When it comes to cozy, hearty meals that fill both the stomach and the soul, few dishes can rival the Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole. This recipe is not only a flavor-packed, all-in-one dinner but also a true crowd-pleaser. Imagine juicy chicken pieces and tender Yukon gold potatoes coated in a creamy ranch dressing, perfectly seasoned and topped with a generous layer of melted cheese and fresh green onions. With every bite, you’ll savor the warmth and comfort of classic American flavors, making it an ideal choice for family dinners, potlucks, or just treating yourself to something extra special.
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Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole
Scoop up the ultimate comfort food! 🥔 This Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole is packed with tender chicken, creamy ranch, and gooey cheese—a dream in every bite!
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 cups Yukon gold potatoes, unpeeled and diced – These potatoes add a buttery, creamy texture. Their thin skin gives a nice texture contrast when cooked, and there’s no need to peel, making prep easier!
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch dice – The diced chicken breast becomes tender and flavorful when baked with the ranch dressing.
- ⅔ cup Ranch dressing, divided – Creamy and herby, the ranch dressing adds tang and flavor while helping keep the chicken and potatoes moist during baking.
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley – Adds a touch of freshness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – Provides a hint of earthy aroma and balances out the richness.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – Adds a subtle warmth and color to the dish without overwhelming the flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning the chicken and potatoes.
- 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken – Adding a bit more chicken brings extra protein and a delightful, tender texture to the dish.
- 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend – A combination of cheeses like Monterey Jack, cheddar, and asadero melts beautifully and gives the casserole a creamy, cheesy top.
- ½ cup green onions, chopped – These add a fresh, slightly pungent bite to the finished dish, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). In a medium-sized bowl, combine the diced potatoes with ⅓ cup of ranch dressing, parsley, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the potatoes evenly with the seasonings and dressing.
- Spread the potatoes in a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish in an even layer. Bake the potatoes for 30 minutes, uncovered, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- While the potatoes are cooking, add the diced chicken to the same bowl used for the potatoes. Mix in the remaining â…“ cup of ranch dressing, season with salt and pepper to taste, and toss until the chicken is well-coated.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- After 30 minutes of baking, remove the potatoes from the oven and lower the oven temperature to 400°F (204°C).
- Layer the coated diced chicken on top of the partially cooked potatoes in the casserole dish. Cover with foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Shredded Chicken:
- Remove the casserole from the oven, uncover it, and sprinkle the shredded chicken and Mexican cheese blend evenly over the top.
- Return the dish to the oven, baking for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish and Garnish:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Substitute Potatoes: Try sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter and nutrient-packed alternative.
- Alternative Protein: For extra protein, add black beans or chickpeas, or use diced turkey instead of chicken for a twist.
- Add Vegetables: For extra color and flavor, consider adding veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes before baking.
- Cheese Swap: Use sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack cheese instead of the Mexican blend to suit your flavor preference.
- Make it Spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for a spicier kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
In this article, we’ll explore every aspect of this Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole recipe in detail, covering the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and the flavors that make it unforgettable. Plus, you’ll find helpful tips for ingredient substitutions, ideas for adding your own twist, and serving suggestions that will turn this dish into a true dinner delight. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
This casserole combines simple yet flavorful ingredients that are easy to find, but each one adds a unique touch to the dish:
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups Yukon gold potatoes, unpeeled and diced – These potatoes add a buttery, creamy texture. Their thin skin gives a nice texture contrast when cooked, and there’s no need to peel, making prep easier!
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch dice – The diced chicken breast becomes tender and flavorful when baked with the ranch dressing.
- ⅔ cup Ranch dressing, divided – Creamy and herby, the ranch dressing adds tang and flavor while helping keep the chicken and potatoes moist during baking.
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley – Adds a touch of freshness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – Provides a hint of earthy aroma and balances out the richness.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – Adds a subtle warmth and color to the dish without overwhelming the flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning the chicken and potatoes.
- 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken – Adding a bit more chicken brings extra protein and a delightful, tender texture to the dish.
- 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend – A combination of cheeses like Monterey Jack, cheddar, and asadero melts beautifully and gives the casserole a creamy, cheesy top.
- ½ cup green onions, chopped – These add a fresh, slightly pungent bite to the finished dish, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). In a medium-sized bowl, combine the diced potatoes with ⅓ cup of ranch dressing, parsley, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the potatoes evenly with the seasonings and dressing.
- Spread the potatoes in a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish in an even layer. Bake the potatoes for 30 minutes, uncovered, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- While the potatoes are cooking, add the diced chicken to the same bowl used for the potatoes. Mix in the remaining â…“ cup of ranch dressing, season with salt and pepper to taste, and toss until the chicken is well-coated.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- After 30 minutes of baking, remove the potatoes from the oven and lower the oven temperature to 400°F (204°C).
- Layer the coated diced chicken on top of the partially cooked potatoes in the casserole dish. Cover with foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Shredded Chicken:
- Remove the casserole from the oven, uncover it, and sprinkle the shredded chicken and Mexican cheese blend evenly over the top.
- Return the dish to the oven, baking for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish and Garnish:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
- Substitute Potatoes: Try sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter and nutrient-packed alternative.
- Alternative Protein: For extra protein, add black beans or chickpeas, or use diced turkey instead of chicken for a twist.
- Add Vegetables: For extra color and flavor, consider adding veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes before baking.
- Cheese Swap: Use sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack cheese instead of the Mexican blend to suit your flavor preference.
- Make it Spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for a spicier kick.
Serving Suggestions
This Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole is incredibly versatile. Serve it with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal, or pair it with garlic bread for extra comfort. Leftovers make a perfect meal the next day—just reheat and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole brings together the best of comfort food in one pan—juicy chicken, tender potatoes, gooey cheese, and a ranch-flavored blend of seasonings. The ease of preparation, combined with the delicious flavors, makes it a fantastic choice for any busy weeknight or weekend family dinner. Gather your ingredients, and give this hearty casserole a try. It’s guaranteed to become a household favorite!