Imagine a dinner that's so deliciously simple, it'll make your taste buds dance and your weeknight cooking stress melt away! This sheet pan ranch chicken isn't just a meal - it's a flavor explosion that combines the tangy goodness of ranch, the crispy perfection of bacon, and tender chicken all on one pan. Perfect for busy families, lazy cooks, and anyone who loves a meal that's big on taste but minimal on cleanup, this recipe is about to become your new dinnertime superhero.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Wash and halve the baby potatoes, ensuring they are roughly similar in size for even cooking. Pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel to help them crisp up.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on the sheet pan, cut-side down.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and promotes better browning.
- In a small bowl, mix the ranch seasoning packet with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to create a paste.
- Rub the ranch seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast, ensuring complete coverage.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the sheet pan alongside the potatoes, leaving space between each piece.
- Cut the bacon slices in half and drape them over the chicken breasts and scatter around the potatoes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the bacon is crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute in the chicken.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives for added color and freshness before serving.
Tips
- Pat your chicken and potatoes completely dry before seasoning to ensure maximum crispiness and better seasoning adherence.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) without overcooking.
- For extra crispy bacon and potatoes, make sure they're spread out in a single layer and not overcrowded on the sheet pan.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to keep the meat juicy and prevent dry, tough chicken.
- Experiment with different ranch seasoning brands or even make your own homemade mix for a personalized flavor profile.
- If you want extra crispy potatoes, consider par-roasting them for 10-15 minutes before adding the chicken to the pan.
- Line your sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil for super easy cleanup and minimal scrubbing afterward.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 135mg
