Looking for a comforting, cheesy, and flavor-packed dinner that the whole family will love? Look no further than this Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, and a ranch dressing flavor that everyone can’t get enough of. It’s the perfect casserole for those busy weeknights when you need something filling and delicious that comes together in one pan.
The creamy ranch sauce brings everything together, while the bacon and cheese add that extra indulgent touch. Plus, with the added bonus of loaded potatoes, it’s like enjoying a loaded baked potato and a chicken dinner all in one!
Ingredients (in grams)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 500 g)
- 700 g russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 g)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 30 g)
- 200 g sour cream
- 150 g cream cheese, softened
- 100 g shredded cheddar cheese
- 100 g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 100 g cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (2 g)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (2 g)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparing the Potatoes and Chicken:
- Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or olive oil. - Cook the potatoes:
In a large pot, add the cubed potatoes and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes for 10-12 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain and set aside. - Prepare the chicken:
While the potatoes are cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
Assembling the Casserole:
- Make the sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ranch seasoning mix, sour cream, and softened cream cheese. Stir until smooth and well-combined. - Combine ingredients:
In the prepared casserole dish, layer the cooked potatoes, sliced chicken, and ranch sauce mixture. Gently stir to combine, ensuring the potatoes and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce. - Add bacon and cheese:
Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the casserole and top with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. - Bake:
Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
Serving:
- Serve:
Once the casserole is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 6 servings)
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Protein: 40 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
(These values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.)
Tips and Tricks
- Add more veggies: You can easily add vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers to this casserole to boost the nutritional value. Just layer them with the potatoes and chicken before adding the sauce.
- Use leftover chicken: This casserole is a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken. Simply shred or chop the chicken and add it to the casserole.
- Make it spicy: For a spicy twist, add some chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the ranch mixture.
- Cheese variations: Feel free to swap the cheeses! Try adding gouda or provolone for a different flavor profile, or use a combination of different cheeses for extra creaminess.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well! Assemble it without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
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Why is Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole so popular?
This casserole hits all the right notes with its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and crispy bacon. It’s the ultimate comfort food that combines two favorite dishes—loaded potatoes and chicken casserole—into one easy-to-make meal. Whether you’re feeding a large family or prepping meals for the week, this dish is sure to become a staple on your site.
To add some variety for your readers, consider offering a low-carb version by swapping out the potatoes for cauliflower or zucchini!
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