Description
Hearty Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole brings comfort and flavor together in one delightful dish. Creamy ranch sauce, tender chicken, and crispy potato layers create a satisfying meal that welcomes you to savor each comforting bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Main Ingredients:
- 4 medium russet potatoes, diced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasonings and Extras:
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 400F (200C) and coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with non-stick spray to ensure smooth food release.
- Transform diced potatoes into a flavor-packed base by massaging them with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until each cube is thoroughly seasoned.
- Distribute the seasoned potato cubes across the prepared baking dish, creating an even landscape that will serve as the casserole’s foundation.
- Allow potatoes to partially cook in the heated oven for 20-25 minutes, developing a tender interior while maintaining structural integrity.
- While potatoes roast, enrobe chicken pieces in ranch dressing, ensuring each morsel is completely and luxuriously coated with the creamy, herbaceous mixture.
- Extract the partially cooked potato layer and strategically arrange ranch-coated chicken pieces atop the potato landscape.
- Lavish the chicken and potato terrain with a generous blanket of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, creating a potential for maximum melty decadence.
- Return the assembled casserole to the oven, allowing it to transform for an additional 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F and the cheese becomes a molten, golden masterpiece.
- Complete the culinary creation by scattering crisp, crumbled bacon across the surface and finishing with a delicate sprinkle of fresh parsley for visual appeal and herbaceous brightness.
- Serve immediately, presenting a harmonious blend of textures and flavors straight from the oven.
Notes
- Potato Selection Matters: Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best crispy exterior and creamy interior.
- Seasoning Strategy: Mix spices thoroughly with olive oil to ensure even coating and maximum flavor absorption on potatoes.
- Ranch Hack: Use homemade ranch dressing for a fresher taste and control over sodium levels, which can enhance overall dish quality.
- Bacon Optimization: Crisp bacon separately to maintain crunchiness, preventing sogginess when added as a final topping.
- Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version that maintains similar texture and flavor profile.
- Meal Prep Bonus: Assemble casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld before baking, which intensifies overall taste experience.
- Protein Variation: Substitute chicken with turkey or lean pork for diverse protein options without compromising dish structure.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg