Introduction

This Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole combines tender chicken, creamy ranch dressing, and savory potatoes for a comforting and hearty meal. It’s layered with bacon and melted cheese, making it a family favorite that’s easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners.

A white plate holds a layered dish made of bite-sized cooked potatoes as the base, topped with chunks of white chicken meat mixed with melted shredded cheese that has a light orange and white color. The entire dish is sprinkled with chopped green onions and small bits of crispy brown bacon, adding texture and color contrast. A fork rests on the right side of the plate and a red and white striped cloth is next to it. In the background, a white rectangular baking dish filled with more of the same dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cups Yukon gold potatoes, unpeeled and diced
2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch dice
⅔ cup Ranch dressing, divided
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
1 ½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
½ cup green onions, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 450°F. In a medium-sized bowl, toss the diced potatoes with ⅓ cup ranch dressing, dried parsley, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Transfer the mixture to a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish and bake uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
Step 2: Reduce the oven temperature to 400°F. In the same bowl, combine the diced chicken with the remaining ⅓ cup ranch dressing, and season with salt and pepper. Spoon the chicken evenly over the partially baked potatoes. Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes more.
Step 3: Remove the foil, sprinkle the cooked bacon and shredded cheese on top of the casserole. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking to brown the cheese topping.
Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a deeper smoky flavor.
Substitute bacon with cooked sausage or omit for a bacon-free version.
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or corn for added color and nutrition.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave portions individually. This casserole does not freeze well due to the potatoes but can be made fresh ahead and refrigerated before baking.

How to Serve

This image shows a baked casserole in a white rectangular dish placed on a white marbled surface with a red and white cloth nearby. The dish has multiple layers starting with a base of small potato chunks, creamy white sauce mixed with herbs covering the potatoes, and tender chunks of chicken evenly spread on top. Melted yellow and white cheese is drizzled generously over the entire surface, creating a gooey texture. The dish is garnished with chopped green onions and crispy brown bacon bits, adding small bursts of color and texture contrast. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes, you can substitute Yukon gold potatoes with Russet or red potatoes, but texture and baking time may vary slightly.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, use a dairy-free ranch dressing and replace the cheese with a non-dairy cheese alternative. Ensure bacon is prepared without added dairy ingredients.

Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 365 reviews

This Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender Yukon gold potatoes, succulent diced chicken breast, and a creamy ranch dressing blend. Baked to perfection and topped with crispy bacon, melted Mexican cheese, and fresh green onions, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Author: Izo
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 to 8 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 bake potatoes: Preheat your oven to 450°F. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the diced Yukon gold potatoes with ⅓ cup of ranch dressing, dried parsley, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the potatoes evenly. Spread them out in a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish and bake uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Add chicken and continue baking: Lower the oven temperature to 400°F. In the same bowl, mix the diced chicken breast with the remaining ⅓ cup of ranch dressing and season with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon the chicken evenly over the parbaked potatoes. Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Add toppings and finish baking: Remove the foil from the casserole. Evenly sprinkle the cooked, crumbled bacon and shredded Mexican cheese blend over the chicken and potatoes. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions before serving.

Notes

Stirring the potatoes every 10 minutes during the initial bake ensures they cook evenly and develop a nice texture.
Using Yukon gold potatoes with the skin on adds extra texture and nutrients.
Bacon can be cooked in advance to save time.
This casserole can be assembled a day ahead and baked just before serving.
For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasonings.

Keywords: chicken casserole, ranch chicken, loaded potato casserole, baked chicken recipe, comfort food, dinner casserole