Chicken Bacon Ranch Dinner

This chicken bacon ranch sheet pan dinner brings together classic comfort flavors in one easy, hands-off meal. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and roasted vegetables all coated in ranch seasoning creates a family-friendly dinner with minimal cleanup.

I created this recipe during a particularly hectic week when my kitchen was being renovated. With limited cooking space, this sheet pan dinner became our savior and has remained in our regular rotation ever since.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Ensures you get lean protein that cooks quickly and evenly
• Bacon: Adds that irresistible smoky flavor and crispy texture that makes everything better
• Ranch seasoning packet: Provides all the seasoning you need in one convenient package
• Russet potatoes: Create the perfect hearty base that gets crispy on the outside
• Frozen broccoli florets: Add nutrition without any prep work
• Cheddar jack cheese: Creates that golden melty layer that brings everything together
• Olive oil: Helps everything roast perfectly and carries the ranch flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Potatoes:

Toss the cubed potatoes with olive oil and a portion of the ranch seasoning until evenly coated. This step ensures the potatoes get properly seasoned all the way through. Spread them in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet to promote even cooking and crispiness.

Season the Broccoli:

Mix the frozen broccoli with olive oil and another portion of the ranch seasoning in the same bowl. The oil helps the seasoning adhere to the broccoli even from its frozen state. Add these to the baking sheet, arranging around the potatoes.

Prepare the Chicken:

Place your bite-sized chicken pieces in the bowl and coat with the remaining olive oil and ranch seasoning. Making sure each piece is well coated guarantees flavor in every bite. Distribute the chicken evenly among the vegetables on the sheet pan.

Add Bacon and Bake:

Scatter the cut bacon pieces over everything on the pan. As the bacon cooks, its fat will render and add incredible flavor to all the other ingredients. Bake for 20 minutes at 400 degrees until the chicken begins to cook through and potatoes start to soften.

Stir and Add Cheese:

Gently stir everything to ensure even cooking and bring some of the bottom ingredients to the top. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over all ingredients, covering everything for that perfect melty finish. Return to the oven for 10 more minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Pin

The ranch seasoning is truly the star ingredient here. I once tried making this with Italian seasoning instead, and while it was good, my family unanimously requested we return to the ranch version. There's something about that tangy, herby ranch flavor that just makes everything taste better.

Storage and Reheating

This dish keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually develop further as it sits, making the leftovers sometimes even more delicious than the original meal. To reheat, I recommend using the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes rather than the microwave to maintain some of the textural contrast between the vegetables, meat, and melty cheese.

Make It Your Own

While this recipe specifies russet potatoes and broccoli, you can easily swap in other vegetables based on what's in season or what your family prefers. Sweet potatoes, bell peppers, cauliflower, and green beans all work wonderfully with the ranch flavoring. Just keep in mind that different vegetables have different cooking times, so add quicker-cooking vegetables like bell peppers halfway through the baking time.

Serving Suggestions

This dish stands on its own as a complete meal, but if you're feeding a particularly hungry crowd, a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette makes a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy main dish. For a fun twist, serve with additional ranch dressing on the side for dipping, or add a dollop of sour cream on top of each serving for extra creaminess.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh broccoli can be used in place of frozen. Just cut it into florets and adjust the roasting time slightly if needed.

→ What type of potatoes work best for this dish?

Russet potatoes are a great choice because they roast well and hold their texture. You can also use Yukon gold or red potatoes.

→ Can I substitute the ranch seasoning with something else?

If you prefer, you can make a homemade seasoning blend with garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, and dill.

→ Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Yes. You can prep the ingredients ahead and store them separately, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.

→ How can I ensure the bacon gets crispy?

Cut the bacon into small pieces and spread it evenly over the top of the other ingredients. This will help it crisp up as it bakes.