Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Casserole Recipe

by

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, hearty, and packed with flavor—this Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Casserole will quickly become your family favorite. It combines tender chunks of chicken, crispy bacon, golden roasted potatoes, and a rich ranch-seasoned sauce all baked together into one irresistible dish. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or cozy Sunday dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is the definition of comfort. The combination of juicy chicken, smoky bacon, and cheesy ranch-flavored sauce creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone going back for seconds. Plus, it’s an all-in-one meal—protein, starch, and dairy baked together. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and perfect for meal prep since it reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

For the casserole:

  • 4 medium russet potatoes (about 6 cups diced)

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • ½ teaspoon paprika

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)

  • 1 cup cooked crispy bacon, chopped

  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 1 cup ranch dressing (homemade or bottled)

  • ½ cup sour cream

  • 2 green onions, sliced for garnish

  • Optional: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a little heat

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash, peel, and dice your potatoes into small bite-sized cubes. Place them in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle on the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss everything well until the potatoes are evenly coated.

Spread the seasoned potatoes out on a greased baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and crispy on the outside but tender on the inside. This step adds an incredible texture to the casserole and prevents soggy potatoes later.

Step 2: Mix the Chicken and Sauce

While the potatoes are roasting, combine your cooked chicken, half of the bacon, ranch dressing, and sour cream in a large mixing bowl. Stir everything until the chicken is fully coated. The ranch and sour cream will form a creamy base that bakes into a rich, savory sauce.

If you prefer a stronger ranch flavor, you can add a teaspoon of dry ranch seasoning mix as well.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Once the potatoes are ready, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the roasted potatoes on the bottom, followed by half of the chicken mixture. Sprinkle half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the layer.

Repeat with the remaining potatoes, chicken mixture, and top with the rest of the cheese. Sprinkle the remaining crispy bacon over the top for extra flavor and crunch.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly

Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake the casserole uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a slightly golden crust.

If you want a crispier top, broil the casserole for an additional 2–3 minutes at the end—just keep an eye on it so the cheese doesn’t burn.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes to set slightly. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and a pinch of red pepper flakes for color and a hint of spice.

Serve it warm with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed veggies for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Casserole

  1. Use rotisserie chicken: It saves time and adds an extra layer of flavor. Shredded chicken thighs also work well if you prefer more juiciness.

  2. Crisp bacon properly: Cook the bacon until fully crispy, then chop. The crunch balances the creamy textures in the casserole.

  3. Don’t skip roasting the potatoes: This prevents them from becoming mushy when baked in the creamy sauce.

  4. Customize the cheese: Try using a blend of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a different flavor twist.

  5. Add veggies: Mix in cooked broccoli, spinach, or corn for added nutrition and color.

  6. Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate. When ready, bake as directed—just add 10 minutes to the baking time.

Leave a Comment