Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Casserole
Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. This delightful dish combines tender chicken breast, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing, all layered over golden baby potatoes. Topped with a melty Mexican cheese blend, this casserole brings together all the best flavors for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
The beauty of this Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Casserole lies in its simplicity and flavor. It’s the perfect choice for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome yet easy to make. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a delicious dish ready to serve in under an hour. It’s a one-pan wonder that offers a balance of protein, carbs, and the irresistible taste of bacon and cheese.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a casual dinner with friends, this casserole will be a hit. The creamy ranch dressing ties everything together, while the bacon adds a savory crunch, and the cheese provides that gooey, melty goodness. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to your taste—swap out chicken breasts for thighs or adjust the seasoning to create your perfect version!
Must-Have Ingredients for Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Casserole
- Baby Gold Potatoes – These small, buttery potatoes offer a tender texture that contrasts beautifully with the crispy bacon and chicken.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – Cubed and marinated with ranch dressing, the chicken is moist, flavorful, and cooks perfectly alongside the potatoes.
- Ranch Dressing – Adds creamy, tangy flavor that elevates the dish, balancing the rich cheese and savory bacon.
- Mexican Cheese Blend – A combination of cheeses like Monterey Jack, cheddar, and queso blanco, this blend melts to a creamy consistency with a hint of sharpness.
- Cooked and Crumbled Bacon – Crispy bacon brings smoky, savory notes and a delightful crunch to every bite.
- Green Onions – Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color to the dish.
Steps to Create Your Perfect Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 450°F and prepare a 9″x 13″ baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Dice the baby gold potatoes into 1-inch cubes and toss them with salt, pepper, and half of the ranch dressing.
- Spread the potatoes in the baking dish and bake for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- While the potatoes are baking, marinate the cubed chicken in the same bowl with the remaining ranch dressing, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 400°F, then layer the marinated chicken over the partially cooked potatoes.
- Cover the dish with foil and return it to the oven for an additional 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the foil, top with the cheese, bacon, and green onions, then bake for another 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Casserole
- Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to add extra seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or onion powder to enhance the flavor.
- Use Chicken Thighs: For a juicier result, try substituting chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- Mix Up the Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends to find your favorite combination.
Delicious Variations to Try
This casserole is incredibly versatile! Swap out the chicken for turkey or pork, or add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for added nutrition and color. You can also experiment with different types of cheese or replace the ranch dressing with a different creamy dressing for a new twist.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store any leftover Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, allow it to come to room temperature before microwaving or baking until warm and bubbly.
Enjoy this hearty, delicious casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite!
CHICKEN BACON RANCH CASSEROLE WITH POTATOES RECIPE
Zutaten
- 1.5 pounds baby gold potatoes cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- ½ cup diced green onions
- ½ cup prepared ranch dressing divided
- 2 cups Mexican cheese blend
- Salt and pepper to taste
Anleitungen
- Preheat the oven to 450°F. Prepare a 9″x13″ baking dish by coating it with nonstick cooking spray.
- Combine the cubed potatoes with salt, pepper, and ¼ cup of ranch dressing in a large mixing bowl. Stir well to coat the potatoes.
- Spread the potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish. Reserve the mixing bowl for later use. Bake for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until the potatoes are almost fully cooked but not yet tender.
- Meanwhile, in the same bowl, mix the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, and the remaining ¼ cup of ranch dressing. Set aside.
- Once the potatoes have cooked for 30 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 400°F.
- Arrange the marinated chicken evenly over the potatoes in the baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil (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.
- Take the dish out of the oven and evenly top with shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, and diced green onions.
- Place the dish back in the oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.