Description
Hearty midwestern comfort shines through this loaded cheesy chicken potato casserole, blending creamy textures with rich, savory flavors. Home cooks will savor each cheesy, satisfying bite of this crowd-pleasing dish that brings warmth and joy to family dinner tables.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 6 russet potatoes (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 lb (454 grams) boneless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1.5 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 4 slices cooked bacon (crumbled)
- 2 green onions (sliced)
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Ranch dressing
- Hot sauce
Instructions
- Create a flavorful seasoning blend by whisking together olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder in a spacious mixing bowl.
- Cut chicken and potatoes into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Thoroughly coat the chicken and potato pieces with the prepared seasoning mixture, ensuring each morsel is generously and evenly seasoned.
- Transfer the seasoned mixture into a generously greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading the ingredients in a single layer to promote optimal heat distribution.
- Slide the casserole into a preheated 400°F oven and roast uncovered for approximately one hour, or until potatoes reach a tender consistency and chicken achieves a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Once the initial baking is complete, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and lavishly top with shredded cheese, crispy bacon crumbles, and freshly sliced green onions.
- Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a golden, bubbling blanket that enhances the dish’s rich flavors.
- After removing from the oven, let the casserole rest for a brief 5-minute interval to allow flavors to meld and settle.
- Serve piping hot, offering optional accompaniments like tangy sour cream, zesty ranch dressing, or fiery hot sauce to personalize each serving.
Notes
- Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Dice potatoes uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent uneven texture in the casserole.
- Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting and richer taste.
- Swap bacon with turkey bacon or omit for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly version of the dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg