The Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Bake is a hearty and comforting dish that effortlessly combines the savory flavors of chicken and bacon with the creamy richness of ranch dressing, all baked to perfection with golden potatoes and a generous topping of melted cheese. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s a warm embrace on a plate. The preparation process is straightforward, ensuring that even those with a busy schedule can enjoy a delicious, home-cooked dinner. As the dish bakes, the aroma of ranch and bacon fills the kitchen, building anticipation for the first delicious bite. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and soft potatoes, all enveloped in melted cheese, creates a symphony of textures and flavors that is sure to please any palate. Perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Bake is a crowd-pleaser that brings comfort food to a new level.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds baby gold potatoes
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup prepared ranch dressing, divided use
- 2 cups Mexican Cheese blend
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- ½ cup diced green onion
How To Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Bake
- Prep the Baking Dish: Start by spraying a 9″x 13″ baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare Potatoes: Dice the potatoes into 1-inch cubes. In a large bowl, mix the diced potatoes with salt, pepper, and ¼ cup of ranch dressing. Then, transfer the potatoes to the prepared baking dish.
- Bake Potatoes: Bake the potatoes in a preheated oven for 30 minutes at 425°F (220°C), stirring every 10 minutes, until they are nearly cooked through but not yet fork-tender.
- Marinate Chicken: While the potatoes are baking, toss the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, and the remaining ¼ cup ranch dressing in the same bowl used for the potatoes.
- Combine and Continue Baking: After 30 minutes, remove the potatoes from the oven. Lower the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Add the marinated chicken on top of the potatoes, then cover the dish with aluminum foil and return it to the oven. Bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Add Toppings: Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheese, cooked bacon, and diced green onion over the top. Return to the oven, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the dish stand for a few minutes after baking, then serve warm, enjoying the creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors of this comforting bake.
Additional Tips
- For crispier potatoes, consider roasting them for an extra 10-15 minutes before adding the chicken.
- Feel free to customize the dish with additional vegetables or spices according to your preference.
- This dish is perfect for meal prep as it reheats well, ensuring delicious leftovers.
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Bake is a versatile dish that effortlessly adapts to various tastes and dietary needs, making it a reliable recipe to have in your culinary repertoire.