Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
02 - 4 medium russet potatoes, diced (about 4 cups)
03 - 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
09 - 1/4 cup olive oil
10 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
11 - 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
12 - 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
13 - 1/2 cup ranch dressing (for drizzling)

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, combine the diced potatoes, olive oil, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat the potatoes evenly.
02 - Spread the seasoned potatoes evenly in the greased baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the potatoes start to crisp around the edges.
03 - While the potatoes are roasting, season the diced chicken with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a teaspoon of ranch seasoning mix. After 20 minutes, remove the baking dish from the oven and evenly distribute the chicken pieces over the roasted potatoes.
04 - Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken and potatoes. Top with crumbled bacon.
05 - Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
06 - Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with ranch dressing and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!

# Notes:

01 - Use Parboiled Potatoes: If you're short on time, you can parboil the potatoes for 5 minutes before roasting to speed up the cooking process.
02 - Swap Proteins: Substitute chicken with turkey or even sausage for a variation.
03 - Vegetable Additions: Add broccoli florets, diced bell peppers, or even corn for extra veggies.
04 - Extra Crispness: Broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking for a golden, crispy cheese topping.