Description
Hearty “Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole” delivers comfort with each savory bite. Creamy ranch-infused layers blend perfectly, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
Potatoes and Seasonings:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) Yukon Gold or red potatoes, diced
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or 3 tablespoons homemade ranch seasoning)
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings:
- 2 cups (226 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup (15 grams) chopped green onions
- Optional: 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream or additional ranch dressing for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cube potatoes into uniform bite-sized pieces, ensuring even cooking. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle half the ranch seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Distribute potatoes evenly across the baking dish and roast for 20 minutes until they begin to crisp and turn golden.
- While potatoes are roasting, cut chicken into consistent chunks. Toss chicken with remaining olive oil and ranch seasoning, allowing the flavors to meld for a few moments.
- Remove potatoes from the oven and gently incorporate the seasoned chicken, stirring to ensure even distribution. Return the mixture to the oven for an additional 25 minutes, rotating the dish midway to promote uniform cooking.
- During the final stage, generously scatter shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole. Sprinkle crispy bacon bits and freshly chopped green onions across the top for added texture and flavor.
- Continue baking for 5 more minutes until cheese melts completely and creates a bubbling, golden surface.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Optional: Accompany with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of ranch dressing for extra richness.
Notes
- Customize the heat by adjusting ranch seasoning for spice lovers or mild palate preferences.
- Swap chicken with tofu or plant-based protein for a vegetarian version that maintains the creamy, savory profile.
- Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes to boost nutritional value and add a slightly different flavor dimension.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline cooking process and reduce day-of kitchen stress.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg