Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken with Potatoes and Onions

Ingredients

• 6–8 chicken drumsticks (about 2½–3 lb / 1.1–1.4 kg)

• 1½ lb (680 g) baby red potatoes, quartered

• 1 large onion, sliced

• 1 packet (about 1 oz / 28 g) ranch seasoning mix

• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced (optional)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Note: Ranch seasoning can be salty, so taste the broth before adding extra salt.

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables: Wash and quarter the potatoes. Slice the onion into thin wedges.

2. Layer the slow cooker: Place the potatoes and onions in the bottom of the slow cooker.

3. Season the chicken: Pat the drumsticks dry. Rub with olive oil, garlic, black pepper, and paprika, if using.

4. Add the chicken: Arrange the drumsticks over the potatoes and onions.

5. Pour in the broth: Slowly pour the chicken broth around the chicken, avoiding washing off the seasoning.

6. Add ranch seasoning: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning evenly over the chicken and vegetables.

7. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the chicken is tender and the potatoes are cooked through. Check that the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) without touching the bone.

8. Optional browning: For crispier skin, transfer the cooked drumsticks to a baking tray and broil for 3–5 minutes, watching carefully.

9. Serve: Spoon the flavorful broth over the chicken and potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Quick tips

• Crispier chicken: Slow cooking makes chicken tender but does not crisp the skin; broiling at the end adds color and texture.

• Thicker gravy: Transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan and simmer until reduced, or thicken with a cornstarch slurry.

• Extra vegetables: Add carrots, celery, or green beans.

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container within 2 hours and use within 3–4 days.

Nutrition information (approximate)

Per serving, based on 6 servings:

Nutrition varies depending on chicken size, whether the skin is eaten, and the ranch seasoning and broth brands.

Nut information

• Peanuts and tree nuts: None are required in this recipe.

• Potential allergens: Some ranch seasoning mixes may contain milk or other allergens.

• Gluten note: Check the seasoning and broth labels if preparing this meal for someone avoiding gluten.

• Allergy precaution: Always check package labels for allergen and cross-contact warnings.

Serving suggestion: Serve with steamed green beans, a fresh garden salad, or warm dinner rolls for a complete family dinner.