Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Bake

Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Bake is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken, crispy bacon, and cheesy goodness with a touch of spice.

The combination of seasoned red potatoes, melted cheese, and smoky bacon makes this an irresistible comfort meal.

Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck favorite, this dish is easy to prepare and bursting with bold flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

People will love this Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Bake because it’s a satisfying, one-pan meal packed with bold flavors and comforting textures.

The crispy, seasoned potatoes pair perfectly with juicy chicken, smoky bacon, and gooey melted cheese.

Plus, the ranch-inspired seasoning adds a delicious kick, making it a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.

It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings!

Key Ingredients:

Chicken Breast: Lean and protein-packed, it becomes tender and flavorful when baked with seasonings.

Red Potatoes: Their soft yet slightly crispy texture makes them a perfect base for this dish.

Cheddar/Mozzarella Cheese Blend: A melty, creamy topping that brings everything together.

Bacon: Adds a smoky, crispy crunch that enhances every bite.

Garlic Powder & Paprika: These spices create a rich, savory seasoning with a hint of warmth.

Olive Oil & Hot Sauce: Helps coat the ingredients while adding a touch of heat and depth of flavor.

Green Onions: A fresh, slightly sharp contrast to balance the richness.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Bake

Ingredients:

1½ pounds chopped chicken breast

8 cubed small red potatoes not peeled

⅓ cup olive oil

1½ teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons garlic powder

1 tablespoon paprika

2 tablespoons hot sauce

2 cups shredded cheddar/mozzarella cheese blend

1 cup chopped green onions

1 cup crumbled cooked bacon

1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease a baking dish.

Combine the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, olive oil, and hot sauce in a bowl.

Add the chopped chicken and potatoes and stir.

Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Cook for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes, until the meat and potatoes are cooked through.

Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and green onion on top.

Add the cheese on top of that and bake until it melts, then serve hot.

Notes:

Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars

Creamy Ranch Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Bacon Brown Sugar Pork Tenderloin

Customize the Heat Level: Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your spice preference. You can also use a milder or spicier version.

Crispier Potatoes: For extra crispiness, spread the potatoes in a single layer on the baking dish and avoid overcrowding. You can also broil for the last few minutes.

Cheese Variations: Swap out the cheddar-mozzarella blend with pepper jack for a spicier kick or gouda for a smokier taste.

Bacon Shortcut: Use pre-cooked crumbled bacon to save time, or fry fresh bacon for the best flavor.

Make It a Meal: Serve with a side of sour cream or ranch dressing for dipping, or pair it with a crisp green salad.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of potato in this recipe?

While the recipe calls for small red potatoes, you can experiment with other potato varieties like Yukon Gold or russet potatoes.

Just keep in mind that different potatoes may have slightly different textures when baked.

Is there a recommended substitute for hot sauce?

If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use a milder hot sauce or even omit it altogether.

Hot sauce adds a bit of heat, but you can adjust the amount or choose a variety that suits your taste.

Can I prepare this dish in advance and reheat it?

Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance and reheat it.

After baking, allow it to cool, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator.

When you’re ready to eat, reheat it in the oven at a lower temperature (around 350°F) until it’s heated through.

What can I serve with Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Bake?

This dish is quite hearty on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

It’s also great with a dollop of sour cream or ranch dressing for extra flavor.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken.

Simply chop the pre-cooked chicken and add it to the potato mixture before baking.

This can save you some preparation time.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breast if you prefer.

Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, as thighs may require a slightly longer cooking period.

Is there a way to make this recipe less spicy?

If you want to reduce the spiciness, you can either omit the hot sauce completely or use a milder hot sauce.

You can also reduce the amount of hot sauce if you want to keep some heat but make it less intense.

Can I prepare this dish with frozen potatoes instead of fresh ones?

While fresh potatoes are recommended for this recipe, you can use frozen diced potatoes in a pinch.

However, keep in mind that frozen potatoes may release more moisture during cooking, so you might need to adjust the baking time slightly.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

When reheating, you can use the oven or microwave until the dish is heated to your liking.

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes, you can use turkey bacon as a leaner alternative to regular bacon in this recipe.

Cook the turkey bacon until crispy, crumble it, and use it as a topping in the same way as regular bacon.