LOADED POTATO RANCH CHICKEN CASSEROLE Recipe
Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings together all your favorite flavors in one delightful dish.
With tender chunks of chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch dressing, this casserole is topped with melted cheese that makes it irresistible.
Perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend dinner, this one-pan meal ensures minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Casserole is also incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen, this dish comes together quickly.
So, grab your baking dish and get ready to make a meal that’s sure to become a new family favorite!
Key Ingredients to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Casserole Shine
Baby Gold Potatoes – Provide a creamy texture and hold up well during baking, giving the casserole a hearty base.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – Adds lean protein and becomes tender and flavorful after marinating in ranch dressing.
Ranch Dressing – The star ingredient that brings a tangy, creamy flavor to both the chicken and potatoes, binding all the components together.
Mexican Cheese Blend – Melts beautifully on top of the casserole, creating a golden, bubbly crust that adds both taste and texture.
Bacon – Provides a salty, smoky flavor that complements the creamy ranch and cheese, adding a delightful crunch to every bite.
Green Onion – Adds a pop of color and a mild onion flavor, enhancing the overall taste and freshness of the dish.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Casserole
Preheat your oven to 450°F and prepare a 9″x13″ baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Dice baby gold potatoes into 1-inch cubes and toss them in a large bowl with salt, pepper, and half of the ranch dressing.
Spread the seasoned potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish and bake for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
While the potatoes bake, marinate the cubed chicken breasts in the same bowl with the remaining ranch dressing, salt, and pepper.
After 30 minutes, remove the potatoes from the oven and lower the temperature to 400°F.
Layer the marinated chicken evenly over the partially cooked potatoes. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Remove the dish from the oven, top with shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, and green onion. Bake uncovered for another 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time up to the point of adding the cheese and bacon.
Refrigerate it, then add the cheese and bacon before baking when you’re ready to serve. You may need to bake it slightly longer if cooking from cold.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar cheese is a favorite, but other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even pepper jack can work well to enhance the flavor. You can also double the cheese for extra richness.
Pro Tips for the Best Casserole
Enhance the Flavor: Sprinkle some garlic powder or paprika over the potatoes and chicken for an extra kick.
Cheese Options: Swap out the Mexican cheese blend for cheddar or Monterey Jack if you prefer different cheese flavors.
Even Cooking: Stir the potatoes during the initial bake to ensure they cook evenly and don’t stick to the pan.
Delicious Variations to Try
Feel free to experiment with this casserole by using chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor.
You could also add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli for added nutrition and color.
For a bit of spice, drizzle hot sauce over the top or mix some chili flakes into the ranch dressing.
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
To freeze, place the casserole in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw to room temperature, then reheat in the microwave until warmed through.
This casserole is just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying throughout the week.
Enjoy this easy, flavorful Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Casserole with your family and savor the comforting taste of a dish that brings everyone together.
LOADED POTATO RANCH CHICKEN CASSEROLE RECIPE
Zutaten
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1.5 pounds baby gold potatoes
- ½ cup prepared ranch dressing divided
- 2 cups Mexican cheese blend
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- ½ cup diced green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Anleitungen
- Preheat your oven to 450°F. Prepare a 9″x13″ baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cut the baby gold potatoes into 1-inch cubes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the potato cubes with salt, pepper, and ¼ cup of the ranch dressing. Toss to coat evenly.
- Spread the seasoned potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish. Reserve the mixing bowl for later use with the chicken.
- Bake the potatoes in the oven for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until they are almost cooked through but not yet fork-tender.
- While the potatoes are baking, place the chicken cubes into the same mixing bowl. Add salt, pepper, and the remaining ¼ cup of ranch dressing, mixing well to coat the chicken evenly.
- After 30 minutes, remove the baking dish from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 400°F.
- Arrange the marinated chicken pieces evenly over the partially cooked potatoes. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (remember to use oven mitts, as the dish will be very hot).
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove the foil, then top the casserole with shredded Mexican cheese blend, crumbled bacon, and diced green onions.
- Place the dish back in the oven for another 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
Notes
FAQ
Why did my casserole turn out watery?
Usually from the chicken. Draining any chicken juices before adding cheese and bacon can help reduce moisture. Alternatively, you can pat the chicken dry before adding it to the casserole.
Can this casserole be frozen?
The casserole can be frozen if you’re using russet potatoes, which hold up better. Assemble the casserole but do not cook it before freezing. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed, adding extra time if necessary.
What can I use if I don’t like ranch dressing?
While ranch dressing is central to the recipe, you could try substituting it with a different creamy dressing like Caesar or a homemade blend of sour cream and dry ranch seasoning, which some users have suggested.
How can I make more sauce for this casserole?
If you find that the casserole could use more sauce, you can increase the amount of ranch dressing or try adding a cheese sauce. Some users also add cream cheese or sour cream to make it creamier.
