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Creamy One-Pan Ranch Chicken and Potato Casserole

creamy one-pan ranch chicken and potato casserole - featured image

A comforting and creamy one-pan casserole featuring tender chicken, golden potatoes, and a rich ranch sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved or quartered
  • 3/4 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar or ranch blend cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon)
  • Handful fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Wash and halve the baby potatoes. Toss them in olive oil, salt, pepper, and half the garlic and onion powders. Spread evenly in a large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish.
  3. Roast the potatoes for about 15 minutes to start softening.
  4. Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch chunks. Season with salt, pepper, and remaining garlic and onion powders.
  5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, sour cream, and smoked paprika until smooth.
  6. Nestle the chicken pieces evenly among the partially roasted potatoes. Pour the ranch sauce over the chicken and potatoes, gently stirring to coat everything well.
  7. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
  8. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C) and cheese is bubbly and golden.
  9. Check that potatoes are fork-tender and sauce is thickened but creamy. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly.
  10. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For extra crispy potatoes, parboil them for 5 minutes before roasting. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Use room temperature chicken for even cooking. Let casserole rest 5 minutes after baking to thicken sauce. You can swap sour cream for Greek yogurt or use dairy-free alternatives for vegan versions. Adjust seasoning to taste and consider adding smoked paprika or lemon juice for brightness.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan, ranch chicken, potato casserole, creamy, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal