If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy all the comforting flavors of a loaded baked potato and your favorite chicken dish in one glorious bite, you’re in for a treat. This Loaded Baked Potato Chicken Casserole Recipe delivers exactly that, combining tender chicken, crispy seasoned potatoes, melty cheddar, smoky bacon, and fresh green onions into a cozy casserole that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple to prepare but impressively satisfying, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings where everyone’s craving something hearty and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each bringing something unique to the dish—whether it’s texture, richness, or that unmistakable baked potato flair. Having quality components means your Loaded Baked Potato Chicken Casserole Recipe will shine with every bite.
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and tender bites.
- 3 large russet potatoes: Peeled and diced; russets are ideal for that fluffy interior and crispy edges when baked.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for coating the potatoes and helping them crisp up nicely in the oven.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory depth that complements chicken and potatoes beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a gentle smoky warmth that takes the casserole to the next level.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering them.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right hint of spice and balances the richness.
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: For that classic cheesy gooeyness everyone loves.
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon: Introducing savory crunch and smoky goodness.
- ½ cup sour cream: Dolloped on top for creaminess and a touch of tang.
- ¼ cup chopped green onions: A fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor that lightens the casserole.
- Cooking spray: To ensure your casserole doesn’t stick and comes out cleanly every time.
How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, toss your diced russet potatoes with the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, making sure every piece is well coated. Spread the potatoes evenly in your baking dish and bake for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through to encourage even crisping. This step is crucial because it gives the potatoes that perfect tender crispness they need to hold up under the layers of chicken and cheese.
Step 2: Season and Add the Chicken
While your potatoes are roasting, season the cut chicken pieces with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Once the first 25 minutes are up, take the dish out of the oven and give the potatoes a good stir. Then layer the seasoned chicken evenly over the potatoes. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through and tender. This timing ensures that both the potatoes and chicken finish cooking together, so every bite is perfectly balanced.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Bacon, Then Bake Again
Once the chicken is cooked, pull the casserole out again. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon evenly over the top, making sure to cover the entire surface for that golden, bubbly finish. Pop the casserole back into the oven for about 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is melted and beautifully bubbly. This stage adds richness and a savory punch, tying all your flavors together wonderfully.
Step 4: Final Touches
After removing the casserole from the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes—this helps everything set so it slices up nicely. Now comes the fun part: dollop generous spoons of sour cream across the top, then sprinkle on the chopped green onions for a refreshing contrast and a pop of color. Your Loaded Baked Potato Chicken Casserole Recipe is now ready to serve and delight everyone at the table!
How to Serve Loaded Baked Potato Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few fresh garnishes can elevate your casserole from hearty to downright irresistible. Besides the sour cream and green onions right on top, you could sprinkle extra crispy bacon or even a light dusting of smoked paprika to highlight the flavors inside. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives also add an inviting brightness that contrasts with the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, keep it simple with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with a vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables to add some color and lightness to your plate. Steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans with garlic are fantastic companions that won’t compete with the hearty casserole but give a nice balance of texture and nutrients.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or just switch things up, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. You could also pack it into mini muffin tins before baking to create fun, handheld portions perfect for parties. Layering the casserole with extra veggies like corn or bell peppers before baking can also add color and variety without losing the classic appeal of the Loaded Baked Potato Chicken Casserole Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole is fantastic for leftovers. Store any remaining portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to develop even more overnight, making your next meal just as delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole either before baking or after cooking. If freezing before baking, tightly cover the dish with foil and plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn and bake straight from the freezer, just adding extra cooking time. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely, portion it, and freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese is bubbling again—usually about 20 minutes. Alternatively, microwaving works fine for quick reheats but may soften the crispy edges.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato for this casserole?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes are perfect for that fluffy texture and crispy finish, red or Yukon gold potatoes work well too. They have a creamier texture and hold their shape nicely when baked.
Is it necessary to pre-cook the potatoes before adding the chicken?
Pre-baking the potatoes ensures they cook evenly and develop a wonderful crispiness. Adding raw potatoes with the chicken from the start may result in potatoes that are undercooked by the time the chicken is done.
Can I substitute bacon with something else?
If you want a bacon-free option, smoked sausage chunks or even sautéed mushrooms can add a savory, smoky flavor that complements the casserole effectively.
What can I do to make this dish dairy-free?
You can swap the cheddar cheese and sour cream for dairy-free alternatives available in most grocery stores. Nutritional yeast is also a great way to add cheesy notes without dairy.
Can this casserole be made ahead for meal prep?
Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready, just bake as directed. It reheats beautifully without losing texture or flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a warm, comforting dish that brings together the best of a loaded baked potato with juicy chicken and all the fixings, this Loaded Baked Potato Chicken Casserole Recipe is your new go-to. Its ease, flavor, and crowd-pleasing appeal make it one to keep in your recipe arsenal. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this casserole will quickly become a beloved favorite at your table. Don’t just take my word for it—grab these ingredients and get baking; you’re in for a mouthwatering experience!
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Loaded Baked Potato Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Loaded Baked Potato Chicken Casserole combines tender bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoned roasted potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions for a comforting and hearty meal. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, this casserole delivers all the flavors of a loaded baked potato in an easy, satisfying one-dish dinner that’s ideal for family dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Chicken and Potatoes
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. In a large bowl, toss the diced potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Bake the potatoes: Spread the seasoned potatoes in the prepared baking dish in an even layer. Bake them for 25 minutes, stirring once halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Season and add chicken: While the potatoes bake, season the bite-sized chicken pieces lightly with salt and black pepper. After the initial 25 minutes, remove the casserole dish from the oven and stir the potatoes. Layer the seasoned chicken evenly over the potatoes.
- Bake the casserole with chicken: Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender.
- Add cheese and bacon: Remove the casserole from the oven again, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon evenly over the top. Bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set slightly. Just before serving, add dollops of sour cream and sprinkle the chopped green onions generously over the top for fresh flavor and color.
Notes
- Russet potatoes can be swapped out for red or Yukon gold potatoes depending on your preference.
- For extra flavor, marinate chicken pieces in ranch dressing before baking.
- This casserole is excellent for meal prepping and reheats well for quick lunches or dinners.
