Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite comfort food: Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole! Imagine creamy baked potatoes, tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and a dollop of sour cream all melted together in one irresistible dish. This is the sort of family-friendly, flavor-packed meal that turns a regular weeknight into something truly special. I first made this casserole on a hectic Thursday with only a handful of fridge staples, and it quickly became a beloved tradition—especially when everyone wanted seconds! Not only does it come together quickly, but its simplicity makes it perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for a busy week. If you enjoyed your last cheesy pasta bake from the blog, you’ll adore this hearty casserole just as much—maybe even more. Dig in and get ready for a new go-to recipe everyone will crave!
What is Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole?
With a name like “Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole,” you know you’re in for all the good stuff! But what do we really mean by “loaded”? Well, think about your favorite baked potato, piled high with cheese, bacon, green onions, and sour cream—now imagine all that comfort layered with juicy, flavorful chicken in one bubbling, golden casserole. Why is it “loaded”? Because it’s packed to the brim with all the best toppings! As the classic saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and one scoop of this dish might just prove it true. So give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This
This casserole’s main highlight? Every comforting forkful brings together the best flavors of a loaded baked potato, with the added bonus of juicy, satisfying chicken. Making it at home gives you that indulgent, restaurant-quality taste for a fraction of the price—plus, you probably already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen! The unbeatable combination of creamy sour cream, sharp cheddar, smokey bacon, and fresh green onions means each bite bursts with savory goodness. If you loved my classic Chicken & Rice Bake, this casserole will become your new obsession. Ready for a quick, wallet-friendly dinner everyone will rave about? Try making it tonight—you won’t regret it!
How to Make
Quick Overview
Whipping up this Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole couldn’t be easier! It’s the ultimate recipe for busy evenings, offering a rich, cheesy, and creamy dinner that comes together in about 45 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a time-saving weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings, this casserole delivers with minimal prep and big, cozy flavors. The baked potatoes add heartiness, while the sour cream and cheese melt into a luscious sauce. You’ll love how simple and satisfying this recipe is—just bake, mix, layer, and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 4 large baked potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare your potatoes: Bake the potatoes ahead of time (or use leftover baked potatoes). Once cooled, peel and cube them into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed potatoes and shredded chicken. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Add in the sour cream, half of the shredded cheese, and half the chopped green onions. Mix gently until everything is well coated and evenly distributed.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it into an even layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top, then add the crumbled bacon.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- Remove from the oven and top with the rest of the green onions for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Serve hot, straight from the baking dish!
What to Serve Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole With
This casserole pairs beautifully with crisp green salads like a classic Caesar or a simple arugula mix to lighten up the meal. You can also serve it with steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or buttered corn for a bit of veggie variety. Prefer bread? Offer fluffy dinner rolls or garlic knots to soak up any cheesy goodness left in the pan. For drinks, an iced tea or sparkling lemonade makes a refreshing counterpoint to this hearty, savory dish.
Top Tips for Perfecting
- Don’t skip the pre-baked potatoes—this step ensures the potatoes stay fluffy and delicious instead of turning mushy.
- Experiment with toppings! Try swapping cheddar for Monterey Jack, or add a dash of smoked paprika for extra depth.
- Out of cooked chicken? Rotisserie chicken or even leftover turkey works great.
- Always let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking; this makes for cleaner slices and better flavor melding.
- Avoid overmixing the potatoes, which can lead to a heavy texture—gently fold everything together.
Storing and Reheating Tips
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then cover with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When reheating, cover and warm in a 350°F oven until hot throughout or microwave on medium in 1-minute intervals. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese and green onions before serving to perk up leftovers.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. Just bring it to room temperature before popping it in the oven.
What potatoes work best?
Russet potatoes are the classic choice, but Yukon Golds are also creamy and delicious.
Can I substitute the cheese?
Yes! Feel free to swap cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or a cheese blend for new flavors.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, as long as all ingredients (especially the bacon and cheese) are gluten-free, this casserole fits a gluten-free diet.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Go lighter by using low-fat sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and turkey bacon. Add extra veggies like steamed broccoli or spinach for even more nutrition.
Conclusion
This Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole is the definition of cozy, crowd-pleasing comfort food. Brimming with all your favorite baked potato flavors—plus satisfying chicken and bacon—this dish is simple, budget-friendly, and sure to make any dinner a winner. Easy enough for weeknights and special enough for sharing with loved ones, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. Ready to dig in? Gather your ingredients and watch this casserole become a new family tradition! Don’t forget to check out more hearty casserole recipes on the blog for your next meal inspiration.
Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Casserole Dish
- Oven
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 large Baked Potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups Cooked Chicken, shredded
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- 1 cup Shredded Cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1/2 cup Green Onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup Cooked Bacon, crumbled
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare your potatoes: Bake the potatoes ahead of time (or use leftover baked potatoes). Once cooled, peel and cube them into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed potatoes and shredded chicken. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Add in the sour cream, half of the shredded cheese, and half the chopped green onions. Mix gently until everything is well coated and evenly distributed.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it into an even layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top, then add the crumbled bacon.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- Remove from the oven and top with the rest of the green onions for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Serve hot, straight from the baking dish!
1 comment
How do you cube a baked potato?
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