Description
A quick, one-pan weeknight dinner featuring crispy potatoes, juicy chicken thighs, smoky bacon, and a creamy ranch cheddar sauce. Ready in 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, diced into ½-inch cubes
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 ounce (1 packet) dry ranch seasoning
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 2 stalks green onions, sliced; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon hot sauce
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Dice potatoes, cut chicken, mince garlic, and shred cheese.
- Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crispy (2-3 minutes per side). Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, leaving the grease in the pan.
- Sear chicken pieces in the bacon grease for 2 minutes undisturbed, then stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden. Remove chicken to a plate.
- Add diced potatoes to the skillet. Cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes to crisp the bottom, then stir and cook for 6-8 minutes until tender and golden. If sticking, add a splash of water and cover to steam, then uncover to crisp.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Sprinkle ranch seasoning over potatoes and stir. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return chicken and bacon to the skillet. Toss to coat in sauce. Sprinkle cheese on top, cover, and let sit for 2 minutes until melted.
- Garnish with green onions and parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
Cut potatoes evenly for consistent cooking. Do not crowd the pan to ensure crispy edges. Use low heat when melting cheese to prevent graininess. Ranch seasoning and bacon are salty, so taste before adding extra salt. This recipe does not freeze well due to the dairy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 38
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 35
Keywords: chicken bacon ranch potatoes, one pan dinner, weeknight meals, comfort food, cheesy potatoes, easy dinner, 30 minute meals