Description
Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Skillet is the ultimate weeknight meal that combines tender, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and perfectly cooked potatoes, all smothered in savory ranch flavors. This one-pan wonder not only satisfies the whole family’s hunger but also makes cleanup a breeze. Imagine sinking your fork into a warm dish loaded with gooey cheese and the smoky richness of bacon. It’s no wonder that Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Skillet has earned a special place on dinner tables everywhere—it’s easy, delicious, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters!
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 medium russet or Yukon gold potatoes
- 6 strips thick-cut bacon
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack or mozzarella cheese
- Ranch dressing for drizzling
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lay bacon strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the bacon is deeply crispy. Once done, drain the cooked bacon on paper towels and chop it into small pieces. Set aside for later use.
- Toss your prepared potato cubes in a bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and half of the ranch seasoning. Ensure each piece is evenly coated. Next, cook them in an air fryer at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, shaking the basket a couple of times for even crispness. Alternatively, you can roast them in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve that golden, crispy exterior.
- While your potatoes are cooking, heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter. Once melted, add the cubed chicken in a single layer. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and the remaining ranch seasoning. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Reduce the heat to medium and mix in the minced garlic. Cook for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant and infused throughout the chicken.
- Once your potatoes are crispy and golden, add them to the skillet with the chicken and toss to combine. Top the mixture evenly with the shredded Colby Jack cheese and your crispy bacon pieces.
- To melt the cheese, place the skillet under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden, or you can cover the skillet with a lid over low heat for about 3 to 4 minutes. Either way, you want that cheese to be gooey and delicious.
- Finally, remove the skillet from heat, drizzle generously with ranch dressing, and scatter chopped green onions over the top. Serve immediately straight from the skillet for a warm and hearty family meal!
Notes
Feel free to mix things up! Swap out the cheese for your favorite type, try turkey bacon instead of pork, or change the protein to sausage for a different twist.
Both stovetop and oven methods yield delicious results, but an air fryer can give you crispy potatoes in no time. Choose what works best for your schedule!
To ensure your potatoes come out crispy and golden, avoid overcrowding in the air fryer or oven. Cook in batches if necessary.
Pair this dish with a simple side salad or some steamed veggies to balance the richness of the Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Skillet.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg