Buffalo Ranch Chicken Potato Bake

Buffalo Ranch Chicken Potato Bake brings together the bold flavors of zesty buffalo sauce and creamy ranch with tender chicken and potatoes in one comforting dish. This hearty casserole transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. The combination of spicy buffalo sauce mellowed by rich ranch creates that crave-worthy flavor profile that's hard to resist.

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This Buffalo Ranch Chicken Potato Bake was born from the American love affair with buffalo chicken and ranch dressing. What started as a wing sauce has evolved into a flavor profile that's found its way into countless dishes. The genius of this casserole is how it transforms those familiar flavors into a complete meal that's both comforting and exciting. As it bakes, your kitchen fills with an aroma that makes stomachs growl in anticipation.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g)
• 1.5 lbs (680 g) baby potatoes, halved
• 1 medium red onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing (or 1 packet dry ranch seasoning + 1/3 cup sour cream)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the oven and baking dish

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.

Season the vegetables

In a large bowl, toss halved baby potatoes, sliced onion, and minced garlic with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Make the buffalo ranch sauce

In a small bowl, mix buffalo sauce and ranch dressing (or sour cream and ranch seasoning, if using dry).

Arrange and coat

Nestle chicken breasts among the potatoes. Pour the buffalo ranch mixture evenly over the chicken and potatoes.

Initial bake

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Add cheese and finish baking

Remove foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese over the chicken and potatoes (if using), and continue baking uncovered for 15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C) and potatoes are tender.

Rest and garnish

Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped chives or green onions before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

The key to this dish is balancing the flavors. If you're sensitive to spice, start with less buffalo sauce and adjust to taste. The smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness that complements the buffalo sauce perfectly, so don't skip it! For the creamiest texture, use a high-quality ranch dressing or make your own by combining the dry seasoning with sour cream. Allow the dish to rest after baking to let the flavors meld together and ensure the chicken stays juicy.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This versatile dish welcomes many adaptations. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in your ranch mixture. For extra vegetables, add diced bell peppers or celery to the potato mixture. If you prefer dark meat, substitute boneless chicken thighs for the breasts. For a blue cheese twist, replace half the cheddar with crumbled blue cheese to enhance that classic buffalo wing flavor profile. Vegetarians can substitute the chicken with extra-firm tofu or cauliflower steaks.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this Buffalo Ranch Chicken Potato Bake with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. For a complete comfort food experience, add a side of garlic bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. A cooling cucumber and tomato salad also makes a nice counterpoint to the spicy elements. For those who can't get enough of the buffalo ranch flavor, serve additional warmed buffalo sauce and ranch dressing on the side for drizzling.

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Buffalo Ranch Chicken Potato Bake represents comfort food at its finest – familiar flavors transformed into a satisfying one-dish meal that pleases both family and guests. It strikes that perfect balance between convenience and flavor, making it a recipe you'll return to time and again. As the dish comes together in the oven, the aromas of spicy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch, and melting cheese create an irresistible invitation to gather around the table. This is the kind of meal that creates memories – simple, delicious, and completely satisfying.

Common Questions

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well and offer a juicier texture for this dish.

→ How do I ensure the potatoes cook evenly?

Halve the baby potatoes and toss them with oil and seasonings before baking to promote even roasting and tenderness.

→ Is there a way to add more heat to the dish?

For extra spice, drizzle additional buffalo sauce over the chicken before serving.

→ Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Omit the cheddar cheese and verify ranch dressing is dairy-free or substitute with suitable alternatives.

→ What sides pair well with this meal?

A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables complement the rich, savory flavors nicely.

→ How can I add more texture to the bake?

Incorporate diced celery or bell peppers to introduce a crunchy element to the dish.