Cheesy Loaded Chicken And Potato Casserole Recipe

The Ultimate Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole Recipe

Comfort meets indulgence in this loaded chicken and potato casserole that promises a hearty meal for hungry souls.

Creamy textures and savory flavors blend perfectly in every delightful bite.

Cheese melts into golden pools across tender chicken pieces nestled among soft potato chunks.

Crispy bacon bits add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, rich sauce.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet magnificent dish.

Layers of goodness await you, promising a culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible casserole that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary feast.

What Makes Loaded Chicken And Potato Casserole Special

  • Craft Comfort Quickly: A hearty one-dish meal packed with protein and potatoes that comes together with minimal kitchen effort and maximum flavor satisfaction.
  • Customize with Ease: Versatile recipe allows simple ingredient swaps like switching meats, adding different cheeses, or incorporating extra vegetables to match personal tastes and dietary preferences.
  • Family Crowd-Pleaser: Delivers a delicious, filling dinner that appeals to all ages, from picky kids to hungry adults, making mealtime stress-free and enjoyable for everyone around the table.
  • Minimal Cleanup Champion: Single baking dish means less washing up, transforming dinner preparation into a streamlined and convenient cooking experience that saves precious time after the meal.

Ingredients Used in Loaded Chicken And Potato Casserole

Main Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Hearty root vegetables that form the base of this comforting casserole.
  • Chicken: Lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the dish.
Seasoning Group:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
  • Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Aromatic seasonings that provide depth and complexity to the casserole.
Topping Group:
  • Shredded Cheese: Creamy ingredient that melts beautifully and adds richness.
  • Bacon: Crispy, savory addition that brings a smoky flavor to the casserole.
  • Green Onions: Fresh garnish that provides a light, sharp contrast to the rich ingredients.
Cooking Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Helps to coat the potatoes and create a crispy exterior.

How to Prepare Loaded Chicken And Potato Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400F (200C) so it’s ready for the delicious magic about to happen.

Step 2: Prep The Potato Base

Grab your diced potatoes and toss them with:
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Spread these seasoned potatoes evenly in a greased baking dish, creating a golden foundation for your casserole.

Step 3: Crisp Up The Potato Layer

Slide the baking dish into the oven and let the potatoes roast for 20-25 minutes until they start developing those irresistible crispy edges.

Step 4: Season The Chicken

While the potatoes are getting crispy, season your cubed chicken with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • A sprinkle of paprika

Mix the seasonings into the chicken, ensuring every piece is packed with flavor.

Step 5: Combine Chicken And Potatoes

Pull the potatoes out of the oven and add the seasoned chicken. Gently stir everything together so the chicken nestles into the potato layer.

Step 6: Bake Until Perfectly Cooked

Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, cooking the chicken until it’s fully done and tender.

Step 7: Add Cheesy Bacon Topping

Sprinkle the casserole with:
  • Shredded cheese
  • Crumbled bacon

Bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts into gooey deliciousness.

Step 8: Garnish And Serve

Finish with a scattering of chopped green onions. Serve hot and watch everyone dig in with excitement.

Steps to Perfect Loaded Chicken And Potato Casserole

  • Swap russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for a nutrient-packed twist on this classic comfort dish.
  • Opt for turkey bacon or plant-based bacon alternatives to reduce fat content and accommodate dietary preferences.
  • Ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
  • Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce overall meal preparation time.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld and cheese to set slightly.

Flavor Boosters That Enhance Loaded Chicken And Potato Casserole

  • Vegetarian Potato Casserole: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based protein cubes, using similar seasoning for a meat-free option.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lower-carbohydrate alternative that maintains the same flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean-Style Upgrade: Add crumbled feta cheese, oregano, and diced olives instead of bacon for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Include diced jalapeños, swap paprika for chili powder, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern flavor.

Side Ideas That Complement Loaded Chicken And Potato Casserole

  • Cozy Family Feast: Serve this hearty casserole as a complete one-pan meal that brings everyone together around the dinner table.
  • Tailgate Party Favorite: Pack this dish in a portable container for outdoor gatherings, game days, or potluck events where comfort food is always a hit.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Portion the casserole into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches during busy workweeks, keeping meals delicious and convenient.
  • Rustic Dinner Companion: Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the rich flavors and add a fresh touch to the meal.

Storage Methods to Keep Loaded Chicken And Potato Casserole Fresh

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to preserve flavor and texture.
  • Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
  • Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to ensure even warming.

FAQs

  • Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes, you can use red potatoes, Yukon gold, or russet potatoes. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized cubes for even cooking.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

No, the recipe is mildly seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder. You can add more spice by including red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper if desired.

  • Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the casserole and refrigerate it before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time when baking from cold.

  • What if I don't have bacon?

Bacon adds flavor, but you can skip it or substitute with ham, pancetta, or even turkey bacon for a similar crispy topping.

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Cheesy Loaded Chicken And Potato Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Loaded Chicken And Potato Casserole Recipe


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4.6 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty loaded chicken and potato casserole combines comfort with classic flavors from hearty American kitchens. Cheese, bacon, and green onions create a delicious one-dish meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
  • 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

Vegetables and Starches:

  • 45 medium potatoes, diced
  • 2 green onions, chopped

Seasonings and Dairy:

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 400F (200C) and grease a baking dish for optimal cooking.
  2. Coat diced potatoes with olive oil and a blend of aromatic spices including garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring even distribution across the dish.
  3. Roast the seasoned potatoes for 20-25 minutes, allowing them to develop a crispy exterior and golden-brown edges.
  4. While potatoes are cooking, season chicken cubes with a light dusting of salt, pepper, and paprika for enhanced flavor.
  5. After initial potato roasting, remove the dish and carefully integrate the seasoned chicken, stirring to create an even mixture.
  6. Continue baking the chicken and potato combination for an additional 20-25 minutes, ensuring the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature and becomes tender.
  7. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese and crumbled bacon over the casserole, returning to the oven for 5-7 minutes to create a melted, golden topping.
  8. Finish the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped green onions and serve immediately while hot and aromatic.

Notes

  • Swap diced potatoes with cauliflower for a low-carb version that keeps the delicious flavor profile while reducing calories.
  • Use turkey bacon or omit bacon entirely for a lighter, healthier alternative that still delivers incredible taste.
  • Marinate chicken in buttermilk beforehand to ensure extra tender and juicy meat that will melt in your mouth during baking.
  • Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for deeper, richer flavor complexity that elevates the entire casserole’s taste experience.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 460 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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