Ultimate Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Bake: A Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Dish

Welcome to our kitchen where we’re cooking up a storm with our tantalizing recipe for Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Bake. This hearty and flavorful dish is the epitome of comfort food, combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy potatoes, and zesty ranch seasoning. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 packet ranch dressing mix (dry powder)
• 14 medium potatoes, cubed
• 3 chicken breasts, cubed
• 2 1/2 cups shredded cheese
• 1 cup crumbled bacon
• 1 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Ranch Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, salt, and ranch dressing mix until well combined.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cubed potatoes with half of the ranch mixture until evenly coated. Spread the potatoes in an even layer in the prepared baking dish.
4. Add Chicken: In the same mixing bowl, toss the cubed chicken with the remaining ranch mixture until coated. Layer the chicken evenly over the potatoes in the baking dish.
5. Layer with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the chicken and potatoes, covering them completely.
6. Add Bacon and Green Onions: Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and chopped green onions over the cheese layer. Season with black pepper to taste.
7. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
8. Uncover and Bake: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve hot, garnished with extra green onions if desired.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Extra Crispiness: For extra crispy potatoes, you can parboil the cubed potatoes for 5-7 minutes before tossing them with the ranch mixture.
• Customize with Veggies: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or mushrooms, for added flavor and nutrition.
• Spice it Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the ranch mixture for a spicy kick.
• Make it Creamier: For a creamier texture, you can mix in a can of condensed cream of chicken soup with the ranch mixture before tossing it with the potatoes and chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use frozen potatoes for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use frozen cubed potatoes, but be sure to thaw them completely before using and pat them dry to remove excess moisture.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes if baking from cold.

Q: Is there a way to make this recipe keto-friendly? A: Yes, you can make a keto version of this dish by substituting cauliflower florets for the potatoes and using keto-friendly cheese and bacon.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.

Keto-Friendly and Low-Carb Version:

To make a keto-friendly version of this Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Bake, simply substitute cauliflower florets for the potatoes. Use keto-friendly shredded cheese and ensure the ranch dressing mix is free from added sugars. You can also use sugar-free bacon or turkey bacon to reduce the carb content further.

In conclusion, our Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Bake is the ultimate comfort food dish that’s guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. With its irresistible combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy potatoes, and zesty ranch seasoning, this bake is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving a cozy dinner at home, this dish is a winner every time. So, don’t wait any longer – gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a taste of deliciousness

Cook Notes and Variations (Continued):

• Make it a One-Pan Meal: To make cleanup even easier, consider adding additional ingredients such as chopped bell peppers, broccoli florets, or sliced mushrooms directly to the baking dish along with the potatoes and chicken. This will create a complete one-pan meal with minimal effort and fewer dishes to wash.
• Add a Tangy Twist: For a tangy flavor boost, mix a tablespoon of Dijon mustard into the ranch dressing mixture before tossing it with the potatoes and chicken. The mustard adds a subtle tanginess that complements the richness of the dish.
• Experiment with Different Cheeses: While shredded cheddar cheese is traditional for this recipe, feel free to experiment with other cheese varieties such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even Gouda for a unique flavor profile.
• Try Different Proteins: Don’t limit yourself to chicken! You can easily customize this recipe by using other proteins such as diced ham, cooked sausage, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein you choose.
• Make it Spicy: If you’re a fan of heat, consider adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the ranch mixture for a spicy kick. You can also top the finished dish with sliced jalapenos for an extra fiery twist.
• Serve with Dipping Sauces: Elevate your Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Bake by serving it with a variety of dipping sauces on the side. From creamy ranch dressing to tangy barbecue sauce or spicy sriracha mayo, the options are endless and add an extra layer of flavor to each bite.