Description
Comfort cuisine reaches new heights with chicken turkey bacon ranch casserole, blending hearty proteins and creamy textures into one irresistible dish. Rich ranch seasoning and crispy bacon elevate this classic comfort meal, promising a satisfying dinner that keeps hungry families coming back for more.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound cooked, crumbled turkey bacon
Cheese and Potato Base:
- 2.5 pounds yellow or red potatoes, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 4 ounces smoked gouda cheese, grated
Seasonings and Oil:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic blend
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot of salted water and submerge chopped potatoes, allowing them to simmer until fork-tender, approximately 10-15 minutes. Thoroughly drain and reserve.
- Transfer chicken pieces into a mixing bowl, delicately drizzling with olive oil and generously coating with salt, pepper, garlic blend, and smoked paprika. Ensure uniform seasoning by gently stirring.
- Cook chicken using an air fryer at 400°F for roughly 8 minutes, verifying internal temperature reaches 165°F. Alternatively, pan-sear in a skillet over medium heat until completely cooked through.
- Craft ranch dressing by whisking mayonnaise, sour cream, whole milk, and Ranch seasoning mix until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then gently fold together cooked potatoes, seasoned chicken, and prepared ranch dressing, ensuring ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Lavishly sprinkle sharp cheddar and smoked gouda cheeses across the casserole’s surface. Transfer to a preheated 375°F oven, baking for 15-20 minutes until cheese melts and develops a delicate golden hue.
- Extract casserole from oven and crown with crumbled turkey bacon. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped green onions for an enhanced visual and flavor profile.
Notes
- Swap chicken for leaner protein options like turkey breast or tofu to reduce fat content and accommodate different dietary preferences.
- Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a nutrient-dense alternative with added vitamin A and fiber.
- Prepare the ranch dressing with Greek yogurt to lower calories and increase protein while maintaining creamy texture.
- Experiment with gluten-free Ranch seasoning mix and check cheese labels to make the dish completely gluten-free for sensitive individuals.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-43 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg