Are you craving a mouthwatering dinner that's both incredibly simple and bursting with flavor? Look no further than this game-changing Ranch Chicken and Potato Bake! Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts perfectly seasoned with zesty ranch, nestled alongside golden, crispy potatoes – all prepared with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness. This one-pan wonder is about to become your new weeknight dinner hero, promising to satisfy hungry families and impress even the pickiest eaters in just under an hour!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Wash and dice the potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes. Ensure they are similar in size for even cooking.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better seasoning adherence and crispy exterior.
- In a small bowl, mix the ranch seasoning packet with olive oil to create a uniform seasoning paste.
- Spread the diced potatoes on one half of the baking sheet. Drizzle with half of the ranch seasoning mixture and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Place the chicken breasts on the other half of the baking sheet. Brush the remaining ranch seasoning mixture over the chicken, ensuring complete coverage.
- Sprinkle additional salt and pepper over the chicken and potatoes to enhance flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and potatoes are golden and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute in the chicken.
- Serve hot, with the ranch-seasoned chicken and crispy potatoes on each plate.
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, flavorful exterior that locks in moisture.
- Cut potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes to guarantee even cooking and consistent crispiness.
- Use a meat thermometer to check chicken doneness – it should reach exactly 165°F (74°C) for safe and juicy results.
- For extra crispiness, consider using a dark-colored baking sheet that helps create a more golden-brown exterior.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness in every bite.
- Feel free to customize by adding additional herbs like dried thyme or rosemary to the ranch seasoning for extra depth of flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier version, mix a pinch of cayenne pepper into the ranch seasoning blend.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 95mg
