If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying one-pan meal, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Bake is perfect. Combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, cheesy goodness, and flavorful ranch seasoning, it’s a dish that’s sure to please the whole family. Easy to prepare and even easier to eat, this casserole is a great choice for busy weeknights or a hearty weekend dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds baby gold potatoes
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup prepared ranch dressing, divided use
- 2 cups Mexican cheese blend
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- ½ cup diced green onion
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Wash and cut the baby gold potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a large mixing bowl and season with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle ¼ cup of ranch dressing over the potatoes and toss to coat evenly.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In another mixing bowl, season the chicken breast cubes with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle the remaining ¼ cup of ranch dressing over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
- Assemble the Bake:
- Lightly grease a large baking dish or casserole dish with cooking spray or a bit of oil.
- Spread the seasoned potatoes in an even layer on the bottom of the dish.
- Top the potatoes with the seasoned chicken cubes.
- Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Add the Toppings:
- Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the Mexican cheese blend evenly over the top.
- Add the cooked and crumbled bacon on top of the cheese.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish:
- Once the cheese is melted, remove the dish from the oven.
- Sprinkle the diced green onions over the top for a fresh burst of flavor and color.
- Serve:
- Allow the bake to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to cut and serve.
- Enjoy your Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Bake with a side salad or your favorite vegetable for a complete meal.
Cook’s Notes:
- Potatoes: Make sure to cut the potatoes into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
- Chicken: For best results, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer.
- Cheese: The Mexican cheese blend typically includes cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Colby cheeses. Feel free to use your favorite cheese blend or what you have on hand.
- Bacon: Cook the bacon until crispy for the best texture. You can use store-bought bacon crumbles in a pinch.
- Ranch Dressing: Use a good quality ranch dressing for the best flavor. Homemade ranch dressing can also be used.
Variations:
- Spicy Version:
- Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili powder or hot sauce to the ranch dressing for a spicy kick.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of the Mexican cheese blend.
- Vegetable Additions:
- Add 1 cup of your favorite vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the bake for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Low-Carb Version:
- Substitute the potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce the carb content.
- Keto Version:
- Use cauliflower florets instead of potatoes.
- Ensure the ranch dressing and bacon are keto-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the bake up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
- Can I freeze this dish?
- This dish can be frozen after baking. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.
- What should I serve with this bake?
- This bake is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread.
- Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
- Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken. Simply reduce the initial baking time to 25 minutes, then proceed with adding the cheese and bacon.
- What if I don’t have ranch dressing?
- You can make a quick homemade ranch dressing by mixing mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, salt, and pepper.
The Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Bake is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, cheesy goodness, and flavorful ranch dressing, it’s a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you make it for a busy weeknight dinner or a special family gathering, this bake is sure to impress and delight everyone at the table. Enjoy!
