If you’re looking for a meal that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, look no further than Chicken Bacon Ranch Potatoes! This dish combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and ranch seasoning with creamy potatoes for a meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. It’s a total crowd-pleaser that won’t break the bank.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 4-5 medium russet potatoes (or you can use any potatoes you have)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or homemade ranch seasoning)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or more if you like it extra cheesy!)
- 6-8 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
- Olive oil (for cooking)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Wash and cube the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer, you can leave the skins on for added texture.
- Toss the potatoes in a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread them out evenly on a baking sheet. Roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- Cook the Chicken:
- While the potatoes are roasting, heat a bit of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and half of the ranch seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until cooked through and golden brown. You can also bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F for about 25 minutes if you prefer.
- Once the chicken is cooked, shred it using two forks or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Once the potatoes are roasted, spread them out in a baking dish or keep them on the baking sheet.
- Top the potatoes with the shredded chicken and sprinkle the remaining ranch seasoning over the top.
- Sprinkle the crumbled bacon evenly over everything.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and bake everything together for another 5-10 minutes at 375°F until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Once everything is bubbly and golden, remove the dish from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with any extra toppings you like, such as fresh parsley or green onions, if desired.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this in one pan?
- A: Yes! If you want to skip using two separate pans, you can cook the chicken in the same pan that you use for the potatoes (just be sure to cook the chicken first). Once both are cooked, combine them in a baking dish, top with cheese and bacon, and finish off in the oven.
Q: What if I don’t have ranch seasoning?
- A: You can make your own ranch seasoning by mixing garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, parsley, chives, and salt. It’ll give you the same tangy, herby flavor!
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
- A: While it’s best to thaw chicken before cooking for even results, you can cook frozen chicken breasts in the oven at 375°F for about 30-40 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Q: Can I add veggies to this?
- A: Absolutely! You can toss in broccoli, green beans, or bell peppers along with the potatoes to make it a one-dish meal with more veggies.
Why This Recipe is a Winner:
- Quick & Easy: With minimal prep and cook time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: You’ve got tender chicken, crispy potatoes, smoky bacon, and gooey cheese—what’s not to love?
- Budget-Friendly: Using simple ingredients like potatoes and chicken breasts makes this a cheap yet satisfying meal.
- Customizable: Feel free to add more cheese, switch up the seasoning, or toss in your favorite veggies.
These Chicken Bacon Ranch Potatoes are a delicious, all-in-one meal that checks all the boxes—tasty, satisfying, and quick to make! Get ready for some major flavor with minimal effort. Enjoy! 🥔🍗🧀