Buffalo Ranch Chicken Potato Bake

Bring the bold flavors of your favorite wings to the dinner table with this Buffalo Ranch Chicken Potato Bake. This one-pan wonder combines juicy chicken breasts and tender baby potatoes with a zesty, creamy glaze that is both comforting and crave-worthy. It's the perfect solution for a busy weeknight when you want a satisfying meal with minimal cleanup.

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The secret to this dish lies in the buffalo ranch sauce, where melted butter and sour cream mellow out the heat of the wing sauce, allowing the herbs from the ranch seasoning to shine. As it roasts, the sauce caramelizes onto the potatoes and chicken, creating a beautiful golden finish that looks as good as it tastes.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1.5 lbs (680 g) baby potatoes, halved
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small red onion, cut into wedges
• ½ cup (120 ml) buffalo wing sauce (mild or medium)
• 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions (optional)
• ½ cup (60 g) shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• Extra ranch dressing, for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish or a sheet pan.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, toss the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, whisk together the buffalo wing sauce, ranch seasoning, melted butter, and sour cream until well blended.

Step 4

Place the halved baby potatoes, diced bell pepper, and red onion wedges into the prepared baking dish. Drizzle with half of the prepared buffalo ranch sauce and toss to ensure all vegetables are well coated.

Step 5

Nestle the chicken breasts among the vegetables in the dish, then spoon the remaining sauce over each piece of chicken.

Step 6

Roast in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. The dish is ready when the potatoes are tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 7

If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken and potatoes during the last 5 minutes of cooking until bubbly and melted.

Step 8

Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chives or green onions and a drizzle of extra ranch dressing before serving hot.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure even cooking, try to cut your baby potatoes into uniform sizes. If your chicken breasts are very thick, you can gently pound them to an even thickness or slice them into large strips to ensure they cook at the same rate as the potatoes.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily customize the heat level by choosing a hot buffalo sauce or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. For different protein options, swap the chicken breasts for boneless thighs or pork chops. If you prefer a sweeter note, substitute the baby potatoes with cubed sweet potatoes.

Serviervorschläge

This hearty bake pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli to add a fresh element to the meal. For a complete experience, serve it alongside a chilled lager or a glass of dry Riesling to complement the spicy buffalo flavors.

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Whether you are serving this for a cozy family dinner or as a crowd-pleasing game day meal, this Buffalo Ranch Chicken Potato Bake is guaranteed to be a hit. Simple to prepare and bursting with bold American flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Common Questions

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble everything in the baking dish up to 24 hours ahead. Cover tightly and refrigerate, then add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold going into the oven.

→ What cut of chicken works best?

Boneless skinless chicken breasts are ideal, but boneless thighs work wonderfully too. Thighs may need slightly less time since they're more forgiving and stay juicy. Bone-in pieces will need additional roasting time.

→ How spicy is this dish?

The spice level depends on your buffalo sauce choice. Mild or medium wing sauce creates family-friendly heat, while hot varieties deliver real kick. The ranch and sour cream help balance the spice, and adding extra cheese mellows it further.

→ Can I use different potatoes?

Baby potatoes work perfectly since they cook evenly and quickly. You can substitute with sweet potatoes for a sweeter contrast to the spicy sauce, or cut regular red or Yukon gold potatoes into similar-sized chunks.

→ What sides complement this bake?

A crisp green salad with acidic vinaigrette cuts through the richness. Steamed broccoli or roasted green beans also work well. For a heartier meal, serve with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. The flavors often taste even better the next day as they meld together.