This Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender chunks of chicken, creamy ranch dressing, crispy bacon, and melted cheese, all baked over perfectly roasted potatoes. It’s a perfect comfort meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with ingredients everyone loves. Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prepping for the week!
Ingredients:
- 1 (1.5 lb) bag Baby Boomer Little Potatoes
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- ½ cup prepared ranch dressing, divided use
- 2 cups Mexican cheese blend
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- ½ cup diced green onion
Instructions:
1. Roast the Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F. Cut the Little Potatoes into 1-inch cubes and place them in a bowl. Add ¼ cup ranch dressing, season with salt and pepper, and stir to coat evenly.
- Transfer the potatoes to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the dish in the oven and roast for about 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
- While the potatoes are roasting, cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. In a separate bowl, add the remaining ¼ cup ranch dressing, season with salt and pepper, and stir until the chicken is coated.
3. Layer the Casserole:
- After the potatoes have roasted for 30 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 400°F. Remove the baking dish from the oven and place the seasoned chicken cubes on top of the potatoes.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and return it to the oven. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Add the Toppings:
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove the foil from the casserole. Sprinkle the top with 2 cups of Mexican cheese blend, crumbled bacon, and diced green onions.
- Place the casserole back in the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
5. Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this hearty dish with a side salad or some crusty bread.
Description and Tips:
This Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole is the perfect fusion of flavors and textures. The potatoes become golden and crispy after roasting, while the chicken stays juicy thanks to the ranch dressing. The addition of bacon, cheese, and green onions elevates the dish to another level, making it an irresistible crowd-pleaser.
Tips:
- For an extra crispy topping, broil the casserole for the last couple of minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning the cheese.
- You can add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for a more complete meal. Just toss them in with the potatoes before roasting.
- This dish can be prepped ahead of time. Assemble everything except the cheese, bacon, and green onions, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, follow the instructions for the final baking steps.
Serve this casserole at your next gathering, and watch it become a favorite!
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