Looking for a quick, easy, and budget-friendly meal that’s packed with flavor? Try these Chicken Bacon Ranch Potatoes! This dish combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and seasoned potatoes all tossed in creamy ranch dressing. Perfect for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or even a hearty snack, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make and incredibly delicious.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium potatoes: Diced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 lbs chicken breast or thighs: Cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 slices bacon: Cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup ranch dressing: Use your favorite brand or homemade
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: For topping
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For roasting the potatoes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: For seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: For seasoning
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Optional garnish: Chopped green onions or fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Prepare Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the diced potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the potatoes in an even layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.
- Cook Chicken:
- While the potatoes are roasting, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook Bacon:
- In the same skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, then crumble.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted potatoes, cooked chicken, and crumbled bacon.
- Pour the ranch dressing over the mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
- Top with Cheese:
- Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake:
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve and enjoy your Chicken Bacon Ranch Potatoes!
Why You’ll Love Chicken Bacon Ranch Potatoes
- Flavorful: The combination of chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing is a match made in heaven.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe a breeze.
- Kid-Friendly: The creamy, cheesy goodness is sure to be a hit with kids.
- Versatile: Great as a main dish or a hearty side.
- Comfort Food: Warm, cheesy, and satisfying, it’s perfect for cozy nights in.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients to create a delicious meal.
- Quick Preparation: Ready in under an hour, ideal for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or swap in different cheeses.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
- Delicious Leftovers: Tastes great the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
Tips for Making Perfect Chicken Bacon Ranch Potatoes
- Evenly Sized Pieces: Cut the potatoes and chicken into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Crispy Potatoes: Make sure the potatoes are spread out in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure they get crispy.
- Use Fresh Bacon: For the best flavor and texture, cook your bacon fresh rather than using pre-cooked bacon bits.
- Season Well: Don’t skimp on the seasoning for the potatoes and chicken to enhance the overall flavor.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Extra Veggies: Add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or broccoli for added nutrition and color.
- Homemade Ranch: If you have the time, making your own ranch dressing can elevate the dish.
- Bake in a Hot Oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to get the best texture on the potatoes.
- Garnish: Fresh herbs like parsley or green onions add a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve Hot: This dish is best served right out of the oven when the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How to Store Chicken Bacon Ranch Potatoes
Refrigeration:
- Cool Completely: Allow the dish to cool completely at room temperature before storing to avoid condensation and sogginess.
- Airtight Container: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing:
- Cool Completely: Ensure the dish is fully cooled before freezing.
- Portion Out: Divide into portions for easier reheating later.
- Wrap and Label: Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date.
- Freeze: Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Chicken Bacon Ranch Potatoes
From the Refrigerator:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Place the bake in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave Option: Reheat individual portions in the microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through.
From the Freezer:
- Thaw (Optional): For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Place the bake in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. If thawed, bake for 20-25 minutes. If frozen, bake for 45-60 minutes, or until heated through.
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Microwave Option: For a quicker option, microwave individual portions on defrost setting until thawed, then heat on high until warmed through.
