How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Bake

Ingredients and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather all the necessary ingredients. For this recipe, you will need:

• 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 pound of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 pounds of potatoes, diced into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup of ranch dressing
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• Optional: Chopped green onions for garnish

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, prepare your ingredients. Cook the bacon until it is crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized chunks and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika for added flavor. Set these aside while you focus on the potatoes.

Preparing the Potatoes

The potatoes form the hearty base of this dish. Thoroughly wash and dice them into 1-inch cubes. Toss the cubes in a mixing bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Ensure the potatoes are evenly coated with the seasoning. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer to ensure they roast evenly.

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the potatoes for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and tender. Stir the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to promote even roasting.

Assembling the Bake

Once the potatoes are roasted to perfection, it’s time to assemble the dish. In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted potatoes, seasoned chicken pieces, crumbled bacon, and ranch dressing. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure that the ranch dressing coats all ingredients evenly.

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture, ensuring it covers the entire surface. The cheese will melt beautifully, adding a creamy, savory layer to the bake.

Baking and Serving

Place the assembled dish back into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. The aroma of the baking dish will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait for the finished product!

Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. For an extra touch of flavor and color, garnish with chopped green onions before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.