Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole – This incredible Chicken and Potato Casserole is the epitome of comfort food. It brings together succulent chicken, hearty potatoes, delicious bacon, and melted cheese in a dish. Enhanced with a touch of paprika and garlic powder, for flavor this casserole is perfect, for a family dinner or any potluck gathering. Let’s indulge in this mouthwatering recipe.
The moment I first prepared this Chicken and Potato Casserole, an air of anticipation filled the kitchen. It was a busy evening. I wanted to make something hearty that would please everyone. While I diced the Russet potatoes, their earthy scent wafted through the room hinting at the deliciousness. I seasoned the chicken with a mixture of paprika, powder, salt, and pepper to ensure mouthwatering flavors. My husband joined me in preparing it; we had fun cooking as a team. When the casserole emerged from the oven adorned with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and vibrant green onions—its aroma alone was irresistible. As we sat down to enjoy our meal together our child’s eyes lit up with delight. Each bite brought us pleasure as we relished the blend of tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and smoky bacon flavors combined with cheesy goodness. That night the air was filled with laughter and compliments as everyone enjoyed this casserole, which quickly became a favorite, among family members. It symbolized warmth, togetherness, and the joy of sharing comforting meals with loved ones.
What makes this Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole truly exceptional?
This Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole holds a special place in our hearts for reasons. Firstly it’s incredibly easy to prepare making it our go-to dish on busy weeknights. The combination of tender chicken seasoned to perfection and roasted potatoes creates a blend of flavors and textures. Additionally, the layer of melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and fresh green onions add a savory touch. What sets this dish apart is its versatility – you can personalize it with your favorite toppings. Serve it alongside sour cream for an extra creamy indulgence. Ultimately though it’s the heartwarming satisfaction that comes from sharing this meal with loved ones that truly makes it exceptional. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a gathering this casserole has the power to bring people together over a plate of goodness.
What You Need To Make This Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole Recipe?
Potatoes: For the starchy texture go with Russet potatoes. They have a quality that creates a creamy inside while still giving a crispy outside when roasted.
Chicken: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts, for a source of protein. Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces to ensure it cooks evenly.
Olive Oil: Besides adding flavor olive oil helps coat the chicken and potatoes evenly promoting browning and preventing them from sticking.
Seasonings: Blend paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to infuse the chicken with flavors as it cooks.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese creates a deliciously gooey layer, on top of the casserole. It adds creaminess and a sharp cheesy taste.
Bacon: Cooked and chopped bacon brings a crunch. Adds a smoky saltiness that complements the other flavors perfectly.
Green Onions: Fresh green onions provide color, a mild onion flavor, and refreshing freshness that balances out the richness of the dish.
Steps To Make Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole:
Step 1: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). As it heats up take a 9×13 inch baking dish. Give it a quick spray, with nonstick cooking spray.
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Step 2: Now let’s focus on those Russet potatoes. Peel them, rinse them, and cut them into 1-inch pieces. Place them in the baking dish. Drizzle about a tablespoon of olive oil over them. Give the potatoes a mix to ensure they are evenly coated with that liquid gold. Put the dish in the oven for 40 minutes allowing the potatoes to become crispy and golden.
Step 3: While your potato pals are getting nice and cozy in the oven it’s time to prepare the chicken. Grab a bowl. Combine the remaining olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Now comes the fun part—cutting those chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Dip each piece into the oil mixture to make sure they are thoroughly coated.
Step 4: Once your potatoes are out of the oven (and trust me your kitchen will smell amazing), layer on top of those chicken pieces. Give everything a mix to make sure all the ingredients are well combined.
Step 5: Put it back in the oven this time without covering it and cook for 15 minutes or until the chicken is tender and cooked perfectly.
Step 6: Now it’s time, for the star ingredient. Cheese! Sprinkle the cheddar over the casserole along, with crispy bacon and fresh green onions. Put it back in the oven for 5 minutes. Until the cheese becomes a golden and gooey layer of deliciousness.
Step 7: Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving your masterpiece. If you want to add a touch of elegance serve with a dollop of cream!
Tip:
To make sure your chicken remains moist and tender when baking it in the casserole avoid overcooking it during the baking phase. You can give it some time in the oven once you’ve added the cheese and bacon. This approach will result in cooked chicken every time leaving your taste buds extremely grateful!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of cheese in this casserole?
Of course! While cheddar cheese gives it that classic flavor you can get creative and experiment, with other types such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack or even a blend to add a unique twist. Make it your own by customizing the cheese to suit your taste!
Is there a way to make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily create a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and bacon. Instead consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli or mushrooms to make it as hearty and delicious.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Certainly! You have the option of assembling the casserole for up to one day and storing it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake it simply place it in the oven. Keep in mind that if it’s chilled from the fridge you might need to add a few minutes to the cooking time. Enjoy the convenience of having a meal, with minimal effort!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole
Ingredients
- 5 medium Russet potatoes peeled and rinsed, then cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tbsp. olive oil divided
- 1 ½ lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 tbsp. paprika
- 1 tbsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. black pepper
- 1 to 2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 c. cooked chopped bacon
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure to grease a baking dish that measures 9x13 inches, with non-stick spray.
- Evenly distribute the peeled and diced potatoes in the greased baking dish. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over them, toss gently to ensure coating and then bake for 40 minutes.
- While the potatoes are baking you can take a bowl. Whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil along with paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Add the chicken into this mixture stirring it well to ensure every piece is coated.
- Once the potatoes have baked for 40 minutes carefully remove them from the oven. Spread the chicken evenly over the potatoes and gently mix everything together.
- Put the dish back into the oven without covering it and bake for 15 minutes. Until you are certain that the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Once done baking take out the dish from the oven again. Sprinkle cheddar cheese, chopped bacon and sliced onions evenly on top of everything.
- Place it back into the oven for 5 minutes or until you see that the cheese has melted nicely.
- Before serving it up let it rest for around 5 minutes. If desired enjoy this meal with some cream, on top.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
