Hearty Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty loaded chicken and potato casserole that promises pure satisfaction.

Layers of tender chicken and creamy potatoes create a delightful main dish for busy households.

Crispy bacon bits and melted cheese add irresistible flavor dimensions to every single bite.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet delicious solutions, and this recipe delivers exactly that.

Minimal preparation time means you can assemble this casserole quickly and let the oven do the magic.

Cheese lovers and potato enthusiasts will absolutely adore this crowd-pleasing combination that brings warmth to the dinner table.

Scoop up a helping and experience comfort food at its finest.

Why This Loaded Casserole Is Delicious

• Quick Family Meal: Combines protein and potatoes in one delicious dish that satisfies everyone's hunger with minimal preparation.
• Customize and Adapt: Easily modify ingredients based on dietary preferences or what's available in your kitchen, making it a flexible recipe for different tastes.
• Packed with Flavor: Layers of seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, and chili powder create a rich, bold taste that elevates a simple chicken and potato combination.
• Simple Cooking Technique: Requires basic kitchen skills and minimal cookware, perfect for home cooks of all experience levels who want a hearty, comforting meal.

What You’ll Need for Chicken Casserole

• Potatoes: Hearty vegetable that provides a filling foundation for the casserole.
• Olive Oil: Helps to coat and crisp the potatoes during roasting.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Chili Powder: Create a complex and flavorful spice mixture that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that boost and balance the other spices.

• Chicken: Lean protein that makes the casserole a complete meal.
• Bacon: Adds a smoky and crispy element to the dish.
• Cheese: Melts and creates a creamy, rich layer over the casserole.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish that provides a light, sharp contrast to the rich ingredients.

How to Make Loaded Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) to ensure a perfect cooking environment.

Step 2: Season Potato Mixture

• Diced potatoes
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Onion powder
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Thoroughly mix the ingredients and spread evenly in a greased casserole dish.

Step 3: Roast Initial Potato Layer

Bake the seasoned potatoes in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Halfway through cooking, stir the potatoes to ensure even browning and crispy edges.

Step 4: Add Chicken Layer

Place cubed chicken on top of the partially cooked potatoes.

Lightly season the chicken with additional salt and pepper.

Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 5: Create Cheesy Topping

• Shredded cheese
• Crispy bacon bits

Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts completely and becomes golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Garnish the casserole with freshly chopped green onions.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the delicious layers of flavor and texture.

Tips for Loaded Chicken and Potato Bake

• Soak diced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before seasoning to remove excess starch and achieve crispier edges.
• Cut chicken into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking and prevent dry spots.
• Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for smoother, more even melting and richer taste.
• Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version that maintains the casserole's delicious essence.
• Adjust chili powder quantity to match your heat preference, allowing personalized flavor intensity.

Flavor Combos for Chicken Potato Casserole

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh cubes, marinated in similar spices for protein-packed alternative.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets or diced turnips to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining similar texture.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese shreds instead of regular cheese, and turkey bacon or coconut bacon for toppings.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all seasonings and bacon are certified gluten-free, and verify no cross-contamination during preparation.

What Goes Great With Chicken Casserole

• Cozy Family Feast: Gather everyone around the table for a hearty, comforting meal that brings smiles and satisfaction.
• Fresh Green Touch: Sprinkle extra chopped green onions or fresh chives on top for a bright, zesty flavor that cuts through the richness of cheese and bacon.
• Cool Creamy Companion: Serve with a side of sour cream or ranch dressing for dipping, adding a tangy contrast to the savory casserole.
• Veggie Balance: Add a crisp side salad with mixed greens to create a balanced meal that offers freshness alongside the warm, cheesy main dish.

Store Loaded Chicken Casserole Correctly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the casserole is completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Warm individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and maintain the dish's original texture.
• Preheat oven to 350F, cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, removing foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top.

FAQs

• What are the key seasonings in this recipe?

The key seasonings are garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper, which create a bold and flavorful base for the chicken and potatoes.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the cheese with cheddar, monterey jack, or a blend of cheeses to suit your taste preferences while maintaining a similar melty texture.

• Is this recipe considered a complete meal?

Absolutely! The dish combines protein from chicken, carbohydrates from potatoes, and additional flavor from bacon and cheese, making it a hearty and satisfying one-pan meal.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

You can reduce the bacon amount, use low-fat cheese, opt for skinless chicken breast, and add more vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to increase nutritional value.

Loaded Chicken And Potato Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Loaded chicken and potato casserole combines hearty comfort with rich flavors from classic American kitchens. Crispy potato layers and tender chicken pieces create a satisfying meal that nourishes your soul and delights dinner companions.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast, cubed
• 1/2 cup (64 grams) cooked bacon, crumbled

Starches and Vegetables:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) potatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons (8 grams) chopped green onions

Dairy and Seasonings:

• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the kitchen workspace and gather all necessary utensils for a seamless cooking experience.
2. Heat the oven to a precise 400F (200C), creating an ideal environment for roasting.
3. Combine diced potatoes with aromatic spices, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with a flavorful blend of seasonings.
4. Spread the seasoned potato mixture into a well-greased casserole dish, creating an even layer for consistent cooking.
5. Roast the potatoes for 25 minutes, rotating the dish midway to promote uniform browning and crispy edges.
6. Carefully arrange seasoned chicken cubes atop the partially cooked potato base, creating a hearty protein layer.
7. Continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and absorb the underlying potato flavors.
8. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese and crispy bacon fragments over the chicken and potato surface.
9. Return the casserole to the oven for a final 5-10 minutes, watching the cheese melt into a golden, bubbling crust.
10. Finish the dish with a vibrant garnish of freshly chopped green onions for a pop of color and added freshness.
11. Serve immediately while the casserole is piping hot, ensuring maximum flavor and texture enjoyment.

Notes

• Customize the spice blend by adjusting chili powder for heat level, ensuring a personalized flavor profile that suits your taste preferences.
• Swap regular bacon for turkey bacon or plant-based alternatives to create lighter or vegetarian-friendly versions of this hearty casserole.
• Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a nutrient-dense twist, boosting the dish’s vitamin content and adding a subtle sweetness.
• Prep ingredients in advance and store in the refrigerator to streamline cooking time, making this a convenient meal for busy weeknights or meal prep.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 388 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg