Looking for a delicious, hearty meal that’s simple to prepare and loved by the whole family? This Easy Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole is your go-to recipe! It combines tender chicken, creamy potatoes, cheesy goodness, and crispy bacon to deliver a flavorful one-dish dinner perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to create this tasty casserole, including ingredient tips, step-by-step cooking instructions, tasty variations, and storage advice. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this comforting casserole, gather the following:
2 boneless chicken breasts, cubed
4 russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup bacon bits (cooked or store-bought)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Equipment Needed
Large pot for boiling potatoes
Mixing bowl
9×13-inch baking dish
Spoon or spatula for mixing
Oven
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Peel and dice your potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a large pot of boiling water and cook for about 10 minutes or until tender but not falling apart. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Chicken and Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the chicken is fully coated with the sauce.
Step 4: Add Potatoes to the Mixture
Fold the boiled potatoes gently into the chicken and sauce mixture, making sure the potatoes are evenly coated.
Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Pour the casserole mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Bacon
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole, followed by the bacon bits for that irresistible loaded flavor.
Step 7: Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, and the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your warm, cheesy, and satisfying meal!
Variations and Customizations
This casserole is a fantastic base for experimenting. Here are some ideas to switch things up:
Vegetarian Version
Replace chicken with a mix of hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. Add extra cheese or use vegetarian cream soup for the sauce.
Different Toppings
Try crushed tortilla chips for crunch, sliced green onions for freshness, or jalapeños if you like a spicy kick.
Healthier Swaps
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for extra protein and fewer calories.
Choose gluten-free cream of chicken soup if you’re avoiding gluten.
Swap bacon bits for turkey bacon or omit for a lighter option.
Tips for Making the Best Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole
Choose the right potatoes: Russets are perfect because they soften and absorb flavors well, but Yukon Golds add a buttery richness.
Don’t overboil potatoes: You want them tender but still firm so they don’t turn mushy in the casserole.
Use sharp cheddar cheese: It melts well and gives a richer flavor.
Cook chicken thoroughly: If you’re using raw chicken breasts, ensure they’re fully cooked in the casserole or pre-cook slightly before mixing.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Storage: Let the casserole cool before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Oven reheating is best — cover with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through (about 15-20 minutes). You can also microwave individual portions, heating in short bursts and stirring for even warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen chicken or potatoes?
A: Fresh ingredients give the best texture, but you can use thawed frozen chicken. Avoid frozen potatoes as they tend to be watery after cooking.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare the casserole and refrigerate it before baking. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
Q: How do I make this casserole dairy-free?
A: Substitute sour cream with dairy-free yogurt or coconut cream, use dairy-free cheese, and choose a dairy-free cream soup.
Q: Can I add other proteins?
A: Definitely! Try cooked sausage, ham, or shredded turkey instead of chicken.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole is a versatile, delicious meal that fits perfectly into busy lifestyles while satisfying hungry families. With creamy potatoes, tender chicken, cheesy topping, and crispy bacon, it’s a complete dinner that feels like a warm hug.
Give it a try, customize it to your liking, and enjoy a comforting homemade meal with minimal fuss!