Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Potatoes
This Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Potatoes dish is a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make meal featuring tender chicken, creamy ranch dressing, and a melted cheese topping. Perfect for weeknights, this one-pan recipe comes together quickly for a delicious dinner.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds baby gold potatoes, diced into 1-inch cubes
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup prepared ranch dressing, divided
- 2 cups Mexican cheese blend, shredded
- ½ cup diced green onion
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and spray a 9″x13″ baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
In a large bowl, mix the diced potatoes with salt, pepper, and ¼ cup of ranch dressing. Toss until the potatoes are evenly coated.
3. Bake the Potatoes:
Spread the coated potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Save the mixing bowl for later use. Bake the potatoes for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking. The potatoes should be close to fork-tender but not fully cooked.
4. Season the Chicken:
While the potatoes are baking, add the cubed chicken to the same mixing bowl. Season with salt, pepper, and the remaining ¼ cup of ranch dressing, tossing to coat the chicken evenly.
5. Add the Chicken:
After the potatoes have baked for 30 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 400°F (204°C). Carefully top the potatoes with the marinated chicken cubes.
6. Bake the Chicken:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (be cautious, as the dish will be very hot) and return it to the oven. Bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Add Cheese and Green Onion:
Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheese and diced green onions on top.
8. Final Bake:
Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
FAQs
1. Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or mushrooms during the final 20 minutes of baking for extra flavor and nutrition.
2. Can I use pre-cooked chicken instead of raw?
Yes, if using pre-cooked chicken, add it with the cheese and green onions in the final step. Just bake until the cheese melts and the dish is heated through.
3. How do I make this dish spicier?
For a spicier version, add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the chicken when seasoning.
4. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the Mexican cheese blend with cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite cheese mix.
5. How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
6. Is this dish gluten-free?
As written, this dish is gluten-free if you ensure that the ranch dressing and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
7. Can I make this in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the potatoes and chicken in advance, then bake them just before serving.
This dish is perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners, offering a creamy, cheesy meal that the whole family will enjoy!