Looking for a savory, comforting, and filling dish that's perfect for family dinners or a gathering with friends? This Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole is sure to be a hit! It's packed with tender chunks of chicken, crispy potatoes, bacon, and melted cheese—all seasoned to perfection. You'll want to read all the way through to ensure you don’t miss any important tips or steps that make this casserole dish truly stand out. Let's dive in and explore everything you need to know to make the ultimate Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole!

What is Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole?
Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole is a one-pan meal that combines succulent chicken breast, roasted potatoes, crispy bacon, and gooey melted cheese. The dish gets its name from the idea of being "loaded" with all the toppings you might expect in a loaded baked potato—like cheese, bacon, and green onions—along with a protein-packed punch of chicken. The result is a mouthwatering, hearty meal that pleases both kids and adults alike.
Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a dish that’ll wow at your next potluck, this casserole has everything you need.
Ingredients List for Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to gather before making your casserole. The beauty of this recipe is that it uses everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen:
For the Casserole:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized cubes)
- 3 pounds russet potatoes (diced into 1-inch cubes)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked bacon (chopped)
- ½ cup green onions (sliced)
For Topping and Serving:
- ½ cup sour cream (optional)
- ¼ cup ranch dressing (optional)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Substitutions and Variations
The Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole is versatile, and there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try based on your preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are a few ideas:
- Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts: If you prefer dark meat, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Thighs will be juicier and add a bit more flavor.
- Sweet Potatoes Instead of Russet: Swap the russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter and more nutrient-dense option.
- Turkey Bacon Instead of Pork Bacon: For a lighter option, use turkey bacon instead of regular pork bacon.
- Different Cheeses: You can experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack if you like a bit of spice.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and bacon altogether for a veggie-loaded casserole. You can add more veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, or bell peppers.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it's time to prepare this delicious Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole! Follow these simple steps for a perfect outcome every time.

How to Cook Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, prepare the other ingredients so you can get everything into the oven quickly.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
In a large mixing bowl, toss the diced potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Make sure the potatoes are well-coated with the oil and seasoning for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Roast the Potatoes
Spread the seasoned potatoes evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with cooking spray. Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they start to become golden and crispy around the edges. Flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
While the potatoes are roasting, heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add the cubed chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a light golden color. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper as the chicken cooks. Once done, remove from heat.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Potatoes
After the potatoes have roasted, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). In a large casserole dish, combine the cooked chicken and roasted potatoes. Toss everything together so the chicken and potatoes are evenly distributed in the dish.
Step 6: Add Bacon and Cheese
Sprinkle the chopped cooked bacon over the chicken and potato mixture. Then, generously cover everything with shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese will melt into the casserole, creating a deliciously gooey texture.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole dish back into the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. For an extra crispy top, broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top. Add a dollop of sour cream or ranch dressing on top if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While this recipe is pretty straightforward, there are a few common mistakes you’ll want to avoid to ensure your Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole turns out perfect every time:
- Overcooking the Chicken: Be careful not to overcook the chicken when sautéing it. Since the chicken will cook again in the oven, you want to ensure it stays moist.
- Undercooked Potatoes: Make sure to roast the potatoes until they're crispy. Under-roasted potatoes can turn mushy when combined with the cheese and other ingredients.
- Skipping the Broiler: Don’t skip the broiling step if you want that perfectly golden, crispy cheese topping.
- Not Flipping the Potatoes: Ensure you flip the potatoes halfway during roasting so they cook evenly.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation plays a big role in how appetizing a dish looks. Here are some ideas for serving and presenting your Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole:
How to Serve Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole
- Family-Style: Serve the casserole straight from the dish in the center of the table for a more relaxed, family-style meal. Let everyone dig in!
- Portioned Plates: For more formal gatherings, pre-portion the casserole onto plates. You can add a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Individual Casserole Dishes: If you're hosting a dinner party, consider using individual casserole dishes for each guest for an elegant presentation.
Presentation Ideas for Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole
- Garnish Wisely: Sprinkle extra chopped green onions, parsley, or cilantro on top to give the casserole a vibrant, fresh appearance.
- Color Contrast: Serve with a side of steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans to add contrast and color to your plate.
- Add Crunch: If you like a bit of texture, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or fried onions on top just before serving for an added crunch.
Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole Recipe Tips
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and roast the potatoes ahead of time, then simply assemble and bake the casserole when you’re ready to serve it.
- Make It Spicy: Add a little kick by incorporating diced jalapeños or sprinkling in some crushed red pepper flakes with the seasoning mix.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the potatoes crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, bake it as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the bake time since it will be cold.
Q: Can I freeze Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole?
A: Absolutely! After baking, let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly with aluminum foil and freeze. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Q: What should I serve with this casserole?
A: This casserole pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables, a fresh green salad, or some dinner rolls for a complete meal.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Yes, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred it and mix it with the potatoes before baking.
Conclusion
Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole is the perfect blend of comfort food and hearty ingredients. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to satisfy. With crispy roasted potatoes, tender chicken, bacon, and cheese, every bite is a burst of flavor. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to experiment with your own favorite variations and toppings. Happy cooking!
PrintLoaded Chicken And Potato Casserole Recipe
Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dinner featuring tender chicken, crispy potatoes, and melted cheese. Topped with bacon and green onions, it's the perfect meal for family gatherings. With simple ingredients like chicken, potatoes, cheddar cheese, and a blend of spices, this casserole is a must-try for those looking for a hearty and flavorful dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts (cubed)
- Potatoes (cubed)
- Bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Olive oil
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
- Green onions (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss cubed potatoes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Add seasoned chicken to the baked potatoes, top with cheese, and bake for another 20 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.
- Sprinkle crumbled bacon and green onions on top. Bake for 5 more minutes.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can customize the recipe with different cheeses or additional vegetables.
- Adjust the seasoning based on your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
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