Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole with Potatoes – This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole with Potatoes Recipe. Is a mouthwatering, crowd-pleasing meal. That combines tender chicken and savory bacon. And two kinds of melty cheese. All tossed with hearty potatoes. And a creamy ranch dressing mix. It’s perfect for dinner. When you want something comforting. And delicious. This dish highlights its rich, cheesy flavors. Balanced with the creamy tang of ranch dressing. And a hint of smokiness. From the bacon and paprika.
The first time I made this Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. My family couldn’t get enough of it. It was one of those cold, cozy evenings. When you just want something hearty. To warm you up. My husband took one bite. And said it was like all his favorite comfort foods. Baked into one dish! Even my picky eater. Our little one. Devoured it. Especially the crispy bacon on top. It became an instant favorite. That’s now requested on repeat. In our house.
What makes this Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole with Potatoes stand out?
This casserole stands out. For its combination of flavors—smoky paprika, sharp cheddar, creamy ranch. And the saltiness of bacon. Make every bite. Packed with layers of taste. The tender, juicy chicken pairs beautifully. With the crispness of the potatoes. While the smoked gouda. Adds a luxurious twist. The best part? It’s easy to throw together. And uses ingredients you likely already have. Making it a great go-to meal. For busy weeknights. Or casual gatherings.
What You Need To Make This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole with Potatoes Recipe?
Yellow or Red Potatoes: These little gems. Are the foundation of the casserole. Bringing comfort and texture. To every bite. I prefer using either yellow or red potatoes. Because they hold their shape well after boiling and roasting. And their skins add an extra bit of earthiness to the dish. Plus, chopping them into bite-sized pieces. Ensures each forkful. Has the perfect balance of potato, chicken, and cheese.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Whether you use breasts or thighs. Is totally up to your preference. I usually go for chicken thighs. Because they stay juicy. And flavorful during cooking. If you’re looking for something leaner. Breasts are a great option. And they’ll soak up all those delicious seasonings. We’re about to add. Cutting them into bite-sized pieces. Means they cook quickly. And distribute evenly. In every serving.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds that tangy, bold flavor. That cuts through the creamy dressing. And pairs so well with the ranch seasoning. It’s the cheesy, melty goodness. That makes this casserole irresistible. The sharpness really stands out. Giving the dish a deeper, richer flavor. Compared to regular cheddar.
Smoked Gouda Cheese: Now, this is where things get interesting! Smoked gouda gives the casserole a subtle, smoky flavor. That pairs perfectly with the crispy bacon. It adds a creamy texture. But with that extra punch of sophistication. I love how it complements the sharp cheddar. And makes every bite. Feel a little more special.
Cooked Crumbled Bacon: Bacon is the secret weapon here. The crispy, salty crunch sprinkled on top. Takes this dish to a whole new level. Not only does it add texture. But the smoky flavor from the bacon. Perfectly balances the richness of the cheeses. And the creamy dressing. Let’s be honest. Bacon makes everything better, right?
Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil. Helps bring out the best in the chicken and potatoes. Making sure they cook up tender. And flavorful. It also helps those seasonings stick. To every little bite. I use olive oil for its healthy fats. And mild flavor. But it also helps create. That beautiful golden finish.
Salt, Pepper, and Garlic Blend: This trio is the holy grail of seasonings—simple, but essential. The garlic adds warmth. While the salt and pepper. Bring everything into balance. I like to use a garlic blend. Because it’s more aromatic. And give the chicken and potatoes. A deeper flavor. But you can always adjust. To your personal taste.
Smoked Paprika: The smoked paprika. Is like the silent star of this recipe. It adds a subtle depth of flavor. And a hint of smokiness. That complements the gouda. And bacon so well. Plus, it gives the dish a gorgeous color. That makes it even more appetizing. When it comes out of the oven.
Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise might seem like an unexpected addition. But it brings a rich creaminess to the dressing. That holds everything together. It adds a slightly tangy undertone. That balances the ranch seasoning perfectly. You won’t taste the mayo on its own. But trust me. It’s doing all the behind-the-scenes work. To keep this casserole ultra-creamy.
Sour Cream: Sour cream lightens up the dressing. While still adding that velvety texture. It also gives a subtle tang. That brightens the flavors of the whole dish. When combined with the ranch seasoning. It creates that irresistible creamy ranch dressing we all love—only better. Because it’s homemade!
Whole Milk: Whole milk adds richness to the dressing. Without making it too heavy. It’s just the right balance. To keep things creamy. But not overly thick. If you want a lighter option. You could substitute with a lower-fat milk. But I find that whole milk. Makes everything extra indulgent.
Ranch Dressing Seasoning Mix: The hero of the dressing! This packet of ranch seasoning. Is what brings all those familiar, herby flavors to the casserole. It’s the secret ingredient. That ties everything together. Making each bite. It tastes like the ultimate comfort food. It’s the ranch kick. That everyone craves. And it’s what keeps them coming back for more.
Green Onions (for Garnish): Green onions are optional. But I love how they add a pop of color. And a bit of freshness. After all those rich, creamy, and smoky flavors. The slight bite of the onions. Really brightens up the dish. Plus, they make the casserole look beautiful when serving!
Steps To Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole with Potatoes:
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes: Start by boiling the chopped potatoes. In a large pot of water. Until tender. Drain. And set aside.
Step 2: Season the Chicken: In a mixing bowl. Toss the chicken. With a drizzle of olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic blend, and smoked paprika. Ensuring each piece. Is well coated.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken: You can air fry the chicken at 400°F. For about 8 minutes. Or until the internal temperature hits 165°F. Alternatively, sauté the chicken. In a pan. Over medium heat. Until cooked through.
Step 4: Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl. Whisk together the mayonnaise, and sour cream. Whole milk, and ranch seasoning. Until smooth.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly. In the dish. Combine the cooked potatoes. With seasoned chicken, and the dressing. Mix everything well.
Step 6: Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the sharp cheddar. And smoked gouda cheeses. Over the casserole mixture.
Step 7: Bake: Bake the casserole. In the preheated oven. For 15-20 minutes. Or until the cheese is melted. And lightly golden on top.
Step 8: Top with Bacon: Remove from the oven. And sprinkle the cooked, crumbled bacon on top. Garnish with green onions, if desired.
Step 9: Serve: Let it cool. For a few minutes before serving. For best results!
Tip:
To get the most flavor out of this Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole with Potatoes. Be sure to season the chicken well. With smoked paprika. And garlic before cooking. Boil the potatoes. Just until fork-tender—don’t overcook them. Or they’ll get mushy. In the casserole. For a creamy, rich consistency. Whisk the dressing thoroughly. To combine the flavors. If you want to save time. Prepare the casserole in advance. And refrigerate it. Then, just pop it in the oven before dinner. To get that fresh, cheesy finish.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the casserole ahead of time. Refrigerate it. And then bake it. When you’re ready. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes. To the baking time.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! You can swap out the smoked gouda for mozzarella, Monterey Jack. Or even more cheddar. Depending on your preference.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes! Sweet potatoes will add a slightly different flavor profile. But works beautifully with the ranch and bacon.
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole with Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs of yellow or red potatoes diced into bite-sized chunks
- 1.5 to 2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 4 oz smoked gouda cheese shredded
- 1 lb bacon cooked and crumbled
- Olive oil
- Salt pepper, and garlic seasoning blend
- Smoked paprika
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 c mayonnaise
- 1/2 c sour cream
- 1 c whole milk
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- Green onions for garnish optional
Instructions
- Start by boiling the potatoes. In a large pot. Until they’re tender. Once done. Drain them. And set aside.
- In a mixing bowl. Add the chicken pieces. And drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt, and pepper. Garlic blend, and smoked paprika. Toss to coat the chicken evenly. With the seasonings.
- Cook the chicken. Using your preferred method. For an air fryer. Set it to 400°F. And cook for about 8 minutes. Or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- In a separate bowl. Whisk together the mayonnaise, and sour cream. With whole milk, and ranch seasoning mix. Until smooth.
- Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Combine the cooked potatoes and seasoned chicken. And the prepared dressing in the dish. Making sure everything. Is evenly mixed.
- Top the mixture. With the shredded sharp cheddar. And smoked gouda cheeses.
- Bake in a preheated oven. For 15-20 minutes. Or until the cheese is melted. And slightly golden.
- Once done. Remove from the oven. And sprinkle with the crumbled bacon. If desired. Garnish with chopped green onions. Before serving.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
