Welcome to our hearty and delicious casserole recipes section! Today, we’re sharing a comforting and flavorful recipe for Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Bake. This dish combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and melted cheese with perfectly roasted potatoes. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds baby gold potatoes
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup prepared ranch dressing, divided use
- 2 cups Mexican cheese blend
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/2 cup diced green onion
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut Potatoes: Cut the baby gold potatoes into quarters.
- Season Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with 1/4 cup of the ranch dressing, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Cut Chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes.
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken cubes with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Assemble the Bake
- Layer Potatoes: In a large baking dish, spread the seasoned potatoes in an even layer.
- Add Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken cubes on top of the potatoes.
- Add Cheese and Bacon: Sprinkle 1 cup of the Mexican cheese blend and 1/2 cup of the cooked and crumbled bacon over the chicken and potatoes.
- Drizzle Ranch Dressing: Drizzle the remaining 1/4 cup of ranch dressing over the top.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove Foil: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Step 5: Add Final Toppings
- Add Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Mexican cheese blend and the remaining 1/2 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon over the top.
- Melt Cheese: Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve
- Garnish with Green Onions: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with diced green onions.
- Serve Hot: Serve the chicken bacon ranch potato bake hot, and enjoy!
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Potatoes: Baby gold potatoes work best for this recipe due to their creamy texture, but you can also use red potatoes or russet potatoes.
- Cheese: The Mexican cheese blend adds great flavor, but you can also use cheddar cheese or a combination of your favorite cheeses.
- Bacon: Cook the bacon until crispy for the best texture and flavor. You can use store-bought pre-cooked bacon as a time saver.
Variations
Spicy Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Bake
Add 1-2 diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dish for a spicy kick.
BBQ Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Bake
Drizzle 1/4 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce over the chicken and potatoes before baking for a smoky, tangy flavor.
Veggie-Loaded Potato Bake
Add 1 cup of diced bell peppers, broccoli florets, or mushrooms to the dish for added vegetables and flavor.
Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Bake
Mix 1/2 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt into the ranch dressing before drizzling over the dish for an extra creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the baked dish. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven before serving.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Use low-fat ranch dressing and reduced-fat cheese. You can also add more vegetables and use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and melted cheese, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious bake with your family and friends!