Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole with Potatoes

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, packed with tender chicken, crispy roasted potatoes, gooey melted cheese, and smoky bacon, all coated in creamy ranch dressing. It’s a one-pan dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a satisfying family dinner.

Whether you’re searching for easy casserole recipes, ranch chicken recipes, or potato dinner ideas, this recipe checks all the boxes. Made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients like baby potatoes, chicken breasts, and Mexican cheese, it’s a hearty, flavorful meal that’s quick to prepare and sure to become a family favorite.

This hearty and flavorful Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole combines tender chicken, crispy potatoes, smoky bacon, and melted cheese, all brought together with the rich taste of ranch dressing. It’s an easy one-pan dinner perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 (1.5 lb) bag of Baby Boomer Little Potatoes (or Yukon Gold potatoes)
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup ranch dressing, divided
• 2 cups Mexican cheese blend
• 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• ½ cup diced green onions

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
   • Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
   • Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or oil.
2. Prepare the Potatoes
   • Cut the potatoes into 1-inch cubes.
   • In a large bowl, toss the diced potatoes with ¼ cup ranch dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Spread the potatoes evenly in the greased casserole dish.
3. Bake the Potatoes
   • Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking.
4. Marinate the Chicken
   • While the potatoes are baking, mix the chicken cubes with the remaining ¼ cup of ranch dressing in a bowl. Set aside to marinate.
5. Cook the Chicken and Potatoes Together
   • Once the potatoes are done, remove the casserole dish from the oven.
   • Spread the marinated chicken evenly over the potatoes. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and return it to the oven.
   • Bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Add Toppings
   • Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the cooked bacon, shredded cheese, and green onions evenly over the chicken and potatoes.
7. Melt the Cheese
   • Bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve and Enjoy
   • Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this cheesy, comforting dish with your favorite sides or a crisp green salad.

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Tips

• Even cooking: Stir the potatoes halfway through baking to ensure they cook evenly and don’t stick to the pan.
• Marinating tip: If time allows, marinate the chicken in the ranch dressing for 1–2 hours beforehand for even more flavor.
• Crispy bacon: Cook your bacon in the oven or air fryer to save time and ensure perfect crispness.

Variations and Substitutions

• Different cheese blends: Swap the Mexican cheese blend for cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack.
• Spicy twist: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• Vegetables: Toss in broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrients.
• Ranch substitute: Use Caesar dressing or a garlic-herb dressing if you’re out of ranch.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but make sure it is fully thawed before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to the point of adding cheese and bacon, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready.

What can I use instead of ranch dressing?
Greek yogurt or sour cream mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, and dill can work as a substitute.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Serve with warm dinner rolls or garlic bread to soak up all the cheesy goodness.
• For a lighter option, enjoy with steamed asparagus or green beans.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole with Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors in one dish. It’s easy to make, customizable, and sure to please the whole family. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal!