Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Bake
It doesn’t get easier than this, people! Feed a crowd or have yummy leftovers for the week’s lunches with this Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Bake! This hearty main dish is baked in just one pan and loaded with bacon and chunky ranch flavored chicken breast all over roasted potatoes!
Lately I’ve been seeing requests in some meal prep Facebook groups for meal prep recipes that serve more than four servings. I saw a woman write that she has six people in her house and four serving meal prep recipes just don’t work for her family (I’m assuming there were two grown adults with at least a couple teenagers in the house).
This request makes sense, and it’s a reality I haven’t thought about too much until now. It’s not always clear what recipes make good leftovers, or what recipes are easy to double. Feeding more people is always going take a little more effort.
That’s where this Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Bake comes in. This dish makes eight hearty servings, enough for a hungry family of six with a serving or two of leftovers for lunch. If you are not a family of six, then you’re going to be set for lunch the entire week. I’ll cook a meal like this on Sunday for dinner, and there will be 5-6 portions leftover. This sounds like a lot, but with two people, it ends up being about 3 lunches each for the week. Turns out, I’m a big fan of leftovers!! Of course, you already knew that!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Bake is perfect for those who love hearty, comforting meals. It’s easy to prepare, satisfies a crowd, and offers delicious leftovers. Plus, the combination of chicken, bacon, and ranch flavors makes it irresistible!
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×12″ baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Cooking spray
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 ranch dressing mix (dry powder)
- 14 medium potatoes, cubed
- 3 chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 cup crumbled bacon
- 1 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tsp black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 500°F.
- Spray a 9×12″ baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, salt, pepper, and ranch dressing mix.
- Add the cubed potatoes to the oil mixture and toss well. Spoon the potatoes into the baking dish, leaving as much oil mixture behind as possible.
- Roast the potatoes in the oven until crispy, about 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cut the raw chicken into bite-sized pieces and add them to the remaining oil mixture, tossing well.
- In a separate bowl, mix the shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions.
- Once the potatoes are crispy, remove them from the oven and lower the oven temperature to 400°F.
- Top the potatoes with the raw chicken and cheese mixture. Bake for another 15-20 minutes.
- Allow the bake to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Serve with sour cream or ranch dressing and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Stir the potatoes frequently to ensure they roast evenly and become crispy on all sides.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting quality and flavor.
Additional Tips and Variations
Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition. You can also substitute turkey bacon for a lighter option.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Each serving provides a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate. Bake it when ready to serve.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Conclusion
Give this Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Bake a try and enjoy a flavorful, filling meal that’s perfect for any occasion. I’d love to hear about your experience making this dish, so feel free to share your thoughts and any variations you tried in the comments below!
