Save Bring the cozy flavors of a home-cooked meal to your table with this Creamy Ranch Chicken Potato Bake. This dish features tender layers of thinly sliced potatoes and juicy chicken breast, all smothered in a rich, velvety ranch-infused sauce. It is a comforting, family-friendly casserole that draws inspiration from the savory goodness of classic ranch pork chops, but prepared in a convenient, one-dish oven-baked format.
Save The secret to this casserole is the balance between the zesty ranch seasoning and the creamy textures of heavy cream and sour cream. As it bakes, the potatoes absorb the flavorful chicken broth and cream, while the melted cheddar cheese forms a golden, bubbly crust on top that is impossible to resist.
Ingredients
- Main
- 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
- Sauce
- 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
- Topping
- 1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Step 2
- In a large bowl, whisk together heavy cream, chicken broth, ranch seasoning, sour cream, garlic, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth.
- Step 3
- 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
- Pour half of the ranch cream sauce evenly over the first layer.
- Step 5
- Repeat with remaining potatoes, onions, and chicken. Pour the remaining sauce over the top, ensuring all is well coated.
- Step 6
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 55 minutes.
- Step 7
- 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
- Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure perfectly tender potatoes, use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer to get even, thin slices. A 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish is the ideal size for this recipe, allowing the chicken and potatoes to be layered properly. Using a whisk to combine the sauce ingredients ensures the ranch seasoning and sour cream are fully incorporated into the heavy cream and chicken broth.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For extra flavor, you can add 1/2 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon between the layers. If you want a twist on the traditional recipe, substitute part of the potatoes with sweet potatoes. This recipe is also easy to adapt for dietary needs; simply use a gluten-free ranch seasoning packet to ensure the entire dish is gluten-free.
Serviervorschläge
This rich and creamy casserole pairs exceptionally well with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans to balance the flavors. Let the dish stand for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set. For the finishing touch, garnish with chopped fresh chives or parsley if desired.
Save Whether you are looking for a weekend dinner or a meal that yields great leftovers, this chicken potato bake is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. It is easy to assemble and provides a hearty, satisfying meal that captures the essence of American comfort food in every bite.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use different types of potatoes?
Yes, you can substitute sweet potatoes for some of the regular potatoes to add a slightly sweet contrast to the savory ranch flavors. Red potatoes also work well and hold their shape nicely during baking.
- → How do I know when the potatoes are done?
The potatoes are finished cooking when a fork or knife slides through them easily with no resistance. This typically takes about 55 minutes of covered baking followed by 15 minutes uncovered.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, you may need to add 5-10 extra minutes to the covered baking time since it will be cold.
- → What can I serve with this dish?
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the cream sauce. Steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or sautéed zucchini also make excellent lighter sides to balance this hearty main course.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm larger portions covered in a 350°F oven until heated through.
- → Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed. Alternatively, freeze leftovers in portion-sized containers.