Description
Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole is a hearty and flavorful one-dish meal featuring seasoned chicken, tender baked potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese, all baked together to create a comforting and satisfying dinner perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 5 medium Russet potatoes, peeled and rinsed, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 1 to 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked, chopped bacon
- 2 green onions, sliced thin
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Bake the potatoes: Spread the cut potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over them and toss to coat evenly. Bake in the oven for 40 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Season the chicken: While the potatoes bake, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Add the diced chicken pieces to this mixture and stir thoroughly to coat all pieces.
- Add chicken to potatoes: Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven when the potatoes are done. Pour the seasoned chicken evenly over the potatoes and gently toss everything together to combine well.
- Bake chicken and potatoes: Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and juices run clear.
- Add toppings and finish baking: Remove the dish from the oven and evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese, cooked chopped bacon, and sliced green onions on top.
- Melt cheese and serve: Bake for an additional 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, serve with sour cream for added creaminess and tang.
Notes
- Make sure to cut the potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- You can substitute the bacon with turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense flavor or mild cheddar for a creamier taste.
- Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
