Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
This Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole is a comforting, one-dish meal featuring tender Yukon gold potatoes seasoned with ranch dressing and herbs, layered with juicy diced chicken breast, and topped with crispy bacon, melted Mexican cheese blend, and fresh green onions. Baked to perfection, it offers a creamy texture, smoky flavor, and vibrant colors, making it an ideal family-friendly dinner that’s both hearty and flavorful.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 4 cups Yukon gold potatoes, unpeeled and diced
- ⅓ cup Ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Chicken
- 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1 inch dice
- ⅓ cup Ranch dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- ½ cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare and parbake potatoes: Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). In a medium-sized bowl, combine the diced Yukon gold potatoes with ⅓ cup ranch dressing, dried parsley, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread the potato mixture evenly in a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring the potatoes every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Add chicken and bake: Lower the oven temperature to 400°F (204°C). In the same bowl, mix the diced chicken breast with the remaining ⅓ cup ranch dressing and season with salt and pepper. Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the parbaked potatoes. Cover the casserole dish with foil to retain moisture and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Add toppings and finish baking: Remove the foil, then sprinkle the cooked crumbled bacon and shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly over the casserole. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- Use Yukon gold potatoes for their creamy texture and ability to hold shape when baked.
- Parbaking the potatoes prevents them from being undercooked when layered with chicken.
- Stirring the potatoes during the first bake ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
- Covering the casserole during the chicken bake keeps moisture in and helps cook chicken evenly.
- Use cooked and crumbled bacon for a smoky, crispy topping that complements the dish.
- Freshly chopped green onions add a nice fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the potato mixture.
- This dish can be prepared ahead by assembling and refrigerating before baking; just add extra cooking time if baked from cold.
Keywords: potato casserole, ranch chicken casserole, baked chicken casserole, comfort food, one-dish meal
