Description
Creamy Potato Salad with Crispy Chicken
A bacon lover’s dream, this version doubles the smoky flavor.
Ingredients:
500g baby potatoes
2 chicken breasts, breaded and fried
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1/2 cup crispy bacon bits
1/4 cup green onions, sliced
Preparation:
Boil potatoes until fork-tender and cool slightly.
Mix ranch dressing, bacon bits, and green onions for the salad.
Toss potatoes with the dressing and serve alongside crispy chicken.
Tip: Serve with extra ranch for dipping!
#BaconPotatoChicken
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for the perfect Creamy Potato Salad with Crispy Chicken.
- Place the baby potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until easily pierced with a fork.
- While the potatoes cook, prepare the crispy chicken. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour, dip in beaten egg, then coat in seasoned breadcrumbs. Pan-fry in 1/4 inch of oil over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Let rest on a wire rack, then slice.
- In a small bowl, combine the ranch dressing, crispy bacon bits, and sliced green onions. Stir well to create the dressing.
- Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and let them cool just until you can handle them. Slice them in half or quarters, depending on size.
- In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the warm potato pieces with the prepared ranch dressing mixture until evenly coated.
- Arrange the creamy potato salad on a serving platter and top with the sliced crispy chicken breast.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate it with a few simple sides. For a fresh contrast, serve it with a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette. It also pairs wonderfully with grilled corn on the cob or buttered dinner rolls to soak up any extra dressing. For a casual gathering, serve the components in separate bowls for a build-your-own-plate experience.
How-to Summary
Boil potatoes until tender. Fry breaded chicken breasts until golden and crispy. Mix ranch dressing with bacon and green onions. Toss warm potatoes in the dressing. Serve salad alongside sliced chicken, with extra ranch for dipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this potato salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the potato salad a few hours in advance. For best texture, toss the potatoes with the dressing while they are still slightly warm, then refrigerate. The flavors will meld beautifully.
What’s a good substitute for ranch dressing?
A creamy garlic aioli, a dill-infused sour cream, or even a blue cheese dressing would be excellent alternatives that still provide a rich, tangy base.
How do I keep the breaded chicken crispy?
The key is to let the breaded chicken rest on a wire rack after frying, not on a paper towel-lined plate. This prevents steam from making the bottom soggy.
Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely. Yukon Gold potatoes are a great choice for their buttery texture. If using larger potatoes, simply cut them into uniform, bite-sized pieces before boiling.
Is there a shortcut for the bacon?
Pre-cooked bacon pieces from the store work in a pinch, but for maximum flavor and crispiness, cooking and crumbling your own bacon is highly recommended.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the potatoes: This leads to a mushy salad. Test them a few minutes early to ensure they are just tender.
- Dressing cold potatoes: Tossing the dressing with warm potatoes allows them to absorb the flavors more effectively.
- Crowding the pan when frying chicken: This lowers the oil temperature and results in greasy, not crispy, chicken. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Adding the chicken to the salad too early: To maintain its crunch, add the sliced crispy chicken just before serving, not before refrigerating.
Conclusion
This Creamy Potato Salad with Crispy Chicken is the ultimate satisfying meal, combining comforting textures and bold, smoky flavors. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the tips to avoid common pitfalls, you can easily create a restaurant-quality dish at home. It’s a versatile recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend barbecues, guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser for any bacon lover.