Description
Hearty Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole merges comfort and flavor in one satisfying dish. Creamy ranch-seasoned chicken mingles with crispy potato chunks, creating a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins and Starches:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 4 large potatoes
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Cheese and Dairy:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup butter
Seasonings and Add-ins:
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped chives
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Dice the potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes, ensuring even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
- Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, creating a flavorful base for the protein component.
- Layer the diced potatoes across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a robust foundation for the casserole.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts directly on top of the potato layer, ensuring even distribution.
- Whisk together ranch dressing and sour cream in a separate bowl, creating a creamy and tangy sauce that will infuse moisture into the dish.
- Pour the ranch-sour cream mixture evenly over the chicken and potatoes, making sure to cover all ingredients thoroughly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese across the top, creating a rich and golden cheese blanket.
- Dot the surface with small butter pieces to enhance richness and promote beautiful browning.
- Scatter bacon bits and chopped chives over the cheese layer, adding depth of flavor and visual appeal.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes to ensure chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven to allow flavors to meld and settle.
Notes
- Prep Ahead: Dice potatoes and chicken in advance to streamline the cooking process and reduce day-of preparation time.
- Potato Perfection: Soak diced potatoes in cold water for 15 minutes before use to remove excess starch, ensuring crispier edges and a more consistent texture.
- Protein Swap: Easily substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a more tender and flavorful alternative that stays juicy during baking.
- Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnips to create a keto-friendly version of this comforting casserole without sacrificing flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 601
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 825 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg