Description: This hearty and comforting Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole combines the best of baked potatoes with tender chicken, creating a satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in. It’s a simple recipe with easy-to-find ingredients, making it an ideal weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 4 large baked potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 cup bacon bits
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup butter, melted
- Optional: Hot sauce, to taste
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole cooks evenly and the cheese melts beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes. Bake the potatoes in an oven or use a microwave to cook it well. Allow to cool enough for handling, then peel and cube them into bite-sized pieces. Cubing them ensures a uniform texture throughout the casserole.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed baked potatoes, shredded cooked chicken, sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is thoroughly coated. The sour cream and milk create a creamy base that binds all the ingredients together, while the salt and pepper enhance the flavors.
Step 4: Grease a casserole dish with butter or cooking spray. This prevents the casserole from sticking to the dish and makes serving easier.
Step 5: Spread half of the potato and chicken mixture evenly into the greased casserole dish. This creates a solid base layer for the toppings.
Step 6: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and bacon bits over the potato mixture. These toppings add flavor and texture to the casserole. The cheddar cheese melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy layer, while the green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor, and the bacon bits provide a salty, smoky crunch.
Step 7: Spread the remaining potato and chicken mixture evenly over the cheese layer. This creates a second layer of the creamy potato and chicken mixture.
Step 8: Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and bacon bits. This ensures that the casserole has a generous topping of cheese, green onions, and bacon bits, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.
Step 9: Drizzle melted butter (optional) evenly over the top of the casserole. The melted butter adds richness and flavor to the casserole, helping the cheese melt and brown evenly.
Step 10: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the casserole and adjust the time as needed.
Step 11: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving, as it will be very hot straight from the oven. This also allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve.
Why you will love this recipe:
This Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole is a delightful twist on classic comfort food. It’s incredibly easy to make, using simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand. The combination of creamy potatoes, tender chicken, savory bacon, and melty cheese is irresistible. It’s also a versatile dish – you can easily customize it with your favorite toppings and seasonings. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, this casserole is sure to be a hit.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the casserole as a main course with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
- Garnish with extra sour cream, green onions, or hot sauce for added flavor.
- Pair it with crusty bread or rolls for dipping into the creamy sauce.
Tips:
- For a creamier casserole, add an extra splash of milk or cream to the potato mixture.
- If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, you can use leftover rotisserie chicken or canned chicken.
- To save time, use pre-shredded cheese and pre-cooked bacon bits.
- Feel free to customize the toppings with your favorite ingredients, such as diced tomatoes, black olives, or jalapenos.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: 5/5 (Very Easy)
- Flavor: 5/5 (Excellent)
- Kid-Friendly: 5/5 (Highly Appealing)
- Overall: 5/5 (A Must-Try Recipe)
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes)
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 kcal per serving
- Protein: 30-40g per serving
- Fat: 20-30g per serving
- Sodium: 500-700mg per serving
Conclusion:
This Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole is a simple yet satisfying recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy potatoes, tender chicken, savory bacon, and melty cheese, it’s a dish that everyone will love. Easy to customize and quick to prepare, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of this delightful casserole!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
A: Yes, you can definitely use sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter and more nutritious version of this casserole. The flavor will be different, but still delicious.
Q2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if necessary to ensure it’s heated through.
Q3: What other toppings can I add to this casserole?
A: The possibilities are endless! Consider adding diced tomatoes, black olives, jalapenos, sauteed mushrooms, or a drizzle of ranch dressing.
Q4: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Yes, you can substitute the cheddar cheese with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a blend of your favorites.
Q5: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: As written, this recipe is gluten-free, provided that the bacon bits you use are also gluten-free. Always check the labels of your ingredients to be sure.
