Tip: This creamy and flavorful chicken bacon ranch potato bake has about 500-600 calories per serving, depending on portion size. It’s a comforting and filling dish that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week!
Ingredients:
1.5 pounds baby gold potatoes
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup prepared ranch dressing, divided
2 cups Mexican cheese blend
1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
1/2 cup diced green onion
Instructions:
Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
Spray a 9"x 13" baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2:
Dice the potatoes into 1-inch cubes and place them in a large bowl.
Add salt, pepper, and 1/4 cup of ranch dressing to the potatoes and mix until evenly coated.
Step 3:
Scoop the seasoned potatoes into the prepared baking dish (set aside the bowl for the chicken).
Bake the potatoes for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until they’re almost cooked through (they won’t be fork tender yet).
Step 4:
While the potatoes are baking, add the cubed chicken to the same bowl you used for the potatoes.
Season with salt, pepper, and the remaining 1/4 cup of ranch dressing. Mix to coat the chicken evenly.
Step 5:
Once the potatoes have baked for 30 minutes, remove the baking dish from the oven and reduce the temperature to 400°F (200°C).
Top the potatoes with the marinated chicken.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil (be careful, the dish will be hot!).
Step 6:
Place the dish back in the oven and cook for an additional 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 7:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove the dish from the oven and top with shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, and diced green onions.
Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8:
Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes:
Saving Energy: This recipe uses an efficient baking method, first at a higher temperature to cook the potatoes, then at a lower temperature for the chicken and cheese, so it's relatively quick to make.
Health Benefits: This dish combines protein from the chicken and bacon, and the potatoes provide carbs for energy. However, it’s rich in calories due to the cheese and dressing. You can make it lighter by using a reduced-fat ranch dressing or leaner cheese. Enjoy in moderation!
