If you're on the hunt for a delicious, hearty meal that everyone will love, look no further than this Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole with Potatoes. Combining tender pieces of chicken, crispy bacon, cheesy goodness, and the rich flavor of ranch dressing, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The best part? It’s simple to prepare, packed with protein, and will quickly become a family favorite. Keep reading to learn how to make this mouthwatering dish from scratch, including variations and tips to make it your own!
What Is “Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole With Potatoes”?
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole with Potatoes is an easy-to-make, savory, and satisfying dish that combines some of the most popular comfort food ingredients. The base is made up of tender baby potatoes and diced chicken breast, with layers of ranch dressing, cheese, bacon, and green onions added in for rich flavor. It's the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and crispy textures, and the flavor is guaranteed to leave your taste buds craving more.
Ingredients List for Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole With Potatoes
Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredible casserole:
- 1 (1.5 LB) bag of Baby Boomer Little Potatoes (or Yukon Gold Yellow Potatoes)
Baby Boomer potatoes are small, tender, and have a creamy texture, making them the perfect base for this casserole. Yukon Gold potatoes are another excellent option for their buttery flavor and golden hue. - 2 lbs skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
Lean chicken breasts provide protein and balance out the rich flavors in the dish. - Salt and pepper to taste
Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and potatoes. - ½ cup prepared ranch dressing (divided)
Ranch dressing is the star of this dish, giving the casserole its signature creamy and tangy flavor. - 2 cups Mexican cheese blend
This cheese mixture typically includes cheddar, Monterey Jack, and other cheeses, providing the perfect melty, gooey topping for the casserole. - 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
Crispy bacon adds a smoky, salty bite that complements the creamy ranch and cheese. - ½ cup diced green onions
Green onions add a pop of color and a subtle sharpness that balances out the richness of the other ingredients.
Substitutions and Variations
While this Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole with Potatoes is delicious as-is, you can make a few tweaks to suit your dietary needs or preferences:
- Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts: If you prefer dark meat, swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They’ll add even more flavor and juiciness to the dish.
- Greek Yogurt in Place of Ranch Dressing: For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt mixed with ranch seasoning. It’ll cut down on calories while still delivering that tangy ranch flavor.
- Sweet Potatoes: For a sweeter twist and extra nutrients, use sweet potatoes instead of baby potatoes.
- Vegan Version: Replace chicken with plant-based protein (like tofu or tempeh), use dairy-free cheese, and opt for vegan bacon and ranch dressing to create a plant-based version of this casserole.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and the ingredients come together perfectly.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and dry your Baby Boomer potatoes (or Yukon Golds). Cut them into bite-sized pieces if necessary. Place them in a large mixing bowl and season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Season and Cook the Chicken: In a separate skillet over medium heat, lightly sear the chicken cubes until they are golden on all sides but not fully cooked through. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In the large bowl with the potatoes, add half of the ranch dressing and toss to coat. Then, layer the potatoes and chicken cubes in a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Add Cheese and Bacon: Sprinkle 1 cup of the Mexican cheese blend evenly over the potatoes and chicken. Then, add the cooked and crumbled bacon on top.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked, and the potatoes are tender.
- Final Touches: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining cheese, and drizzle the rest of the ranch dressing over the top. Add the diced green onions as a garnish. Return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How to Cook Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole With Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare and season the potatoes and chicken, ensuring both are evenly coated with salt, pepper, and ranch dressing.
- Layer the ingredients in the casserole dish, starting with potatoes, then chicken, followed by cheese and bacon.
- Bake the casserole until the chicken is fully cooked, and the potatoes are tender.
- Top it off with more cheese, ranch dressing, and green onions, then return to the oven to melt the cheese.
- Serve and enjoy your cheesy, savory casserole hot from the oven!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Chicken: Since the chicken will continue to cook while baking, avoid overcooking it during the initial searing process. Just brown it lightly before adding it to the casserole.
- Soggy Potatoes: Make sure to dry the potatoes thoroughly after washing them. Excess moisture can cause them to become soggy rather than crispy.
- Using Too Much Ranch Dressing: While ranch dressing adds a ton of flavor, overloading your casserole with too much can make it overly greasy. Stick to the measurements for the best results.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Serving this Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole can be as simple or as creative as you like. Here are a few tips to make your dish look as appealing as it tastes.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: For an extra pop of color, garnish the finished casserole with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. It’ll brighten up the dish and add a fresh flavor contrast.
- Serve with a Side Salad: Pair this rich, cheesy casserole with a light, crisp side salad. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette can help balance out the richness of the casserole.
How to Serve Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
- Portion it Out: Cut the casserole into individual portions for easy serving. Each slice will have layers of potato, chicken, cheese, and bacon.
- Top with Extra Ranch: For those who can’t get enough ranch flavor, serve the casserole with a small bowl of ranch dressing on the side for dipping or drizzling.
Presentation Ideas for Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
- Individual Servings in Ramekins: For a fun twist, portion the casserole into individual ramekins before baking. This is a great option for dinner parties or family gatherings, giving each guest their own mini casserole.
- Layered Casserole Dish: Use a clear glass casserole dish to showcase the beautiful layers of potatoes, chicken, cheese, and bacon. The vibrant colors will make the dish even more appetizing.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: You can prepare this casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the oven!
- Double the Recipe: If you’re cooking for a crowd, this recipe can easily be doubled and baked in a larger dish.
- Use Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken, use it in place of fresh chicken to cut down on prep time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to use fresh or thawed chicken for this recipe to ensure even cooking. - Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Add vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers to the casserole for extra nutrients and flavor. - How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. - Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! After baking, let the casserole cool completely before freezing. It will keep for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole with Potatoes is the perfect recipe for a comforting, hearty meal that the whole family will love. The combination of creamy ranch dressing, crispy bacon, tender chicken, and cheesy potatoes creates a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering, this casserole is sure to impress. Follow the steps above, make it your own with some variations, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience!
PrintChicken Bacon Ranch Casserole With Potatoes Recipe
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole with potatoes is the ultimate comfort food recipe! Made with tender chicken breast, creamy ranch dressing, crispy bacon, and topped with melted Mexican cheese, it's a family favorite. Perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep. Enjoy the blend of rich flavors with simple ingredients like potatoes, green onions, and ranch. This casserole dish is an easy, satisfying weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 (1.5 LB) bag of Baby Boomer Little Potatoes (or Yukon Gold Yellow Potatoes)
- 2 lbs skinless boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup prepared ranch dressing, divided
- 2 cups Mexican Cheese Blend
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- ½ cup diced green onion
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a baking dish, layer the cubed potatoes and season with salt and pepper.
- Add the cubed chicken breasts over the potatoes and season with more salt and pepper.
- Drizzle half of the ranch dressing over the chicken and potatoes.
- Sprinkle crumbled bacon and diced green onions evenly on top.
- Top the casserole with the Mexican cheese blend.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the potatoes are tender.
- Remove the foil, drizzle the remaining ranch dressing, and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes to brown the cheese.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can swap Baby Boomer potatoes with Yukon Gold for a richer taste.
- Adjust the amount of ranch dressing based on your flavor preference.
- For a crispy top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 850mg
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