Description: A comforting and hearty casserole that transforms classic loaded baked potatoes into an easy-to-serve dish, perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. This recipe combines tender chicken, creamy potatoes, savory bacon, and melted cheese for a truly satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 large baked potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 4 cups)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 cup sour cream (full-fat or low-fat, your preference)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar adds great flavor)
- ½ cup green onions, chopped (fresh or freeze-dried)
- 1 cup bacon bits (real bacon bits or crumbled cooked bacon)
- Salt and pepper to taste (freshly ground is best)
- ½ cup milk (whole milk, 2%, or even unsweetened almond milk)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole cooks evenly and the cheese melts beautifully. Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the potatoes. Baking the potatoes ahead of time ensures they’re tender and flavorful. Peeling them after baking helps to remove the skins easily. Cubing the potatoes into bite-sized pieces allows for even distribution throughout the casserole and easier mixing.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the cubed baked potatoes, shredded chicken, sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until everything is well coated. This step is crucial for ensuring that each bite of the casserole is creamy and flavorful. Adjust the amount of salt and pepper according to your taste.
Step 4: Layer half of the potato mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. This creates a base layer for the cheesy topping. Make sure to distribute the potatoes and chicken evenly across the bottom of the dish.
Step 5: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, and bacon bits evenly over the potato mixture. This creates a delicious and flavorful layer that adds a burst of cheesy, savory goodness. Don’t be shy with the toppings!
Step 6: Spread the remaining potato mixture over the top of the cheese layer, creating a second layer of potatoes and chicken. This ensures that the cheese and toppings are well distributed throughout the casserole.
Step 7: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese, green onions, and bacon bits over the top of the casserole. This final layer of toppings will melt and create a beautiful, golden-brown crust.
Step 8: Bake the casserole 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 it and adjust accordingly.
Step 9: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and prevents it from being too runny. It also gives the flavors a chance to meld together.
Why you will love this recipe:
This Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole is a winner because it’s incredibly versatile, comforting, and easy to make. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked chicken or baked potatoes. The combination of creamy potatoes, savory bacon, melted cheese, and tender chicken is simply irresistible. This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family gatherings. It’s also a great way to get kids to eat their vegetables! The recipe is easily customizable – you can add other vegetables like broccoli, corn, or bell peppers, or use different types of cheese. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. The leftovers are just as delicious, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.
Serving Suggestions:
This casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to add some freshness and balance the richness of the casserole. Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus would also be great additions. A side of cornbread or garlic bread would be perfect for soaking up the cheesy sauce. For a more substantial meal, serve it with a side of coleslaw or potato salad. This casserole is also delicious topped with a dollop of extra sour cream or a sprinkle of hot sauce for added flavor.
Tips:
- For even more flavor, use smoked Gouda or Gruyere cheese instead of cheddar.
- Add a can of drained and rinsed black beans or corn for extra texture and nutrients.
- If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, use canned chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken.
- To make this casserole ahead of time, assemble it and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the potato mixture.
- To prevent the casserole from browning too quickly, cover it with foil for the first half of the baking time and then remove the foil for the last half.
- If you want a crispier topping, sprinkle some crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking.
- Make sure your potatoes are fully cooked before cubing them, as undercooked potatoes will not soften properly in the casserole.
- Be careful not to overbake the casserole, as this can dry it out. The cheese should be melted and bubbly, but not burned.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per serving. This will vary based on specific ingredient choices.)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 500mg
Conclusion:
The Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole is a versatile and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its ease of preparation and delicious combination of flavors make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Feel free to experiment with different variations and toppings to create your own signature casserole. Enjoy!
Question and Answers about this Recipe:
Q1: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes? A: Absolutely! Sweet potatoes would add a unique flavor and a touch of sweetness to the casserole. Keep in mind that sweet potatoes tend to cook a bit faster than regular potatoes, so adjust the baking time accordingly.
Q2: Can I make this casserole vegetarian? A: Yes, you can easily make this casserole vegetarian by omitting the chicken. Add some cooked vegetables like broccoli, corn, or bell peppers to replace the chicken and add some extra heartiness. You could also add some crumbled tofu or vegetarian sausage.
Q3: How can I make this casserole healthier? A: There are several ways to make this casserole healthier. Use low-fat sour cream and cheese, reduce the amount of bacon, and add more vegetables. You can also use unsweetened almond milk instead of regular milk. Consider using a leaner protein source, such as shredded turkey breast, instead of chicken.
Q4: Can I freeze this casserole? A: Yes, you can freeze this casserole. Assemble the casserole and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Q5: What are some other toppings I can add to this casserole? A: The possibilities are endless! Some other great toppings include:
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced jalapenos
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Avocado slices (added after baking)
- A drizzle of ranch dressing or barbecue sauce
