Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
This Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole is rich, cheesy, and comforting, featuring tender chicken, potatoes, ranch sauce, and smoky bacon.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Large skillet
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
- Oven
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 pounds russet potatoes peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup ranch dressing store-bought or homemade
- 1 packet 1 oz ranch seasoning mix
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
Optional ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for extra depth
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper for heat
- ½ cup steamed broccoli or corn for added veggies
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. They should glisten lightly, not swim in oil.
Step 2: Roast Until Tender
- Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping once. You’re looking for soft centers with lightly crisped edges — that texture is key for the final casserole.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
- While the potatoes roast, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half of the ranch seasoning mix. This ensures the chicken is flavorful all the way through.
Step 4: Lightly Cook the Chicken
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the chicken just until the outside turns opaque. Don’t fully cook it — it will finish baking in the oven and stay juicy.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Ranch Base
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the ranch dressing, sour cream, and remaining ranch seasoning. The mixture should be thick, creamy, and fragrant with herbs.
Step 6: Bring Everything Together
- Add the roasted potatoes, chicken, crumbled bacon, and half of the shredded cheese to the bowl. Gently fold until everything is evenly coated in that creamy ranch sauce.
Step 7: Assemble the Casserole
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
Step 8: Bake Until Bubbly
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Step 9: Finish and Rest
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This helps everything set and makes serving easier. Finish with green onions for a pop of freshness.