Creamy Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort meals like this loaded chicken and potato casserole can turn an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast.

Hearty ingredients combine to create a dish that feels like a warm embrace from your kitchen.

Layers of tender chicken, crispy potatoes, and melted cheese promise pure satisfaction in every bite.

Creamy textures and bold flavors make this recipe a crowd-pleaser for any gathering.

Cheese lovers will appreciate the rich, golden topping that adds irresistible crunch and depth.

Home cooks can easily customize this casserole with their favorite seasonings and toppings.

Dive into this delightful meal that brings everyone together around the table.

Reasons to Try Loaded Chicken And Potato Casserole

• Tackle Hearty Comfort: A one-pan wonder that delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen mess, perfect for satisfying hungry families.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows simple ingredient swaps like different proteins or cheese types to match personal taste preferences.
• Quick Weeknight Champion: Simple preparation steps and straightforward ingredients make this meal a go-to solution for busy households craving delicious home-cooked dinners.
• Crowd-Pleasing Performance: Combines crowd favorites like crispy potatoes, juicy chicken, melted cheese, and bacon into a single mouth-watering dish that appeals to all ages.

Ingredients List for Loaded Chicken And Potato Casserole

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that create a hearty base and absorb delicious seasonings in this casserole.
• Chicken: Lean protein that provides the main source of nutrition and flavor for the dish.

• Olive Oil, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Aromatic and flavorful seasonings that enhance the taste of both potatoes and chicken.

• Shredded Cheese, Crumbled Bacon, Green Onions: Delicious garnishes that add extra texture, richness, and fresh flavor to the casserole.
• Ranch Dressing: Optional creamy condiment that complements the dish's savory profile.

Step-by-Step Loaded Chicken And Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Warm up your oven to 400F (200C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Season Potato Base

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

Toss everything together until potatoes are evenly coated. Spread the seasoned potatoes across the prepared baking dish in a single layer.

Step 3: Crisp Potato Foundation

Slide the baking dish into the hot oven. Roast potatoes for 25-30 minutes, giving them a gentle stir halfway through cooking.

Look for golden brown edges and crispy texture.

Step 4: Prepare Chicken Topping

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Ensure each piece is well-coated with the spice blend.

Step 5: Combine Chicken And Potatoes

Once potatoes look crispy, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Distribute seasoned chicken pieces evenly over the potato layer.

Return to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and reaches safe internal temperature.

Step 6: Add Cheesy Bacon Finish

• Shredded cheese
• Crumbled bacon

Place back in the oven for 5 minutes to melt the cheese and crisp the bacon.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Garnish with freshly chopped green onions. Serve hot with a side of ranch dressing if desired.

Enjoy your hearty and flavorful meal!

Cooking Tips for Loaded Chicken And Potato Casserole

• Cut potatoes into uniform cubes for even cooking and crispy texture.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• Swap bacon with turkey bacon or omit for a lighter version suitable for health-conscious diners.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like cheddar, monterey jack, or a blend for varied flavor profiles.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and reduce kitchen stress.

Flavor Twists for Loaded Chicken And Potato Casserole

• Vegetarian Potato Casserole: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based protein crumbles, seasoned similarly for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets or diced turnips to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining similar texture and flavor.
• Mediterranean Style: Use oregano, basil, and thyme instead of paprika, add crumbled feta cheese, and top with kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired variation.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate diced green chilies, use chili powder instead of paprika, and add pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.

Pairing Suggestions for Loaded Chicken And Potato Casserole

• Comfort Food Night: Gather friends or family for a cozy dinner where this hearty casserole becomes the star of the meal, perfect for creating warm memories.
• Game Day Delight: Serve as a crowd-pleasing main dish during sports events or casual gatherings, letting everyone dig into the cheesy, crispy goodness.
• Meal Prep Champion: Portion into containers for easy lunches during the week, ensuring a delicious and satisfying midday meal that reheats perfectly.
• Potluck Winner: Bring this crowd-pleasing casserole to community gatherings or parties, knowing it'll be the first dish to disappear from the buffet table.

Proper Storage for Loaded Chicken And Potato Casserole

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the bacon and green onions separate to maintain their crispness.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, ensuring proper sealing to prevent freezer burn.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes, you can use Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes. Just ensure they are cut into similar-sized cubes for even cooking.

• Is it okay to substitute the bacon?

Definitely! You can use turkey bacon, veggie bacon, or skip it entirely. The dish will still be flavorful with the seasonings and cheese.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean chicken breast, reduce cheese amount, choose turkey bacon, and add more vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to increase nutritional value.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Partially. You can dice potatoes and chicken in advance, but assemble and bake just before serving to maintain the best texture and crispiness.

Cheesy Loaded Chicken And Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty loaded chicken and potato casserole brings comfort from midwestern kitchens to dinner tables nationwide. Crispy bacon, melted cheese, and tender chicken combine in a creamy dish that satisfies you completely.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

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

Starches and Vegetables:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) baby potatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Dairy and Seasonings:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
2. Combine diced potatoes with olive oil and a blend of aromatic seasonings, ensuring each potato piece is evenly coated with garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Distribute the seasoned potatoes across the baking dish in a uniform layer, creating space between pieces for optimal crispiness.
4. Roast the potatoes for 25-30 minutes, using a spatula to rotate them midway through cooking to promote even browning and texture.
5. While potatoes are roasting, season chicken cubes with a complementary mix of salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika for enhanced flavor.
6. After potato initial roasting, carefully arrange seasoned chicken pieces atop the partially cooked potatoes, maintaining an even distribution.
7. Continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, ensuring chicken reaches a safe internal temperature and potatoes achieve a golden, crisp exterior.
8. Sprinkle shredded cheese and crumbled bacon over the chicken and potato mixture, returning to the oven for a final 5-minute melting phase.
9. Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a vibrant finish, serving alongside ranch dressing if desired.

Notes

• Swap regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a nutritious twist that adds a subtle sweetness and boosts vitamin content.
• Use turkey bacon or plant-based bacon alternatives to reduce fat and accommodate different dietary preferences.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar and monterey jack for more complex flavor profiles.
• Allow chicken to marinate in seasoning for 15-30 minutes before cooking to enhance overall taste and tenderness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg