Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

If you love creamy, cheesy, and hearty comfort food, this Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole is about to become your new favorite dish. Combining the bold flavors of ranch seasoning, tender chunks of chicken, crispy bacon, and golden roasted potatoes, this casserole is a delicious all-in-one meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings. It’s easy to make, versatile, and sure to impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Loaded with Flavor: Ranch seasoning, bacon, and cheese create a mouthwatering combination.
2. One-Pan Wonder: A complete meal baked in one dish for easy prep and cleanup.
3. Perfect Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and hearty—everything you want in a casserole.
4. Customizable: Swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
5. Crowd-Pleaser: A hit with kids and adults alike, perfect for potlucks and family dinners.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or oil.
2. Dice the Potatoes: Peel and dice the potatoes into even-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
3. Cube the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and set them aside.

Step 2: Season the Potatoes

1. Toss with Olive Oil: Place the diced potatoes in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with half of the ranch seasoning mix.
2. Season Well: Add salt and black pepper to taste. Toss until the potatoes are evenly coated.

Step 3: Roast the Potatoes

1. Spread in the Baking Dish: Arrange the seasoned potatoes in a single layer in the prepared dish.
2. Bake: Roast in the oven for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the potatoes are golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges.

Step 4: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

1. Season the Chicken: While the potatoes roast, toss the chicken pieces with the remaining ranch seasoning.
2. Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine sour cream, milk, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

1. Layer the Ingredients: Once the potatoes are roasted, remove the dish from the oven. Spread the seasoned chicken over the potatoes. Pour the sour cream mixture evenly over the chicken and potatoes.
2. Add Bacon and Cheese: Sprinkle crumbled bacon and the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh, flavorful finish.
2. Serve Hot: Scoop into bowls or plates and enjoy your creamy, cheesy, and loaded casserole!

Tips for the Perfect Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole

1. Use Day-Old Potatoes: If you have leftover roasted potatoes, this recipe is a great way to use them up.
2. Cut Evenly: Ensure all potato and chicken pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking.
3. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Baking it too long can make the chicken dry. Covering the dish initially helps retain moisture.
4. Add Veggies: Toss in steamed broccoli, spinach, or even diced bell peppers for added nutrition.
5. Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like Gouda, pepper jack, or mozzarella for unique flavor profiles.

Variations

1. Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
2. BBQ Ranch Casserole: Swap the sour cream mixture with a combination of BBQ sauce and ranch for a tangy twist.
3. Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with tofu or omit it altogether, and add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
4. Low-Carb Version: Use cauliflower florets instead of potatoes to make it keto-friendly.
5. Mexican-Inspired Casserole: Add black beans, corn, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex twist.

Serving Suggestions

1. Side Salad: Serve alongside a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
2. Crusty Bread: Pair with a slice of garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
3. Soup Starter: Enjoy this casserole with a light soup like tomato bisque or chicken broth.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs work great in this recipe and provide additional juiciness and flavor.

2. Can I make this casserole in advance?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.

3. What can I use instead of ranch seasoning?

You can make a homemade ranch seasoning blend with dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt.

4. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Use dairy-free sour cream, cheese, and milk alternatives. The flavors remain deliciously creamy!

The Ultimate Comfort Food

This Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole combines all the best flavors in one dish: smoky bacon, creamy ranch, cheesy goodness, and tender chicken. It’s the epitome of comfort food, ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. The customizable nature of this recipe allows you to make it your own, and its hearty, satisfying nature guarantees it will become a household favorite. So grab your baking dish and indulge in this delightful casserole tonight!

Yield: 6

Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

Print

If you love creamy, cheesy, and hearty comfort food, this Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole is about to become your new favorite dish. Combining the bold flavors of ranch seasoning, tender chunks of chicken, crispy bacon, and golden roasted potatoes, this casserole is a delicious all-in-one meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings. It’s easy to make, versatile, and sure to impress everyone at the table.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 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
• 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

1. Prepare Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the diced potatoes, olive oil, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat the potatoes evenly.

2. Roast the Potatoes

1. Spread the seasoned potatoes evenly in the greased baking dish.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the potatoes start to crisp around the edges.

3. Add the Chicken

1. While the potatoes are roasting, season the diced chicken with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a teaspoon of ranch seasoning mix.
2. After 20 minutes, remove the baking dish from the oven and evenly distribute the chicken pieces over the roasted potatoes.

4. Add Cheese and Bacon

1. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken and potatoes.
2. Top with crumbled bacon.

5. Bake Until Done

1. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
2. Drizzle with ranch dressing and garnish with chopped green onions.
3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

• Use Parboiled Potatoes: If you're short on time, you can parboil the potatoes for 5 minutes before roasting to speed up the cooking process.
• Swap Proteins: Substitute chicken with turkey or even sausage for a variation.
• Vegetable Additions: Add broccoli florets, diced bell peppers, or even corn for extra veggies.
• Extra Crispness: Broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking for a golden, crispy cheese topping.