Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole (Crockpot)

Crockpot Ranch Chicken Casserole is an all-in-one slow cooker meal that’s ready to eat when the day is done. Crock pot ranch chicken is affordable, easy to make, and a true family favorite. Plus it’s a great freezer meal for easy meal prep.

I love using my slow cooker to prepare easy family meals and to simplify weeknight dinners. And one of my favorite hands-off meals is this Crockpot Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. It’s a favorite because the meat, gravy and vegetable are all cooked together in one pot.

This crockpot chicken casserole is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you have dinner figured out, even when you definitely don’t. I love making it as much as this easy Ranch Baked Chicken and Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie.

Why Make This Recipe

I love making this one on nights when I need something filling, family-friendly, and basically foolproof. Here’s why it always saves the day:

• It’s a true dump-and-go recipe. No pre-cooking. No browning. No whisking anything on the stove.
• Uses everyday ingredients. It is packed full of veggies, chicken, spices and more, pantry and freezer ingredients you and I already have.
• Beginner friendly. If you can chop potatoes and open a can, you can make it.
• Feeds a crowd. Double to feed a crowd, if your slow cooker is big enough.
• Freezer meal hero. Whether you prep before cooking and freeze or freeze leftovers, it reheats beautifully.

Ingredient Notes and Variations

Here’s what usually goes into this recipe, plus a few ideas of how I like to change it depending on what’s in the fridge/freezer:

• Baby Potatoes. I use yellow or red ones, and cut in half for even cooking. Larger potatoes may need to be quartered. Feel free to cube russet potatoes or cut up sweet potatoes instead. Use cauliflower for a lower-carb version.
• Carrots. I suggest you peel and cut them into 2-inch pieces. Feel free to use butternut squash, mushrooms, broccoli or your favorite vegetable. Add in frozen veggies, but you should add the frozen peas, frozen corn, or green beans in the last 45-60 minutes of cooking.
• Bacon. Make sure to cook and crumble before adding in, or you can purchase pre-cooked bacon or use leftover bacon. Turkey bacon works too.
• Green onions. Go for freshest ones you have.
• Chicken. Whilst I used boneless, skinless chicken breasts, I have also use boneless chicken thighs, boneless pork chops or turkey cutlets. 
• Cream of chicken soup. Whilst my preference is this pantry staple, I have substituted it with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup, which will alter the final flavor slightly, but still give that creamy casserole flavor.
• Chicken Stock. I prefer to use low sodium and season with additional salt if needed. However, vegetable broth and vegetable stock work well too. If you prefer a richer sauce, then replace a half cup of the chicken stock with milk.
• Ranch Dressing Mix. I tend to use one packet or 2 tablespoons if I have the bulk seasoning canister. Add more or less to your taste. 

How To Make Crockpot Ranch Chicken Casserole

This recipe is beginner friendly, so here are the simple, manageable, and stress-free steps. Get full ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

• Layer the veggies and bacon. Lightly grease the crockpot insert to prevent sticking. Arrange the potatoes and carrots in the bottom of the crockpot, they take the longest to cook. Add the bacon and green onions.
• Add the chicken and seasoning. Top with chicken breasts and then sprinkle on the Ranch seasoning mix.
• Combine and add the cooking liquids. Combine cream of chicken soup and chicken stock and add in, making sure the chicken is completely submerged.
• Cook. Cover and cook on high for 5-6 hours, or low for 8-9 hours.
• Serve. When the chicken is done, turn off the slow cooker. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs, serve, and enjoy!

Tips For Success

• It’s important to always check for doneness using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should be 165F / 74C when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken breast.
• Cut the potatoes and carrots into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. 
• If your chicken breasts are large, you can cut them in half vertically or gently pound to an even thickness using a meat mallet.
• I think it is best cooked on low and please avoid stirring whilst this cooks to help the veggies keep their shape.
• If you want a thicker sauce, cook uncovered for the last 20-30 minutes.
• I suggest you purchase chicken in bulk when it is on sale and freeze for later. 
• Double The Recipe – Double the recipe and freeze half before cooking for later use. 
• Slow cooker temperatures can vary, so it’s important to check your food for doneness. The internal temperature should read 165F / 74C when a meat thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the chicken breast.

Prep Ahead, Meal Prep And Storage

• Prep Ahead. Combine all of the ingredients in the crockpot and refrigerate overnight. You may need an additional 30-60 mins cook time the next day. 
• Eat all week. Enjoy dinner, then refrigerate and eat the leftovers for 4 more days. Add it to wraps and serve on top of salad.
• Freeze. Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Make it a freezer meal. Combine all of the ingredients (except for the potatoes) in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, pour into the crock pot, add the potatoes, and cook as directed.

FAQs

Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?

No, for food safety reasons chicken should always be completely thawed before adding to a slow cooker.

Can I Use Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup?

Yes, but you may need to reduce the amount of additional liquid you add, as homemade soup is often more watery than condensed soups. Additionally, do not freeze this if you are using homemade soup. 

More Recipes You May Like

If you like this, then you will enjoy these other recipes:

• Crockpot Chicken Pasta.
• Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken.
• Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas.
• Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip.
• Baked Chicken Ranch. Crispy and easy.
• Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies. Great all in one meal.
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap. Take lunch out and about.
• Loaded Ranch Potato Salad. A nice side with everything.
• Seasoned Ranch Pretzels. Upgrade your favorite snack with ranch seasoning.

Serving Suggestions

I love eating this casserole as is or adding it to wraps, serve on top of salad, or transform into a creamy soup (by chopping up leftover and add to a soup pot, along with additional stock and milk, to make a creamy Chicken Ranch Soup). 

This Smothered Cabbage as well as this Smothered Green Beans and Crockpot Mashed Potatoes or easy Green Bean Casserole go really well with this. I tend to serve ith with these Homemade Yeast Rolls and Strawberry Sweet Tea too.

Weight Watchers Points

There are 7 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

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Did you make this recipe? Then I would love to hear how it turned out. Please leave a comment and star rating below. And I really appreciate you sharing this recipe with your family and friends. Enjoy every mouthful 😊🍲 – Bintu

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