Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Bake
Introduction
Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Bake is a delicious, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing over a bed of hearty potatoes. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners, offering a delightful blend of flavors that everyone will enjoy.
History
The origins of the classic ranch dressing date back to the 1950s, created by Steve Henson in his Hidden Valley Ranch. The creamy dressing quickly became popular and found its way into various dishes. This recipe leverages the beloved flavors of ranch to elevate simple ingredients like chicken and potatoes, showcasing how traditional comfort food can evolve.
Ingredients
For the Bake:
4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
1 cup ranch dressing
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Optional:
Additional cheese for topping
Paprika for seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Potatoes:
In a large pot, boil the diced potatoes until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked potatoes, shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the potato mixture.
- Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish:
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Benefits
High in Protein: The chicken and bacon provide a hearty amount of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
Comfort Food: This dish is satisfying and can be enjoyed by all ages, making it a great family meal.
Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe by adding vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers.
Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 8)
Calories: ~450
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 700mg
Conclusion
Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Bake is a savory, satisfying dish that marries familiar flavors into a hearty meal. It’s perfect for potlucks or cozy family dinners. With its creamy texture and rich taste, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
For Lovers of Comfort Food
If you love meals that provide warmth and satisfaction, this recipe is a must-try. It brings together classic ingredients in a way that highlights their best qualities, creating a dish that not only fills the stomach but also warms the heart. Enjoy making this delicious bake for your loved ones and watch as it quickly becomes a staple in your home!