trimmed green beans on top of the chicken and potatoes. Cover again and let them cook until tender. This ensures they don’t get too mushy!
7. Serve:
Once everything is cooked through, it’s time to serve! Plate the chicken along with the potatoes and green beans. Don’t forget to drizzle some of the delicious crockpot juices over the top for extra flavor!
Enjoy your delicious and comforting crockpot meal!
Can I Use Other Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use chicken breasts if you prefer, but they may cook faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid drying out. Bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks work well too; just adjust the cooking time slightly, as they may need a little longer to become tender.
What If I Don’t Have Ranch Dressing Mix?
No problem! You can make your own by mixing together 1 tablespoon of dried dill, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and a little salt and pepper. This homemade mix will give you a similar flavor profile!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrients. Just chop them to a similar size as the potatoes and add them in at the same time as the green beans to ensure they cook evenly.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm on the stove until heated through. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2 months; just make sure to label the container with the date!
