Baked Ranch Chicken & Potatoes Recipe
If you’re searching for a cozy, homey dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you have to try this delightful Baked Ranch Chicken & Potatoes recipe. It brings together tender, juicy chicken breasts and crispy, golden baby potatoes, all coated in a flavorful ranch seasoning and a cheesy Parmesan crust. With its perfect balance of herbs, spices, and textures, this meal is sure to become a favorite for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Trust me, once you try this combination, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a pantry full of fancy ingredients to make this Baked Ranch Chicken & Potatoes shine. Each item plays a key role in creating the rich, comforting flavors and satisfying textures that make this dish so irresistible.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that stays tender and juicy when baked perfectly with the ranch spices.
- 1 pound baby red potatoes, quartered: These small potatoes roast beautifully, developing a crispy exterior and creamy inside.
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix: The star seasoning that infuses every bite with classic tangy, herby ranch flavor.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory crust that enhances both the chicken and potatoes.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps everything roast evenly and gives a nice golden color and crispness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a subtle garlic punch without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Elevates the flavor complexity with a warm, sweet note.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness and vibrant color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A bright, fresh touch that finishes the dish beautifully.
How to Make Baked Ranch Chicken & Potatoes
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Greasing your baking dish or lining it with parchment paper will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze, allowing you to focus on enjoying your meal later.
Step 2: Season the Potatoes
In a large bowl, toss those quartered baby red potatoes with olive oil, half the ranch seasoning mix, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This combination guarantees each piece gets a crispy, flavor-packed coating, promising crispy edges and fluffy interiors.
Step 3: Arrange the Potatoes
Place the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on one side of your prepared baking dish. Spreading them out like this is key so they roast evenly and get wonderfully crisp without steaming.
Step 4: Season the Chicken
Using the same bowl, add your chicken breasts. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil, then sprinkle with the rest of the ranch seasoning and Parmesan cheese. Toss gently, making sure every breast is fully coated in this cheesy, herb-loaded mix.
Step 5: Add the Chicken to the Baking Dish
Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts on the other half of the baking dish, nestling them next to the potatoes. This way, everything cooks together and you get those amazing melded flavors from the shared baking space.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfect
Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (75 degrees Celsius) and the potatoes are tender and golden. Your kitchen will smell incredible by this point!
Step 7: Optional Broil for Crispiness
If you want that extra crispy finish, pop the dish under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. Keep a close eye so nothing burns! This step brings a gorgeous golden crust to the chicken and potatoes.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley all over just before serving. This simple herb adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh note that balances the richness.
How to Serve Baked Ranch Chicken & Potatoes
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic, but you can also try a sprinkle of chopped chives or a little shredded cheddar cheese right after baking. These toppings amp up the visual appeal and add new layers of flavor.
Side Dishes
Since this dish is hearty and filling on its own, I recommend light, crisp sides like a garden salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette or steamed green beans with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the plate. Roasted Brussels sprouts or sautéed spinach also make excellent accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken sliced on top of the seasoned potatoes for an elegant, rustic look. For a fun family option, place the entire baked dish on the table for everyone to help themselves “family-style.” Pair it with rustic bread to soak up any leftover juices—it’s pure comfort food bliss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of Baked Ranch Chicken & Potatoes keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making this dish just as tasty the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of the cooked chicken and potatoes in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool everything completely before freezing to preserve texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through to help maintain the crispy edges of the potatoes. Microwaving works for a quick fix but expect slightly softer potatoes.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Absolutely! Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best for roasting, but you can experiment with fingerlings or even sweet potatoes. Adjust baking times slightly if potatoes vary in size.
Is it possible to use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, bone-in chicken thighs or breasts can add extra flavor, but you will need to increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes to ensure thorough cooking.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, skip the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative. The olive oil and ranch seasoning will still deliver plenty of flavor.
What if I don’t have ranch seasoning mix?
Try creating your own with a blend of dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and a little dried buttermilk powder if available. It won’t be exact but still delicious.
Can I prepare this dish ahead and bake later?
You can season the chicken and potatoes in advance, store them covered in the fridge, and bake when ready—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to compensate for the cold ingredients.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Baked Ranch Chicken & Potatoes recipe enough if you want a comforting, easy, and crowd-pleasing meal with minimal fuss. The combination of savory ranch seasoning, crispy potatoes, and tender chicken makes for a satisfying dish you’ll reach for regularly. Give this recipe a try soon, and get ready to impress yourself and everyone around your table with your incredible cooking!
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Baked Ranch Chicken & Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Baked Ranch Chicken & Potatoes recipe combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with golden, crispy baby red potatoes all seasoned with flavorful ranch seasoning mix, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of spices. It’s an easy, one-pan meal perfect for a delicious and comforting weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 packet (0.5 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Potatoes
- 1 pound baby red potatoes, quartered
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 packet (0.5 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the chicken and potatoes evenly.
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Season the potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the quartered baby potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, half of the ranch seasoning mix (0.5 oz), 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well so the potatoes are thoroughly coated with the seasoning.
- Arrange the potatoes: Spread the seasoned potatoes evenly in a single layer on one half of the prepared baking dish to allow them plenty of room to crisp up while baking.
- Season the chicken: In the same bowl, add the chicken breasts and drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sprinkle the remaining ranch seasoning mix and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese over the chicken. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly.
- Add the chicken to the dish: Place the coated chicken breasts neatly on the other half of the baking dish next to the potatoes, leaving space to ensure even cooking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the potatoes are tender and golden brown.
- Broil for crispiness: For extra golden color and crispy edges, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully so it doesn’t burn.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken and potatoes before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- You can substitute baby red potatoes with baby Yukon gold or fingerling potatoes if preferred.
- To make the dish spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix.
- If you do not have ranch seasoning mix, you can make your own by combining dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and dried parsley.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked to avoid foodborne illnesses.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with 1/4 pound potatoes
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: baked ranch chicken, baked potatoes, one pan dinner, easy dinner recipe, chicken and potatoes recipe, ranch seasoning chicken
