Picture this: a mouthwatering dish of juicy chicken, tender potatoes, and crispy bacon, all seasoned to perfection with a Ranch-inspired blend. Sounds like the ultimate comfort food, doesn’t it? Well, get ready to discover the beauty of One-Pan Bacon Ranch Chicken & Potatoes – a recipe that checks all the boxes for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious meal.
One-pan meals have become a lifesaver for busy home cooks, and this Bacon Ranch Chicken & Potatoes recipe is no exception. With minimal prep and a single baking sheet, you can have a complete, flavor-packed dinner on the table in no time. It’s the perfect solution for those hectic weeknights when you want something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
What makes this dish so irresistible? The combination of tender, juicy chicken, roasted potatoes, crispy bacon, and a savory Ranch seasoning blend is simply unbeatable. The one-pan cooking method ensures that all the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients for One-Pan Bacon Ranch Chicken & Potatoes
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a flavor-packed meal that will have your family coming back for seconds. Let’s take a closer look at the key components:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the go-to protein for this dish. They cook quickly and soak up all the delicious Ranch-inspired flavors.
- Baby Potatoes: Baby potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes, are perfect for this recipe. They roast up beautifully and create a satisfying, starchy base for the dish.
- Bacon: Crispy, crumbled bacon adds a savory, smoky element that complements the Ranch seasoning perfectly.
- Ranch Seasoning Mix: This versatile seasoning blend is the star of the show, infusing the chicken and potatoes with a zesty, creamy Ranch flavor.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil helps to coat the chicken and potatoes, ensuring even cooking and browning.
- Garlic Powder, Salt, and Pepper: These classic seasonings enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- Cheddar Cheese: For an extra cheesy finish, shredded cheddar is sprinkled over the top during the last few minutes of baking.
- Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness as a final garnish.
Equipment Needed for One-Pan Bacon Ranch Chicken & Potatoes
The beauty of this one-pan meal is that it requires minimal equipment. All you need is:
- Large Baking Sheet: A rimmed baking sheet or sheet pan is the ideal vessel for this recipe. Look for one that’s large enough to accommodate the chicken and potatoes in a single layer.
- Mixing Bowl: A large mixing bowl is helpful for tossing the chicken and potatoes with the oil and seasonings before arranging them on the baking sheet.
- Cutting Board and Knife: For prepping the ingredients, such as cutting the potatoes in half and chopping the parsley.
- Oven Mitts: To safely remove the hot baking sheet from the oven.
Optional tools that can make the process even easier include a meat thermometer (to ensure the chicken is cooked through) and a wire rack (for cooling the finished dish).
Step-by-Step Instructions for One-Pan Bacon Ranch Chicken & Potatoes
Preheat Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will ensure the chicken and potatoes achieve a delicious, golden-brown exterior while cooking through evenly.
Prepare Chicken & Potatoes
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken breasts, halved baby potatoes, olive oil, Ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken and potatoes are evenly coated with the seasoning blend.
Arrange in Pan
Transfer the seasoned chicken and potatoes to a large, rimmed baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer. This will help the ingredients cook through without steaming or overcrowding.
Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Add Bacon & Cheese
Once the chicken and potatoes are cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese over the top, then return the dish to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish & Serve
Finally, take the baking sheet out of the oven and garnish the One-Pan Bacon Ranch Chicken & Potatoes with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the dish hot, allowing everyone to enjoy the incredible flavors and textures of this one-pan wonder.
Tips for Perfecting Your One-Pan Bacon Ranch Chicken & Potatoes
To ensure your One-Pan Bacon Ranch Chicken & Potatoes turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:
- Adjust Cooking Times: Oven temperatures and cooking times may vary, so be sure to keep an eye on your dish and adjust the baking time as needed. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the potatoes should be fork-tender.
- Customize the Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings, herbs, or spices to suit your taste preferences. For example, you could try Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
- Ensure Even Cooking: Make sure the chicken and potatoes are arranged in a single layer on the baking sheet for even cooking. Rotate the pan halfway through the baking time if needed.
- Let it Rest: Allow the finished dish to rest for a few minutes before serving, as this will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier, more flavorful final product.
Nutritional Information for One-Pan Bacon Ranch Chicken & Potatoes
One serving of this delectable One-Pan Bacon Ranch Chicken & Potatoes recipe contains approximately:
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
- Sodium: 870mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 29g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 39g
This dish is a well-balanced meal, providing a good source of protein from the chicken, complex carbohydrates from the potatoes, and a touch of healthy fats from the olive oil and bacon. The Ranch seasoning also adds a boost of flavor without excessive sodium or preservatives.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you loved this One-Pan Bacon Ranch Chicken & Potatoes recipe, be sure to check out these other delicious one-pan and chicken-based dishes:
- Creamy Garlic Sauce Steak
- Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Creamy Chicken Stroganoff
- Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken
FAQs about Bacon Ranch Chicken and Potatoes
What ingredients are needed to make Bacon Ranch Chicken and Potatoes?
To prepare Bacon Ranch Chicken and Potatoes, you will typically need the following ingredients: chicken breasts (or thighs), potatoes (baby potatoes are commonly used), bacon (cooked and crumbled), Ranch seasoning mix, olive oil or butter, cheese (optional, for topping), and fresh herbs (like parsley or chives, optional for garnish).
How long does it take to cook Bacon Ranch Chicken and Potatoes?
The cooking time for Bacon Ranch Chicken and Potatoes can vary depending on your cooking method:
– Oven Method: Approximately 30-40 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
– Instant Pot Method: About 15-20 minutes on high pressure, followed by a quick release.
– Slow Cooker Method: Around 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high.
Can I customize the recipe for Bacon Ranch Chicken and Potatoes?
Yes! This recipe is very versatile. You can customize it by using different types of potatoes (like sweet potatoes or Yukon gold), adding vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers, substituting the Ranch seasoning with other seasoning mixes or homemade blends, and adjusting the amount of bacon or cheese to suit your dietary preferences.
What is the best way to store leftovers of Bacon Ranch Chicken and Potatoes?
To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. To reheat, you can use the microwave, oven, or stovetop until heated through.
Conclusion
One-Pan Bacon Ranch Chicken & Potatoes is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights when you crave a delicious, comforting meal without the hassle. With its irresistible combination of flavors and the convenience of a single baking sheet, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. So why not give it a try and see for yourself just how easy and satisfying it can be to whip up a mouthwatering one-pan wonder? Bon appétit!
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One-Pan Bacon Ranch Chicken & Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Irresistible One-Pan Bacon Ranch Chicken & Potatoes is a mouthwatering dish featuring juicy chicken, tender potatoes, and crispy bacon, all seasoned to perfection with a Ranch-inspired blend. This quick and easy one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights, providing a satisfying and delicious dinner for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 lb baby potatoes (Yukon Gold or red)
- 4 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons Ranch seasoning mix
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Prepare Chicken & Potatoes
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken breasts, halved baby potatoes, olive oil, Ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
Arrange in Pan
Transfer the seasoned chicken and potatoes to a large, rimmed baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer.
Bake
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the potatoes are tender.
Add Bacon & Cheese
Remove the baking sheet from the oven, sprinkle crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese on top, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Garnish & Serve
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust cooking times as necessary based on your oven.
- Feel free to customize the flavors with additional herbs or spices.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 115mg