Description
Hearty Ranch Potato Chicken Casserole blends creamy textures with zesty ranch seasoning for a comforting midwestern-style meal. Cheese and bacon crumbles crown this crowd-pleasing dinner that welcomes you to savor each satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Vegetables and Starches:
- 5 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or russet), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced, for garnish
Dairy and Seasonings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream or ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing a greased 9×13-inch baking dish for the culinary adventure ahead.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, tumble potato cubes with olive oil, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until each cube is thoroughly coated with aromatic spices.
- Distribute the seasoned potato cubes evenly across the prepared baking dish, ensuring a single layer for optimal roasting.
- Roast the potatoes for 25 minutes, gently stirring midway to promote even caramelization and crispy edges.
- While potatoes are roasting, massage chicken pieces with a light drizzle of olive oil and an additional sprinkle of ranch seasoning.
- After the initial potato roasting, carefully remove the baking dish and integrate the seasoned chicken pieces among the partially cooked potatoes.
- Generously blanket the chicken and potato mixture with a lavish layer of shredded cheese and crumbled bacon, creating a decadent topping.
- Return the dish to the oven, continuing to bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F and potatoes achieve a tender, golden perfection.
- Once complete, garnish with freshly chopped scallions and optionally drizzle with sour cream or ranch dressing for an extra layer of richness.
- Serve immediately as a hearty main course, accompanied by a crisp side salad or warm crusty bread to complete the meal.
Notes
- Potato Perfection: Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best crispy exterior and creamy interior.
- Bacon Brilliance: Cook bacon until extra crispy before crumbling to enhance the overall crunch and flavor profile of the casserole.
- Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap cheese and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast and cashew cream for lactose-intolerant diners.
- Meal Prep Magic: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or advance planning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg