Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Bake

Chicken, bacon, ranch seasoning, and potatoes come together in this hearty and flavorful one-pan meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you need to feed a hungry crowd, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Bake is sure to satisfy. Let’s dive into the recipe.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 4 cups of baby potatoes, halved
• 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh chives or green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and a portion of the ranch seasoning mix. Make sure both sides are well coated.
3. Brown the Chicken: In a large ovenproof skillet or a frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Prepare the Potatoes: In the same skillet, add the halved baby potatoes. Sprinkle the remaining ranch seasoning mix over the potatoes and toss to coat evenly.
5. Bake: Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the potatoes in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
6. Add Bacon and Cheese: Remove the skillet from the oven. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken and potatoes.
7. Return to Oven: Place the skillet back in the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven, and let it cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the sour cream over the top and garnish with chopped fresh chives or green onions if desired.
9. Enjoy: Serve this delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Bake hot as a complete meal. You can also pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

Tips:

• Sour Cream Variation: If you prefer, you can mix the sour cream with a bit of milk or chicken broth to create a pourable sauce to drizzle over the dish.
• Baking Time: The exact baking time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts and the size of your potato halves. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• Customize the Cheese: While cheddar cheese is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheese varieties like Monterey Jack or Swiss.

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Bake combines savory, smoky, and creamy flavors for a comforting and satisfying meal. It’s a simple yet crowd-pleasing dish that will become a family favorite in no time. Enjoy!