Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole

Introduction

Loaded chicken and potato casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful potatoes, and a cheesy topping. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering, taking just over an hour to prepare and cook. You’ll love the crispy bacon bits mixed with the gooey cheese, making every bite a delight.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

2 lbs potatoes, diced

1 lb chicken breast, cubed

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled

1/4 cup olive oil

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Yield: 6 servings

To prepare this loaded chicken and potato casserole, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, toss the diced potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread the seasoned potatoes in a greased casserole dish and bake for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through for even cooking.

After the initial baking, layer the cubed chicken on top of the partially cooked potatoes and season it lightly. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes to cook the chicken thoroughly.

Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon on top. Place it back in the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Finish by garnishing with chopped green onions before serving hot. This casserole is sure to be a hit, combining comfort and flavor in every bite!

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

In a large bowl, toss the diced potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Step 3: Spread and Bake the Potatoes

Spread the seasoned potatoes in a greased casserole dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Add Chicken

After 25 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven. Add the cubed chicken on top of the potatoes, season lightly with salt and pepper, and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 20 minutes.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Bacon

Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the casserole from the oven again. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon evenly over the top. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Ingredient Variations

Feel free to customize the casserole by adding vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Times

Adjust the cooking times based on your oven’s performance and the size of the chicken cubes to ensure they are fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C) for chicken.

Cook techniques

Preheating the Oven

Preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C) ensures that the casserole cooks evenly and helps achieve a deliciously crispy texture on the potatoes.

Tossing Ingredients

Tossing diced potatoes with olive oil and spices allows for even coating, ensuring that each potato piece absorbs the flavors during cooking.

Baking Method

Baking the potatoes before adding chicken allows them to become tender and develop a golden color. Stirring halfway through the initial bake helps achieve even cooking.

Layering Ingredients

Layering cubed chicken on top of partially cooked potatoes allows the chicken to cook through while benefiting from the moisture and flavors of the potatoes beneath.

Cheese Melting Technique

Sprinkling cheese and crumbled bacon on top in the last phase of baking allows the cheese to melt and create a gooey topping, enhancing the casserole’s overall flavor.

Garnishing

Garnishing with chopped green onions not only adds a pop of color but also provides a fresh, mild onion flavor that complements the richness of the casserole.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar cheese with other types like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.

How do I make this recipe healthier?

You can use less cheese, substitute some of the potatoes with cauliflower, or opt for skinless chicken breast to reduce calories and fat.

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Assemble it without baking and store it in the refrigerator. Just add extra baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Bake straight from the freezer, adding extra time.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! You can include vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor. Just ensure they are cut into small pieces for even cooking.

Conclusion

This Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish that perfectly combines tender chicken, savory potatoes, and gooey cheese with a hint of smoky bacon. Easy to prepare and baked to perfection, it’s a comforting meal that your whole family will enjoy.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Vegetarian Loaded Casserole

Swap the chicken for black beans or chickpeas and use a variety of veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn for a delicious vegetarian option.

Mexican-inspired Casserole

Add taco seasoning, replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese, and top with diced tomatoes and jalapeños for a spicy twist.

Buffalo Chicken Casserole

Incorporate buffalo sauce into the chicken mixture and use blue cheese crumbles along with cheddar for a spicy and tangy flavor profile.

Italian Chicken and Potato Bake

Combine Italian seasoning with the spices, add sliced olives, and incorporate mozzarella cheese for a delicious Mediterranean flavor.

Breakfast Casserole

Use breakfast sausage instead of chicken, add eggs to the mix, and top with cheddar cheese for a morning meal that’s sure to please.

Herb-infused Chicken and Potato Casserole

Enhance flavor by adding fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme, and use parmesan cheese for a savory twist.