Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
This Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender chicken breasts and diced russet potatoes coated in a flavorful blend of ranch seasoning, garlic, and smoked paprika. Topped with shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions, this casserole is perfect for a satisfying family meal or a delicious potluck contribution.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Potatoes: Begin by dicing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts and russet potatoes into bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and easy serving.
- Season the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken and potatoes with the ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Drizzle with olive oil and toss everything together until the chicken and potatoes are evenly coated with the seasoning and oil.
- Preheat and Assemble: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the seasoned chicken and potatoes into a greased casserole dish, spreading them out evenly for consistent cooking.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and potatoes are tender. Halfway through baking, stir gently to promote even cooking if desired.
- Add Cheese and Bacon Topping: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon evenly over the top.
- Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve warm and enjoy this flavorful, hearty dish.
Notes
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with a mix of mozzarella and Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
- Adjust the amount of salt according to your dietary needs or use low-sodium ranch seasoning to reduce sodium content.
- For extra creaminess, consider adding a half cup of sour cream mixed into the casserole before baking.
- Make sure to pre-cook the bacon for crispiness; canned or pre-cooked bacon bits can also be used for convenience.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator; just bake it fresh before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/6th of casserole)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole, chicken casserole, potato casserole, ranch seasoning, comfort food, baked chicken dish, easy dinner recipe
