Description

Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender diced chicken, crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with ranch mix and spices, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon, all baked to perfection and topped with a drizzle of ranch dressing and fresh green onions. This hearty casserole combines classic Southern flavors with an easy preparation suitable for a family dinner or potluck.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 teaspoon ranch seasoning mix (for chicken)
Salt and black pepper to taste (for chicken)

Potatoes & Seasoning

4 medium russet potatoes, diced (about 4 cups)
1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 cup olive oil

Toppings & Garnish

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
1/2 cup ranch dressing (for drizzling)

Instructions

Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Season the potatoes: In a large bowl, combine the diced potatoes, olive oil, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the potatoes are fully coated with the seasoning and oil for even flavor.
Roast the potatoes: Spread the seasoned potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the potatoes are starting to crisp around the edges.
Season the chicken: While the potatoes are roasting, season the diced chicken with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and a teaspoon of ranch seasoning mix to infuse ranch flavor into the chicken.
Add chicken and toppings: Remove the baking dish from the oven after 20 minutes. Evenly distribute the seasoned chicken pieces over the roasted potatoes. Then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top, followed by the crumbled bacon.
Bake until cooked through: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Rest and garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Drizzle with ranch dressing and garnish with chopped green onions for fresh flavor and color.
Serve: Serve the casserole hot and enjoy this hearty, flavorful one-dish meal perfect for any occasion.

Notes

You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer more moisture and flavor.
Adjust the amount of ranch seasoning and salt according to your taste preferences or dietary needs.
For extra crispiness, you can broil the casserole for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Make sure to check the chicken is fully cooked by using a meat thermometer to reach 165°F internal temperature.
This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; reheat before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Dish, Casserole
Method: Baking, Roasting
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/6th of the casserole)
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
Trans Fat: 0.2 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: thirty four g
Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: potato casserole, ranch chicken casserole, cheesy chicken bake, loaded potato casserole, baked chicken and potatoes, ranch seasoning recipe