Ingredients
To bring this delightful dish to life, you’ll need a collection of simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 medium-sized potatoes, diced
- 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 1 cup of ranch dressing
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 2 tablespoons of chopped chives for garnish
Each ingredient plays its part, much like the members of a family, coming together to create something greater than the sum of its parts. It reminds me of how Mama Lou would always say that every ingredient carries its own story, adding depth and character to the dish.
Instructions
Creating this casserole is a simple yet rewarding process, much like the moments spent in Mama Lou’s kitchen, where every step was infused with love and care:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the diced potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Spread them in an even layer in a greased baking dish.
- Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they begin to crisp and turn golden.
- Remove the dish from the oven and layer the cooked chicken over the potatoes, followed by the crumbled bacon.
- Drizzle the ranch dressing over the chicken and bacon, ensuring an even coating.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped chives before serving.
As you follow these steps, allow yourself to be present in the moment, channeling the love and care that Mama Lou poured into every meal she crafted for our family.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International