Description
Hearty Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole delivers comfort and flavor in one spectacular dish. Cheesy, creamy layers combine classic ranch seasoning with tender chicken and crispy potato goodness, guaranteeing satisfying results you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Vegetables and Base:
- 4 medium russet potatoes, diced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Dairy and Seasonings:
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 400F (200C) and coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray to ensure easy serving and cleanup.
- Create a flavor foundation by combining diced potatoes with a blend of aromatic seasonings including garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, thoroughly coating each potato piece with olive oil.
- Distribute the seasoned potato mixture evenly across the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer that will provide a crispy base for the casserole.
- Initiate the potato cooking process by placing the baking dish in the preheated oven, allowing the potatoes to develop a golden exterior and tender interior for approximately 20-25 minutes.
- While potatoes are partially cooking, massage ranch dressing into chicken pieces, ensuring complete and even coverage to infuse maximum flavor throughout the protein.
- Extract the partially cooked potato layer from the oven and strategically arrange the ranch-coated chicken pieces atop the potatoes, creating a harmonious protein and potato combination.
- Generously sprinkle a combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the chicken and potato layer, allowing the cheese to melt and create a luxurious, golden blanket.
- Return the casserole to the oven, continuing cooking for an additional 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F and the cheese transforms into a bubbling, irresistible topping.
- Complete the dish by scattering crispy, crumbled bacon across the surface and garnishing with fresh parsley, adding texture and a burst of color to the finished casserole.
- Serve the loaded potato ranch chicken casserole immediately while hot, allowing diners to enjoy the perfect blend of flavors and textures.
Notes
- Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for better texture and even cooking throughout the casserole.
- Use low-sodium ranch dressing to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
- Dice chicken and potatoes into uniform sizes to ensure consistent cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming dry or undercooked.
- For a lighter version, swap regular cheese with reduced-fat alternatives and use turkey bacon instead of traditional bacon.
- Prepare ingredients ahead of time to speed up the cooking process and make weeknight meal preparation easier.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld and cheese to set slightly for cleaner serving.
- Add extra crunch by toasting breadcrumbs and sprinkling them over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 525
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg