Go Back

Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole

This casserole combines seasoned, mashed potatoes with tender chicken, crispy bacon, roasted garlic, and melted cheese, all layered together for a hearty and comforting dish. Topped with scallions and baked until bubbling and golden, it features a creamy interior with a crunchy, cheesy crust.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large russet potatoes peeled and cut into chunks
  • 6 slices bacon cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • 3 cloves garlic roasted and minced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • 1 cup milk warm
  • 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 3 green scallions sliced thin
  • 1 cup French fried onions for topping
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling potatoes
  • Frying pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking Dish
  • Silicone Spatula
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Boil the peeled and cut potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Roast the garlic cloves in the oven until fragrant and golden, about 20 minutes. Once cooled slightly, mince the roasted garlic finely.
  3. Cook the bacon in a frying pan over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, then crumble into small pieces.
  4. Warm the milk gently and whisk in ranch seasoning mix until well combined. Add this mixture to the drained potatoes along with the minced roasted garlic and half of the shredded cheese. Mash everything together until smooth and creamy, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. In a large bowl, fold the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and sliced scallions into the mashed potatoes mixture. Mix until evenly combined.
  6. Spread the potato mixture evenly into a greased baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top, then garnish with French fried onions and additional scallions for color and crunch.
  8. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, or until bubbly around the edges.
  9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
  10. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra scallions if desired and scoop out hearty, cheesy servings.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon before serving. Leftovers reheat well in the microwave.