Loaded Chicken And Potato Casserole Recipe

If you love loaded baked potatoes and tender, juicy chicken, this Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole is going to become one of your go-to meals. It’s packed with crispy roasted potatoes, tender chunks of chicken, plenty of cheese, and bacon—making it the ultimate comfort food. Easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or a family gathering, this casserole will have everyone coming back for seconds. Stick around to get the full recipe, step-by-step instructions, and tips to make this dish your own!

this Recipe

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What is a Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole?

A Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole is a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that combines tender chicken, crispy roasted potatoes, gooey melted cheese, and crispy bacon, all baked together in one dish. It's inspired by the flavors of a loaded baked potato but enhanced with juicy chicken and a creamy sauce. The result is a comforting casserole that’s rich, cheesy, and full of flavor—perfect for any meal from a weeknight dinner to a potluck gathering.

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Ingredients List for Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious casserole. This recipe serves about 6-8 people.

For the Casserole:

• 2 lbs chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized cubes)
• 6 medium Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ cup sour cream (optional, for added creaminess)
• 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
• 2 green onions (chopped, for garnish)
• Cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)

These basic ingredients combine to create a rich, cheesy casserole that’s full of flavor. Plus, with bacon, potatoes, and cheese, it’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

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Substitutions and Variations

This casserole is highly customizable, so you can adjust it based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few popular substitutions and variations:

• Chicken Options: While chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe, you can use chicken thighs for extra juiciness and flavor.
• Potato Varieties: Yukon Gold or red potatoes work great for this recipe because they’re creamy and hold their shape, but Russet potatoes work just as well for a heartier texture.
• Cheese Choices: Cheddar and mozzarella are a classic combination, but you can mix in pepper jack for a little heat or Monterey Jack for a creamier texture.
• Vegetable Add-ins: You can bulk up the casserole by adding veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or even spinach for extra nutrients and color.
• Low-Carb Version: Swap out the potatoes for cauliflower florets to make this dish keto or low-carb friendly.
• Spicy Version: Add a teaspoon of chili powder or cayenne pepper for some heat, or top the casserole with jalapeños for extra spice.

These variations allow you to tailor the recipe to your preferences and dietary needs while still enjoying all the flavors of the classic dish.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to make your Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole? Follow these simple steps for a perfect, cheesy casserole every time.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a large baking dish (9x13-inch) with cooking spray and set it aside.

Step 2: Roast the Potatoes

Place the cubed potatoes in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and dried parsley. Toss to coat the potatoes evenly.

Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a greased baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy, stirring halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Set aside when done.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

While the potatoes are roasting, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

In the same skillet used for the bacon, add the cubed chicken (you can remove excess grease, but leave a little for flavor). Season the chicken with salt and pepper and cook over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned on the outside and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Once the potatoes and chicken are cooked, it’s time to assemble the casserole. In your greased baking dish, layer the roasted potatoes and cooked chicken evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese over the top.

If you’d like an extra creamy casserole, dollop sour cream over the top before adding the cheese.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled casserole for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes to get a nice golden crust on top if desired.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the crumbled bacon and chopped green onions over the top for added flavor and color. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Not roasting the potatoes: Roasting the potatoes before adding them to the casserole ensures they are crispy and flavorful. If you skip this step, the potatoes might become soggy.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cook the chicken just until it’s browned and cooked through. Overcooking can make it dry and tough.
• Not letting the casserole rest: Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking to let the cheese and flavors set, making it easier to serve and more flavorful.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

This Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole is a showstopper on its own, but here are a few tips to make your meal even more special:

How to Serve Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole

• Serve the casserole hot, scooping generous portions onto plates.
• Pair it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Offer additional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or even salsa to allow guests to customize their portions.

Presentation Ideas for Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole

• Garnish the casserole with extra bacon bits and green onions for a pop of color and texture.
• Serve individual portions in small cast-iron skillets or ramekins for a rustic, cozy presentation.
• Add a few sliced jalapeños on top for extra spice and a visual punch.

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Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole Recipe Tips

Here are some additional tips to ensure your casserole turns out perfect every time:

• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the casserole ahead of time by assembling it (without the cheese and bacon) and storing it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply add the cheese and bacon, and bake as directed.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time. Just shred or cube the chicken and layer it in the casserole as directed.

Q: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
A: Absolutely! Sweet potatoes work great in this recipe and add a slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the cheese and bacon.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead (without the cheese and bacon) and refrigerate it. When ready to cook, add the cheese and bacon, then bake as instructed.

Q: Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
A: Definitely! Adding vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach is a great way to increase the nutrition and add more color and flavor to the dish.

Q: Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
A: Yes, turkey bacon is a great alternative if you’re looking for a lighter option. Cook it as directed and crumble it over the casserole just like regular bacon.

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Conclusion

This Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. With its tender roasted potatoes, juicy chicken, gooey melted cheese, and crispy bacon, this casserole has all the flavors of a loaded baked potato but in a heartier, more satisfying form. Plus, with easy substitutions and make-ahead options, it’s a versatile recipe that can fit into any meal plan. So grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to dig into a delicious, cheesy casserole that will have everyone asking for seconds!

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