Save Tender layers of thinly sliced potatoes and juicy chicken baked in a rich, ranch-flavored cream sauce—a comforting, family-friendly casserole inspired by classic crockpot ranch pork chops. This Creamy Ranch Chicken Potato Bake is an easy main dish that brings heartwarming flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort.
Save Preparation takes just 20 minutes, involving whisking a smooth sauce and layering fresh ingredients. The magic happens in the oven, where the heavy cream and chicken broth meld with the ranch seasoning to create a velvety sauce that infuses the potatoes and chicken with savory goodness.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 lbs (900 g) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 packet (about 1 oz/28 g) ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Step 2: Whisk the Sauce
- In a large bowl, whisk together heavy cream, chicken broth, ranch seasoning, sour cream, garlic, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth.
- Step 3: First Layer
- Arrange half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the onions and half of the chicken pieces.
- Step 4: Sauce the Layer
- Pour half of the ranch cream sauce evenly over the first layer.
- Step 5: Final Layering
- Repeat with remaining potatoes, onions, and chicken. Pour the remaining sauce over the top, ensuring all is well coated.
- Step 6: Covered Bake
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 55 minutes.
- Step 7: Add Topping
- Remove foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese over the casserole, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Step 8: Serving
- Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For extra flavor, add 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon between layers. Using a mandoline slicer ensures the potatoes are cut into even, thin slices for consistent cooking.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Substitute part of the potatoes with sweet potatoes for a delicious twist. To make this dish gluten-free, ensure you use a certified gluten-free ranch seasoning packet.
Serviervorschläge
This creamy casserole pairs exceptionally well with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans to balance the richness of the dish.
Save This Creamy Ranch Chicken Potato Bake is a satisfying meal that provides 460 calories and 29g of protein per serving, making it a robust choice for any family dinner night. Enjoy the effortless combination of cheesy potatoes and ranch chicken in every bite.
Cooking Guide
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this dish. They tend to stay more moist during baking and add extra richness to the cream sauce.
- → Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Peeling is optional. Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes have thin skins that become tender during baking. Leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients, though peeled potatoes create a smoother, more traditional result.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time since it will be cold.
- → What can I substitute for ranch seasoning?
Make your own blend using dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use about 2 tablespoons total herbs and spices to replace one packet.
- → How do I know when the potatoes are done?
Insert a fork or paring knife into the center of the casserole. If it slides through the potatoes easily with no resistance, they're tender and ready for the cheese topping.
- → Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze before baking. Assemble in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking as directed.