Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole

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When it comes to hearty, crowd-pleasing meals, few dishes compete with a warm, cheesy casserole straight from the oven. This Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole combines tender chicken, crispy roasted potatoes, smoky Beef bacon, and creamy ranch dressing into one irresistible dinner. It’s a complete meal baked in a single dish, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep.

This recipe delivers bold flavors with minimal effort, using simple pantry staples and straightforward steps. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing meals ahead of time, this casserole offers comfort, convenience, and incredible taste in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan convenience: Everything bakes in a single casserole dish, reducing cleanup time.
• Rich, comforting flavors: Creamy ranch, melted cheese, crispy potatoes, and savory Beef bacon create a satisfying balance.
• Perfect for meal prep: Stores and reheats beautifully for busy schedules.
• Customizable: Easy to adjust with vegetables, spice levels, or alternative proteins.
• Family-friendly: A dinner option that appeals to both adults and kids.

Ingredients Breakdown

Understanding how each ingredient contributes to the dish ensures the best results:

• Chicken breasts: Lean, high-protein meat that stays juicy when baked properly.
• Russet potatoes: Ideal for roasting, offering crispy edges and fluffy interiors.
• Olive oil: Helps roast the potatoes evenly while enhancing flavor.
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder): Create a well-rounded, savory flavor base.
• Ranch dressing: Adds creaminess, tang, and signature flavor throughout the casserole.
• Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and adds richness and depth.
• Beef bacon: Brings a smoky, salty crunch that elevates the entire dish.
• Green onions: Provide freshness and color to balance the richness.

Tips and Tricks

• Cut ingredients evenly: Uniform potato and chicken pieces cook more evenly.
• Don’t overcrowd the dish: Spread potatoes in a single layer for better roasting.
• Stir halfway through roasting: This helps potatoes brown on all sides.
• Use freshly shredded cheese: It melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
• Let it rest briefly: Allowing the casserole to sit for a few minutes helps flavors settle.

Variations and Customizations

1. Sweet Potato Version
   Swap russet potatoes for sweet potatoes to add natural sweetness and extra nutrients.
2. Spicy Kick
   Add cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or hot sauce to the seasoning mix for extra heat.
3. Vegetable Boost
   Mix in broccoli florets, bell peppers, or zucchini for added color and nutrition.
4. Protein Swaps
   Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness or leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.

Pairing Suggestions

• Serve with a fresh green salad to balance the richness.
• Pair with steamed vegetables like green beans or asparagus.
• Add a side of warm dinner rolls or garlic bread for a complete comfort-food meal.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze fully cooled casserole for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

Popular Questions

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it fully, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Is this casserole gluten-free?
Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check your ranch dressing and bacon labels.

Can I use store-bought cooked bacon?
Yes, pre-cooked bacon saves time and works well in this recipe.

Caroline

Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole

This Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish made with seasoned roasted potatoes, tender ranch-coated chicken, melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or freezer-friendly meals.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs chicken breasts, cubed
• 2 lbs russet potatoes, diced
• 0.33 cup olive oil
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 slices Beef bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 4 whole green onions, thinly sliced

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• large mixing bowl
• cutting board and knife
• measuring cups and spoons
• spatula or spoon

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Toss diced potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Spread evenly in the baking dish and bake for 30 minutes, stirring halfway.
3. While potatoes roast, toss cubed chicken with half of the ranch dressing.
4. Remove potatoes from oven and reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C). Layer ranch-coated chicken over potatoes and drizzle with remaining ranch dressing.
5. Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake for 20–25 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Top with crumbled bacon and sliced green onions. Let rest briefly before serving warm.

Notes

• This casserole is ideal for batch cooking and freezing.
• Adjust seasoning to taste depending on your ranch dressing’s salt level.
• Leftovers can be repurposed into wraps, bowls, or breakfast hash.

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