Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole With Potatoes Recipe

Tangy Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Casserole Recipe

Comfort meets creativity in this mouthwatering chicken bacon ranch casserole that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Crispy bacon bits and tender chicken chunks create a flavor explosion waiting to happen.

Creamy ranch seasoning weaves magic through layers of hearty potatoes.

Weeknight dinners will never look the same after you experience this delectable combination.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of savory and rich flavors that dance across your palate.

Hearty and satisfying, this casserole delivers pure culinary joy without complicated preparation.

Gather your ingredients and prepare to fall in love with a dish that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole For Flavor Fans

  • Savor Simple Comfort: Dive into a hearty one-dish meal that combines tender beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese in a single delicious casserole.
  • Master Quick Weeknight Cooking: Prepare a satisfying dinner with minimal prep work and basic ingredients that come together seamlessly in under an hour.
  • Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Easily adapt the recipe by adding extra toppings like jalapeños, avocado, or experimenting with different types of beans and cheese to match your taste preferences.
  • Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Create a crowd-pleasing meal that appeals to both kids and adults, offering a balanced combination of protein, grains, and bold Mexican-inspired flavors everyone will love.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Ingredient Guide

For the Protein:
  • Chicken Pieces: The main protein that adds hearty flavor and substance to the casserole.
  • Bacon: A crispy, salty ingredient that provides rich flavor and texture contrast.
For the Base:
  • Potato Cubes: The foundational ingredient that creates a satisfying and crispy base for the casserole.
For the Creamy Components:
  • Ranch Seasoning, Sour Cream, Cream Cheese: These ingredients combine to create a tangy and smooth sauce that coats the casserole.
  • Milk: Helps to thin and blend the creamy mixture for even distribution.
For the Cheese:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, melty layer of flavor and creates a golden topping.
For the Seasonings:
  • Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
For the Optional Add-Ins and Garnish:
  • Green Onions: Provides a fresh, mild onion flavor and adds color to the dish.
  • Broccoli, Jalapenos: Optional ingredients that can add extra nutrition and spice.
For the Preparation:
  • Butter: Used to coat the potatoes and help them crisp up during roasting.

How To Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

How To Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet

Heat the oven to 400°F. Grease a large baking sheet thoroughly to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Roast Potato Cubes

Toss potato cubes with:
  • Melted butter
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Spread potatoes evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes until golden and crispy, turning once halfway through cooking.

Step 3: Cook Chicken Pieces

Sauté chicken in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and nicely browned. Ensure no pink remains in the center.

Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Blend Creamy Ranch Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Ranch seasoning mix
  • Sour cream
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Milk
  • Shredded cheddar cheese

Mix until the sauce becomes smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Layer Casserole Components

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Create layers with:
  • Roasted potato cubes
  • Cooked chicken pieces
  • Crumbled bacon

Pour the creamy ranch sauce over the layers, spreading evenly to cover all ingredients.

Step 6: Add Final Cheese Topping

Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. This will create a deliciously golden and bubbly surface.

Step 7: Bake and Finish

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden brown. The edges should be slightly crispy.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped green onions on top. For extra excitement, add optional ingredients like:
  • Steamed broccoli
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Diced bell peppers

Serve hot and enjoy the incredible combination of flavors!

Pro Tips For Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

  • Dice potatoes uniformly for even roasting and crispy texture.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure smooth, lump-free sauce.
  • Select thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispier results.
  • Swap regular milk with low-fat or dairy-free alternatives for lighter version.
  • Allow casserole to rest 5-10 minutes after baking for easier serving and better flavor melding.

Tasty Twists For Bacon Ranch Casserole

  • Spicy Southwest Chicken Casserole: Replace ranch seasoning with taco seasoning, add diced green chiles, black beans, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken Bake: Use rosemary and thyme instead of ranch, incorporate feta cheese, sundried tomatoes, and swap bacon for crispy prosciutto.
  • Creamy Mushroom Chicken Potato Casserole: Substitute ranch with cream of mushroom soup, add sautéed mushrooms, use gruyere cheese, and sprinkle fresh thyme.
  • Loaded Veggie Chicken Casserole: Mix in roasted broccoli, cauliflower, and spinach, use greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and top with crispy panko breadcrumbs.

Sides To Pair With Bacon Ranch Casserole

  • Serve this hearty casserole directly from the baking dish, creating a warm, inviting centerpiece for family dinner. Pair with a crisp green salad and crusty bread to soak up the delicious ranch-cheese sauce.
  • Top individual portions with extra crispy bacon bits, sour cream dollops, and finely chopped chives. Treat it like a loaded baked potato, offering guests a fun and customizable dining experience.
  • Cut the casserole into smaller squares for easy party snacking. Arrange on a large wooden board with toothpicks, allowing guests to enjoy bite-sized portions during sports gatherings or casual get-togethers.

Storage Guide For Bacon Ranch Casserole Leftovers

  • Store the casserole in an airtight container or tightly covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the dish sealed to prevent moisture loss and maintain its delicious flavor.
  • Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap securely in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Place a label with the date to track storage time.
  • Warm individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of milk to restore moisture if the casserole seems dry.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes, you can use Yukon gold, red potatoes, or russet potatoes. Just ensure they are cut into similar-sized cubes for even roasting.

  • Is it okay to substitute ranch seasoning?

Absolutely! You can make homemade ranch seasoning using dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper if you don’t have a packet.

  • How can I make this dish healthier?

Use low-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese. Replace some bacon with turkey bacon or reduce the amount. Add extra vegetables like broccoli or spinach to increase nutritional value.

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Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole With Potatoes Recipe

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole With Potatoes Recipe


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4.6 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty chicken bacon ranch casserole with potatoes delivers comfort on a plate. Ranch seasoning and crispy bacon elevate this creamy midwestern classic for home cooks seeking satisfying meals.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, boneless, skinless (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 68 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 4 medium-sized russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 tbsps butter
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup broccoli, steamed
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/4 cup jalapenos, diced
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
  • green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to a hot 400F (200C), preparing a culinary canvas for this hearty dish.
  2. Transform potato cubes into crispy golden morsels by tossing them with melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread across a greased baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until edges turn delightfully crunchy.
  3. Meanwhile, sear chicken pieces in a skillet over medium heat, cooking until each morsel achieves a perfect golden-brown exterior and reaches complete doneness. Reserve for layering.
  4. Craft a creamy ranch sauce by whisking together ranch seasoning, sour cream, cream cheese, milk, and a generous portion of cheddar cheese until the mixture becomes silky and uniform.
  5. Assemble the casserole by creating a delectable foundation: layer roasted potatoes as the base, followed by the cooked chicken, then sprinkle crumbled bacon across the surface.
  6. Cascade the ranch-cheese mixture over the layers, ensuring even distribution, then crown the casserole with remaining cheddar cheese.
  7. Slide the assembled dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top becomes bubbly and achieves a tempting golden hue.
  8. Finish by scattering chopped green onions across the surface, and consider adding extras like broccoli or jalapeños for an unexpected flavor twist.

Notes

  • Swap potatoes with cauliflower or sweet potatoes for a low-carb or nutrient-dense alternative that keeps the dish’s creamy, comforting essence.
  • Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce calories and boost protein content while maintaining the tangy ranch flavor profile.
  • Prepare bacon ahead of time and drain excess grease to prevent the casserole from becoming too oily and ensure crispy texture.
  • Try different cheese varieties like pepper jack or gouda to create unique flavor variations that elevate the classic recipe.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 434 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 704 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 103 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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