If you’re on the hunt for an irresistible dish that combines the classic flavors of a loaded baked potato with the heartiness of tender chicken, the Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole is your new weeknight hero. Imagine melty cheddar, crispy bacon, creamy potatoes, and juicy chicken all baked together in one scrumptious pan—this meal is comfort food at its very best! It’s not only deeply satisfying but also endlessly customizable and easy enough for anyone to master. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just looking to brighten up an everyday dinner, this casserole is destined to become a new family favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish is in its straightforward ingredients—each one brings something special to the party. With just a handful of flavorful staples, you’ll build layers of savory taste, texture, and irresistible color in every forkful.

Russet potatoes: The classic choice for a fluffy, hearty base that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bites, these cook up tender and soak up all the spices and cheesy goodness.
Olive oil: Helps crisp up the potatoes and keep everything moist.
Garlic powder: Adds a mellow, savory depth that pairs perfectly with baked potatoes and chicken.
Paprika: Brings a lovely color and a subtle warmth—smoked paprika works too if you like extra smokiness!
Salt and black pepper: The basics, but don’t underestimate how they wake up all the other flavors.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into luscious ribbons over the top for maximum gooey, cheesy satisfaction.
Cooked and crumbled bacon: Crumbles add a salty crunch and tons of smoky flavor—don’t skip it if you love a true loaded potato experience.
Sour cream: Swirled or dolloped on top, it brings the tang and creaminess that ties everything together.
Chopped green onions: Add a burst of color and fresh flavor at the finish—save some for the garnish!
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a pretty green finish that gives a pop of freshness if you have some on hand.

How to Make Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Before you do anything else, get all your chopping and measuring done. Dice the potatoes into bite-sized cubes for even cooking, and cut the chicken into similar pieces. This step ensures that every forkful of your Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole will have the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to give the casserole a hot start and perfect golden finish.

Step 2: Toss with Seasonings

In a big bowl, add your diced potatoes and chicken. Drizzle in the olive oil, sprinkle over garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, then mix thoroughly to coat everything. This isn’t just about seasoning—it’s also about locking in moisture and helping the potatoes get beautifully browned in the oven. Don’t be afraid to use your hands (or a big spoon) to mix it all together.

Step 3: Arrange in the Baking Dish

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (a little oil or nonstick spray works perfectly), then spread your potato and chicken mixture evenly across it. Keeping things in a single layer helps everything cook and crisp up evenly, giving you that “wow” factor in the finished Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Tender

Bake the casserole for 45 to 50 minutes, stirring halfway through so nothing sticks and all sides can get their turn in the oven’s heat. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are gold and fork-tender, and the chicken is juicy and fully cooked—a mouthwatering aroma will let you know it’s just about there!

Step 5: Add Cheese and Bacon

As soon as the potatoes and chicken are cooked through, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon all across the top. Slide the dish back into the oven for another 5 to 7 minutes. When the cheese bubbles and melts into those irresistible pockets and the bacon crisps up even more, you’re ready for the final magic.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Let your Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole rest for a few minutes after coming out of the oven. Top with dollops of sour cream and a shower of green onions (and maybe a little parsley if you have it). Serve it warm for the ultimate cheesy, savory comfort food experience.

How to Serve Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole

Garnishes

A finishing flourish really takes this casserole to the next level. Add a generous spoonful of sour cream, another sprinkle of green onions, and a handful of chopped parsley just before bringing it to the table. The cool, creamy tang from the sour cream paired with the freshness of herbs keeps every bite lively and bright against the savory, cheesy richness.

Side Dishes

Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole is a meal in itself, but adding a fresh side can round out your plate. Think a simple green salad with a zippy vinaigrette, a side of steamed broccoli, or roasted Brussels sprouts to balance the richness. For even more comfort, warm dinner rolls or buttered cornbread make perfect companions.

Creative Ways to Present

When you want to impress guests or change things up, try baking and serving the casserole in individual ramekins for a personal touch. Or, scoop it onto a bed of baby spinach to make a warm, filling salad. You could even use leftovers as a loaded filling for baked bell peppers or serve on top of a big, fluffy baked potato for a double potato delight!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any extra Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge. Let the casserole cool completely, then transfer leftovers into airtight containers. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making it a fantastic meal prep option for busy weeks.

Freezing

For longer storage, this casserole is freezer-friendly! Simply wrap the cooled casserole tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It’s best to freeze before adding the sour cream and fresh garnishes for the best texture. Your casserole will keep well for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to reheat.

Reheating

To reheat, place your Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes, or until hot throughout. For single servings, a quick minute or two in the microwave works well, too. Add fresh sour cream and green onions right before serving to bring back that just-baked freshness!

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of cheddar?

Absolutely! While cheddar offers classic flavor and melty goodness, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend work beautifully for the Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole. Try swapping for your favorite cheese to create your own signature version.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Definitely. Diced bell peppers, steamed broccoli, or even a handful of baby spinach can be tossed in with the potatoes and chicken. This lets you sneak in extra veggies and create colorful variations on your Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole up to the point before baking and cover tightly in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time if it’s going in cold.

Can I use cooked chicken instead of raw?

You can, especially if you’re looking to use up leftover rotisserie or cooked chicken. Stir it in with the potatoes, but reduce the initial bake time to about 35 minutes since the meat doesn’t need as much cooking.

How do I make this casserole gluten-free?

Great news: this Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole is naturally gluten-free, so no substitutions are needed. Just double-check your bacon and any added toppings to ensure they’re gluten-free if you’re especially sensitive.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something that’s hearty, cheesy, and endlessly comforting, give this Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole a try. It’s an easy dish that feels like a celebration—wonderful for sharing and certain to leave everyone asking for seconds!

Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, crispy potatoes, melted cheese, and savory bacon, all baked to perfection. It’s an easy one-dish meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Russet Potatoes:

1 ½ pounds, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes

Chicken:

1 pound boneless skinless breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Seasoning:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Additional Toppings:

1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup chopped green onions, plus more for garnish
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare Potato & Chicken Mixture: Toss potatoes and chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread in baking dish.
Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and cooked.
Add Cheese & Bacon: Sprinkle cheddar cheese and bacon over the top. Bake for 5–7 minutes until cheese melts.
Serve: Cool slightly, then top with sour cream, green onions, and parsley. Garnish and serve warm.