Loaded Chicken And Potato Casserole Recipe

If you love the classic flavors of loaded baked potatoes and want a hearty, satisfying meal, this Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole is for you! With seasoned chicken, tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and plenty of melty cheese, this casserole is a flavor-packed, comforting dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd. It’s easy to make, customizable with your favorite toppings, and always a hit with both kids and adults. Follow along for the full recipe, helpful tips, and delicious variations!

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What is Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole?

Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole is a baked dish that combines chunks of seasoned chicken, crispy roasted potatoes, bacon, and cheese, all layered together in a casserole and baked until bubbly and golden. The dish is inspired by the flavors of loaded baked potatoes, with all the best toppings—cheese, bacon, and sour cream—but made into a full meal by adding tender chicken. It’s comforting, filling, and easy to customize with different toppings or variations.

Ingredients List for Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole

Here’s everything you need to make this flavorful casserole:

• 3 cups chicken breasts, diced (about 2-3 large breasts)
• 4-5 medium russet potatoes, diced into ½-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2-3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)

Substitutions and Variations for Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole

This recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations:

• Turkey or sausage: Swap the chicken for turkey breast or sausage to change up the flavors.
• Vegetarian option: Omit the chicken and bacon, and add more vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Sweet potatoes: Use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor and added nutrients.
• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the chicken and potato mixture for a bit of heat, or use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
• Extra cheesy: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to use more cheese or try different varieties like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make this delicious Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the diced potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a greased or lined baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and starting to get crispy.
3. Cook the chicken: While the potatoes are roasting, season the diced chicken with a little salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked and no longer pink. Set aside.
4. Assemble the casserole: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer the roasted potatoes on the bottom, followed by the cooked chicken. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top.
5. Add the bacon: Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the cheese layer.
6. Bake the casserole: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Cool slightly and serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with sour cream, green onions, and fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.

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

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season and roast the potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme. Bake for 25-30 minutes until tender and crispy.
3. Cook the chicken in a skillet with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Assemble the casserole: Layer roasted potatoes, cooked chicken, shredded cheese, and crumbled bacon in a greased baking dish.
5. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Cool slightly before serving with sour cream, green onions, and fresh parsley.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

1. Not roasting the potatoes first: Roasting the potatoes separately ensures they become tender and slightly crispy, which adds texture to the casserole. Skipping this step can result in mushy potatoes.
2. Overcooking the chicken: Be careful not to overcook the chicken when you sauté it. It will continue to cook in the oven, so just cook it until it’s no longer pink.
3. Using too much oil: When tossing the potatoes, don’t overdo it on the oil. A little goes a long way to help the potatoes crisp up, but too much oil can make the casserole greasy.
4. Forgetting to season: Don’t forget to season the chicken and potatoes well! Adding salt, pepper, and seasonings at every step builds flavor throughout the casserole.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This casserole is a hearty, satisfying dish, but you can make it even better with a few serving and presentation tips:

• Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley, cilantro, or green onions on top for a burst of color and flavor.
• Serve with a side salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
• Offer extra toppings: Serve with additional toppings like salsa, guacamole, or hot sauce for extra flavor.

How to Serve Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole

Here are some ideas for serving this delicious casserole:

• Main dish: Serve generous portions of the casserole as the main course with a side of roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a fresh salad.
• Potluck favorite: This casserole is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings. It’s easy to make ahead and reheat, making it ideal for feeding a crowd.
• Leftovers: Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave, making this dish great for meal prepping or enjoying the next day.

Presentation Ideas for Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole

Make your casserole look even more appetizing with these presentation ideas:

• Bake in a cast iron skillet: For a rustic, homestyle presentation, bake and serve the casserole in a large cast iron skillet.
• Top with fresh herbs: Just before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley, cilantro, or chopped green onions on top for a pop of color and added flavor.
• Serve with a topping bar: Create a "loaded toppings" bar with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped bacon, and green onions, so everyone can customize their servings.

Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole Recipe Tips

Here are a few additional tips to ensure your casserole turns out perfect:

1. Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
2. Use leftover chicken: If you have leftover cooked chicken (like rotisserie chicken), you can save time by using that instead of cooking fresh chicken.
3. Double the recipe for a crowd: If you’re feeding a larger group, you can easily double the recipe and bake it in a larger dish or two separate casseroles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Q: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
A: Yes! Sweet potatoes add a slightly different flavor and more nutrients. Just follow the same roasting and layering steps with sweet potatoes.

Q: How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
A: Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Q: Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
A: Definitely! You can add vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrition.

Conclusion

This Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want comfort food with minimal effort. With tender

roasted potatoes, seasoned chicken, crispy bacon, and melty cheese, every bite is pure comfort. Customize it with your favorite toppings and serve it with a fresh salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal. Try this recipe today and enjoy a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love!

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