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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F (200C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
- 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.
- Distribute the seasoned potatoes across the baking dish in a uniform layer, creating space between pieces for optimal crispiness.
- Roast the potatoes for 25-30 minutes, using a spatula to rotate them midway through cooking to promote even browning and texture.
- While potatoes are roasting, season chicken cubes with a complementary mix of salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika for enhanced flavor.
- After potato initial roasting, carefully arrange seasoned chicken pieces atop the partially cooked potatoes, maintaining an even distribution.
- Continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, ensuring chicken reaches a safe internal temperature and potatoes achieve a golden, crisp exterior.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese and crumbled bacon over the chicken and potato mixture, returning to the oven for a final 5-minute melting phase.
- 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