Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole Recipe

Craving something hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor? This Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, crispy potatoes, gooey cheese, and all the fixings—like bacon, green onions, and sour cream. It’s a filling, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for a family dinner, potluck, or even meal prepping for the week. Follow this simple recipe, and you’ll have a satisfying and delicious casserole ready to serve in no time!

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What is Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole?

Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole is a savory, indulgent dish that layers seasoned chicken, crispy roasted potatoes, and lots of cheese, all topped with classic "loaded" potato toppings like bacon, green onions, and sour cream. It's essentially a combination of a loaded baked potato and a chicken casserole, making it the perfect meal for those who love comfort food packed with flavor. The dish bakes in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the potatoes are golden and tender, creating a deliciously rich and satisfying meal.

This recipe is flexible and can be adapted to your taste preferences—feel free to add extra veggies, swap out the cheese, or adjust the seasoning to make it your own.

Ingredients List for Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious casserole:

For the Chicken and Potatoes:

• 4 medium potatoes, diced (Russet or Yukon Gold work well)
• 2 large chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For drizzling over the potatoes and chicken.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika – Adds warmth and color.
• ½ teaspoon chili powder – For a bit of a kick (optional).
• Salt and pepper – To taste.

For the Toppings:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – You can mix cheddar with Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
• 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled – Adds smokiness and crunch.
• ½ cup sour cream – For serving (optional).
• ¼ cup green onions, sliced – For a fresh, zesty finish.
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional) – Chopped for garnish.

Ingredients List for Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole (Optional Additions)

Want to add some variety or extra flavor? Here are a few optional ingredients you can toss into the mix:

• 1 cup broccoli florets – Adds nutrition and extra texture.
• ½ cup sautéed mushrooms – For an earthy, umami flavor.
• 1 jalapeño, sliced – For those who like a spicy kick.
• 1 cup frozen corn – For sweetness and color.
• 1 cup sour cream or ranch dressing – Stir into the chicken mixture for extra creaminess.

Substitutions and Variations

This casserole is incredibly versatile, so feel free to make adjustments based on what you have or your dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

• Chicken thighs – Swap out the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier and richer flavor.
• Sweet potatoes – Substitute regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a healthier, slightly sweet twist.
• Vegetarian option – Omit the chicken and use tofu or extra veggies like cauliflower and zucchini for a vegetarian version.
• Dairy-free – Use dairy-free cheese and sour cream to make the casserole suitable for those with dairy sensitivities.
• Cheese variety – Use a blend of cheeses like Colby Jack, Gouda, or Pepper Jack to add more depth to the casserole.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to make this delicious Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole? Follow these simple steps to create a meal your whole family will love.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with non-stick spray or a light drizzle of olive oil.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Place the diced potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle with ½ tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper over the potatoes. Toss until the potatoes are evenly coated with the seasoning.

Step 3: Roast the Potatoes

Spread the seasoned potatoes in an even layer in the greased baking dish. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, stirring halfway through cooking.

Step 4: Prepare the Chicken

While the potatoes are roasting, season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. In a separate skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Set aside.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Once the potatoes are roasted and crispy, remove the baking dish from the oven. Layer the cooked chicken evenly over the top of the potatoes. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken and potatoes, followed by the crumbled bacon.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Add the Toppings and Serve

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle the sliced green onions and fresh parsley over the top. Serve with a dollop of sour cream on the side, and enjoy!

How to Cook Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick recap of the process:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease your baking dish.
2. Season and roast the potatoes for 25-30 minutes until crispy.
3. Cook the chicken in a skillet while the potatoes are roasting.
4. Layer the chicken over the roasted potatoes and top with cheese and bacon.
5. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish with green onions and parsley, and serve with sour cream.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make sure your Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole turns out perfect every time, avoid these common mistakes:

• Not pre-cooking the potatoes – Roasting the potatoes beforehand ensures they get crispy and fully cooked. If you skip this step, the potatoes may remain undercooked or mushy.
• Overcooking the chicken – Be careful not to overcook the chicken before baking. The chicken will continue to cook in the oven, so cooking it just until done in the skillet ensures it remains tender and juicy.
• Forgetting to stir the potatoes – Stirring the potatoes halfway through roasting helps ensure they cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How you serve and present your Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole can make the meal feel even more special. Here are a few tips:

• Garnish generously – Sprinkle fresh green onions, parsley, or even some diced avocado on top for a pop of color and flavor.
• Serve with a side salad – A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs well with this hearty casserole.
• Lime wedges – For a fresh citrusy finish, serve lime wedges on the side for a bright contrast to the rich flavors.

How to Serve Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole

This casserole is best served warm, straight out of the oven. Scoop portions onto plates and top with your favorite toppings like sour cream, extra bacon, or even salsa for a Tex-Mex twist. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the dish.

Presentation Ideas for Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole

Here are a few presentation tips to make your casserole even more appealing:

• Serve in a cast-iron skillet – For a rustic, homestyle look, bake and serve the casserole in a cast-iron skillet.
• Garnish with colorful ingredients – Add a sprinkle of fresh green onions, parsley, or even diced tomatoes for a pop of color.
• Individual servings – For a more elegant presentation, divide the casserole into individual ramekins before baking.

Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole Recipe Tips

Here are a few pro tips to ensure your Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole is always a hit:

• Use a mandoline to quickly and evenly dice your potatoes. This ensures even cooking and saves time.
• Grate your own cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating your own cheese results in a creamier, more melty casserole.
• Make it ahead – You can roast the potatoes and cook the chicken ahead of time, then assemble and bake the casserole just before serving. This is perfect for meal prep or when you’re hosting guests.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you're ready to bake, just add an additional 10 minutes to the baking time.

Can I freeze Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole?

Absolutely. This casserole freezes well. After assembling, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze

for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions.

What kind of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for extra flavor.

Conclusion

This Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining crispy potatoes, tender chicken, and gooey cheese, all topped with bacon and fresh green onions. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you're cooking for your family, hosting a dinner party, or preparing meals ahead for the week, this casserole is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy!

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