Imagine a warm and cozy kitchen, where the aroma of slow-simmered chicken, bacon, and ranch-infused broth fills the air. This Savory Slow Cooker Bacon Ranch Chicken Stew is a masterful blend of elevated comfort and visual artistry, transforming a classic dish into a culinary experience that will delight your senses and nourish your soul.
Why You’ll Love This Savory Slow Cooker Bacon Ranch Chicken Stew
This irresistible stew is the ultimate in comforting, feel-good cuisine. The rich, creamy broth is infused with the decadent flavors of crispy bacon, tender chicken, and the beloved ranch seasoning, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish effortlessly blends gourmet elegance with the warm, inviting essence of a home-cooked meal, making it a truly irresistible and inspiring addition to your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
The beauty of this Savory Slow Cooker Bacon Ranch Chicken Stew lies in its simple, yet refined ingredients. You’ll need juicy chicken breasts, thick-cut bacon, a flavorful ranch seasoning blend, and a few additional pantry staples to craft this luscious and cozy dish.
- 1.5 lbs – Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 6 slices – Thick-Cut Bacon
- 1 packet – Ranch Seasoning Mix
- 2 cups – Diced Potatoes
- 1 large – Yellow Onion, diced
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 2 cups – Chicken Broth
- 1/2 cup – Heavy Cream
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs — a richer, more flavorful swap that keeps the dish equally comforting.
- Bacon: Plant-Based Bacon Alternatives — perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make Savory Slow Cooker Bacon Ranch Chicken Stew
Crafting this savory masterpiece is a delightful culinary journey, effortlessly blending the pillars of comfort food with the elegant touch of a true artisan.
Step 1 — Prep Work
Begin by cooking the bacon until crispy, then crumble it and set it aside. Sear the chicken breasts to lock in their juices and create a beautiful caramelized exterior. Chop the onion, garlic, and potatoes, preparing them for the slow cooker.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
In your slow cooker, layer the chicken, potatoes, onion, and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and ranch seasoning, then cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are fork-tender.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
Once the stew is cooked, shred the chicken using two forks. Add the crumbled bacon and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, ensuring the flavors are perfectly balanced.
Step 4 — Finishing Touches
Ladle the savory Bacon Ranch Chicken Stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this decadent, cozy masterpiece.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Creamy Indulgence: For an extra-creamy and indulgent twist, consider stirring in some shredded cheddar cheese or adding a dollop of sour cream to each serving.
- Herbal Harmony: You can also experiment with different herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to complement the ranch flavor.
- Roasted Potato Perfection: To make this dish even more visually stunning, roast the potatoes before adding them to the slow cooker for a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to explore different types of vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or peas, to customize the stew to your liking.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A fresh green salad, crusty bread, or a side of roasted vegetables for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a convenient and delicious option for meal prepping.
Reheat: To reheat, simply warm the stew gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot and steaming.
Make-Ahead: This Savory Slow Cooker Bacon Ranch Chicken Stew is the perfect make-ahead dish, as the flavors only deepen over time. Prepare the stew a day or two in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
This Savory Slow Cooker Bacon Ranch Chicken Stew is a hearty and nutritious dish, providing a balance of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Each serving offers a satisfying blend of macronutrients, as well as essential vitamins and minerals to nourish your body and soul.
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 471 kcal
- Protein: 34 g
- Carbs: 26 g
- Fat: 27 g
- Sodium: 1,057 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make this dish in an Instant Pot?
To prepare this Savory Slow Cooker Bacon Ranch Chicken Stew in an Instant Pot, follow the same ingredient list and preparation steps, but cook the stew on the manual setting for 15-20 minutes, with a natural release. This will allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to become deliciously tender.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe. Simply adjust the cooking time in the slow cooker to 8-10 hours on low, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Savory Slow Cooker Bacon Ranch Chicken Stew is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use a gluten-free ranch seasoning mix. Double-check the label to ensure all ingredients are compliant.
Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely! This stew is very versatile, so feel free to use your preferred type of potato, such as Yukon Gold, russet, or even sweet potatoes, to customize the dish to your liking.
How can I make this stew thicker?
To thicken the stew, you can make a simple roux by melting butter in a saucepan and whisking in an equal amount of all-purpose flour. Stir this mixture into the stew towards the end of the cooking process. Alternatively, you can mix a bit of cornstarch or arrowroot powder with cold water and stir it into the stew to achieve your desired consistency.
Try These Next
- Savory Slow Cooker Bacon Cheddar Chicken Stew
- Savory Bacon Ranch Chicken Stew
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Casserole
Savory Slow Cooker Bacon Ranch Chicken Stew
- Total Time: 195 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Savory Slow Cooker Bacon Ranch Chicken Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish, perfect for a cozy dinner. Tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch sauce come together in this easy slow cooker recipe.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup carrots, sliced
1 cup potatoes, diced
1 cup celery, chopped
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a slow cooker, combine the diced chicken, crumbled bacon, carrots, potatoes, and celery.
2.
3. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the top.
4.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.
6.
7. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
8.
9. After cooking, stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
10.
11. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious stew!
Notes
For a thicker stew, you can add a cornstarch slurry in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
- Category: Slow Cooker & Instant Pot
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg