Save This Creamy Ranch Chicken Potato Bake is the ultimate comfort food casserole. Featuring layers of thinly sliced potatoes and tender chicken, all enveloped in a rich, ranch-seasoned cream sauce, it is baked until golden and bubbling for a satisfying American dinner.
Save Perfect for a family meal, this dish transforms basic chicken and potatoes into something extraordinary. The slow-baked cream sauce ensures every bite is infused with garlic, onion, and herbs, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
- Potatoes and Chicken: 1.5 lbs (700 g) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced; 1.5 lbs (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes; salt and black pepper, to taste.
- Ranch Cream Sauce: 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream; 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk; 1 packet (1 oz/28 g) ranch seasoning mix (or 3 tbsp homemade ranch mix); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/4 tsp dried thyme (optional).
- Cheese Topping: 1.5 cups (170 g) shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or parsley (for garnish).
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
- Step 2: Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, milk, ranch seasoning, garlic, onion powder, paprika, and thyme until smooth.
- Step 3: Base Layer
- Arrange half the sliced potatoes in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Step 4: Chicken Layer
- Scatter half of the chicken cubes over the potatoes. Pour half of the ranch cream sauce evenly over the layer.
- Step 5: Second Layer
- Repeat with the remaining potatoes and chicken, then pour the rest of the sauce over the top.
- Step 6: First Bake
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Step 7: Cheese Topping
- Remove foil, sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the casserole, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and the potatoes are tender.
- Step 8: Finish
- Let rest for 10 minutes before garnishing with chives or parsley and serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best results, use a mandoline to ensure the potatoes are sliced evenly, which helps them cook at the same rate.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For extra flavor, try adding cooked, crumbled bacon between the layers. You can also substitute rotisserie chicken for the fresh chicken to save time during preparation.
Serviervorschläge
Pair this hearty bake with a crisp green salad to balance the richness. A glass of Chardonnay also complements the creamy ranch flavors beautifully.
Save This Creamy Ranch Chicken Potato Bake is sure to become a new family favorite. With its golden cheese crust and tender layers, it is a dish that delivers pure satisfaction in every bite.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time since it will be cold.
- → What type of potatoes work best?
Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape beautifully and have a naturally buttery flavor. Russets also work well for a softer texture. Peel and slice them about 1/8 inch thick for even cooking.
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Absolutely. Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken shaves off prep time. Simply shred or cube the meat and layer it with the potatoes. Reduce the initial covered baking time to 35 minutes since the chicken is already cooked.
- → How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked?
Insert a paring knife or fork into the center of the casserole. It should slide through the layers with no resistance. The potatoes should be tender but not falling apart, and the sauce should be bubbling around the edges.
- → What sides pair well with this bake?
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness. Steamed broccoli or roasted green beans add color and nutrients. For a complete meal, serve with crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute the heavy cream and whole milk with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Use vegan cheese shreds for the topping, though they may melt differently. The ranch seasoning packet may contain dairy, so check labels or make a homemade blend.