The Coziest Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole Recipe Ever

Comfort arrives with this loaded chicken and potato casserole that promises pure deliciousness in every single bite.

Layers of tender chicken blend seamlessly with creamy potatoes and melted cheese.

Crispy bacon bits scattered across the top add a delightful crunch that will make you smile.

Weeknight dinners just became infinitely more exciting with this hearty, satisfying meal.

Cheese lovers and protein enthusiasts will find themselves completely enchanted by the rich, savory flavors.

Minimal prep work means you can have a restaurant-quality dish on the table in under an hour.

Dig in and savor every mouthwatering forkful of this irresistible casserole.

Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole – Crowd Pleaser

• Savor Hearty Comfort: A soul-warming dish packed with rich beef, creamy cheese, and tangy tomato flavors that feels like a hug on a plate.
• Master with Minimal Effort: Simple step-by-step instructions make this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Crowd-pleasing ingredients guarantee smiles around the dinner table, with kid-approved flavors and satisfying textures that everyone will love.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup and straightforward preparation mean less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a delicious meal together.

What’s Needed for Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole

• Chicken: Lean protein that serves as the primary source of meat in this hearty casserole.
• Potatoes: Starchy base that provides a satisfying and filling foundation for the dish.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika: Spice blend that adds depth and rich flavor to the chicken and potatoes.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melty and sharp cheese that creates a creamy and indulgent layer on top of the casserole.
• Bacon: Crispy and salty protein that adds a smoky flavor and extra crunch to the dish.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish that provides a mild onion flavor and bright color to the finished casserole.

• Olive Oil: Helps to coat the potatoes and promote even roasting with a light, clean flavor.

Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole Process

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Turn your oven to a toasty 400F (200C) and get ready for a mouthwatering meal.

Step 2: Season Potato Magic

• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Coat those potatoes until they’re perfectly seasoned.

Step 3: First Potato Roast

Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Slide into the hot oven and roast for 20 minutes until they start getting golden and crispy.

Step 4: Chicken Seasoning

While potatoes are cooking, season diced chicken with salt and pepper, getting it ready for its flavor adventure.

Step 5: Combine and Bake

Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the baking sheet with the partially roasted potatoes.

Return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is fully cooked and potatoes are tender and crispy.

Step 6: Cheese and Bacon Finale

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Crispy bacon bits

Step 7: Melt and Bubble

Pop the baking sheet back in the oven for 5 minutes until the cheese transforms into a gooey, melted blanket.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy your ultimate comfort food!

Tips for Best Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole

• Opt for russet or Yukon gold potatoes for the best texture and flavor in this hearty casserole.
• Dice chicken and potatoes into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent taste throughout the dish.
• Use thick-cut bacon for a crispier, more robust bacon flavor that adds delicious crunch to the casserole.
• Swap regular cheese with sharp cheddar to enhance the overall depth of flavor and create a more intense cheesy experience.
• Consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier and more tender protein option.

Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole – Try These Variations

• Southwest Spice Blast: Replace smoked paprika with chili powder, cumin, and cayenne for a zesty, bold flavor profile that brings heat and depth to the classic casserole.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Swap out the seasonings with dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary, then top with crumbled feta cheese instead of cheddar for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Ranch Ranch Revolution: Mix ranch seasoning into the potato and chicken coating, then sprinkle ranch-flavored crispy bacon bits on top for an extra tangy and creamy experience.
• Italian Herb Garden: Use Italian seasoning blend, swap cheddar for mozzarella, and add sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil leaves for a vibrant Italian countryside feel.

Serving Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole to Guests

• Rustic Family Dinner Platter: Pile the casserole onto a large wooden serving board with extra crispy bacon bits scattered around. Add some fresh green salad on the side for a balanced meal that looks stunning and inviting.
• Weekend Comfort Feast: Serve in individual cast-iron skillets for a personalized touch. Pair with warm buttermilk biscuits and a tangy coleslaw to create a hearty Southern-style dinner that feels like a warm hug.
• Game Night Crowd-Pleaser: Transform the casserole into bite-sized portions using small ramekins. Offer toothpicks and extra toppings like sour cream or ranch dressing for an easy-to-share appetizer during sports watching or movie nights.

Keeping Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole Fresh

• Transfer any leftover casserole into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain the dish's flavor and texture.
• Seal the cooled casserole in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date and contents for easy tracking.
• Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Warm in the oven at 350F (175C) for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to fully thaw it first and pat it dry before seasoning and baking to ensure even cooking and prevent excess moisture.

• What if I don't have smoked paprika?

You can substitute with regular paprika or a mix of paprika and cayenne pepper for a similar flavor profile. The dish will still taste great with standard pantry spices.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The basic recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your cheese, bacon, and seasonings are certified gluten-free if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

You can prepare the potatoes and chicken separately and store them in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake when ready to serve for maximum freshness and crispy texture.

Loaded Chicken And Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty loaded chicken and potato casserole combines savory comfort with cheesy goodness. Rich layers of tender chicken, crispy potatoes, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lb (680 g) chicken breast, diced
• 2 lb (907 g) potatoes, cubed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup crumbled bacon
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsps chopped green onions (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 400F (200C), preparing a baking sheet for roasting potatoes and chicken.
2. Coat cubed potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring even seasoning coverage.
3. Distribute seasoned potatoes across the baking sheet in a single layer, creating space between pieces for even roasting.
4. Roast potatoes for 20 minutes until they begin to develop golden edges and crisp exterior.
5. Season diced chicken with salt and pepper, ensuring each piece is well-coated with the spices.
6. Remove potatoes from oven, add seasoned chicken pieces to the same baking sheet, maintaining a single layer distribution.
7. Continue roasting for 15-20 minutes until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165F and potatoes turn golden brown and crispy.
8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon evenly over the chicken and potato mixture.
9. Return to oven for 5 minutes, allowing cheese to melt completely and create a bubbling golden surface.
10. Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped green onions for added freshness and color before serving hot.

Notes

• Maximize potato crispiness by ensuring they’re cut into uniform, bite-sized cubes and spread out without overcrowding the baking sheet.
• Substitute bacon with turkey bacon or plant-based alternatives for healthier or dietary-specific versions of the casserole.
• Enhance protein options by swapping chicken with tofu, tempeh, or lean ground turkey for vegetarian or low-fat adaptations.
• Create a dairy-free version by using nutritional yeast or vegan cheese instead of cheddar, maintaining the dish’s rich, savory flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg