Description
Hearty chicken bacon ranch potato bake delivers comfort on a plate, blending savory flavors into one irresistible casserole. Creamy ranch sauce and crispy bacon elevate this classic dish, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
Starches:
- 1.5 pounds baby gold potatoes
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups Mexican cheese blend
- 1/2 cup prepared ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup diced green onion
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare a 9×13 baking dish by coating with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Cut potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
- Combine potato cubes with salt, pepper, and half of the ranch dressing in a large mixing bowl, ensuring thorough coating.
- Transfer seasoned potatoes to the prepared baking dish, spreading them in a single layer.
- Roast potatoes at 425°F for 30 minutes, gently stirring every 10 minutes to promote even browning and prevent burning.
- While potatoes cook, season chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and remaining ranch dressing in the same mixing bowl.
- After initial potato roasting, reduce oven temperature to 400°F.
- Layer marinated chicken pieces over partially cooked potatoes.
- Carefully cover baking dish with aluminum foil, using oven mitts to protect hands from intense heat.
- Continue baking for 20 minutes or until chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove from oven and generously sprinkle shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, and chopped green onions over the dish.
- Return to oven for 8-10 minutes until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly surface.
Notes
- Potato Perfection: Cut potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Seasoning Strategy: Use fresh cracked black pepper and kosher salt for deeper flavor compared to pre-ground options.
- Chicken Safety: Always check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F to prevent foodborne illness and guarantee fully cooked meat.
- Low-Carb Transformation: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version that maintains the delicious ranch and bacon essence.
- Meal Prep Magic: Prepare this dish ahead and refrigerate before final baking, which allows flavors to intensify and makes weeknight dinners faster.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 58-60 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 511 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 712 mg
- Fat: 31 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg