Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole is a comforting, all-in-one meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender chicken, hearty potatoes, zesty ranch seasoning, melted cheese, and crispy bacon, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium casserole dish.
- Step 2: Spread half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- Step 3: Sprinkle half of the ranch seasoning over the potatoes.
- Step 4: Layer the cooked chicken evenly over the potatoes, then sprinkle with half of the cheese and half of the bacon.
- Step 5: Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, ranch seasoning, cheese, and bacon.
- Step 6: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Step 7: Remove the foil and bake an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender, the chicken is cooked through, and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Step 8: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing flavors to meld and making it easier to slice.
Tips & Variations
- For extra creaminess, mix a half cup of sour cream or cream cheese into the chicken before layering.
- Try adding diced onions or bell peppers in between layers for added flavor and texture.
- Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a slightly sweeter and healthier twist.
- Swap out bacon for cooked ham or turkey bacon as a leaner alternative.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen potatoes for this casserole?
Yes, you can use frozen sliced potatoes, but make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before layering to prevent a soggy casserole.
Is it necessary to cook the chicken before assembling the casserole?
Yes, the chicken should be cooked beforehand since the baking time focuses on cooking the potatoes through and melting the cheese rather than cooking raw chicken.
PrintLoaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole is a hearty, comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breast, creamy ranch seasoning, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and tender potatoes baked to perfection. This casserole combines classic flavors for a satisfying family-friendly dinner that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Vegetables
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
Seasonings & Sauces
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
Dairy
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes for even cooking. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook thoroughly and quickly.
- Layer the Casserole: In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, evenly layer the diced potatoes as the base. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the potatoes to infuse flavor. Next, add the chopped chicken pieces evenly over the potatoes. Then, scatter the cooked and crumbled bacon across the chicken. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes. The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork, the chicken fully cooked with no pink inside, and the cheese melted and bubbly with a golden crust forming on top.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve. Enjoy your loaded potato ranch chicken casserole warm as a hearty dinner option.
Notes
- You can substitute the potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor and extra nutrients.
- For extra creaminess, consider adding 1/2 cup of sour cream or cream cheese into the layering step.
- Feel free to add chopped green onions or chives on top after baking for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Make sure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
Keywords: chicken casserole, ranch chicken, loaded potato casserole, baked chicken dish, cheesy chicken and potatoes
