If you are looking for a hearty, delightful, and downright satisfying meal to impress your family or friends, look no further than this Loaded Chicken Casserole Recipe. It combines tender chicken, crispy roasted potatoes, vibrant broccoli, smoky bacon, and ooey-gooey cheddar cheese into one comforting dish. This casserole is not only bursting with flavors and different textures but also a complete, all-in-one dinner that is surprisingly simple to prepare. Once you dive into this recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your weekly dinner lineup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is thoughtfully chosen to bring out the best in taste and texture, contributing to a perfectly balanced and hearty casserole that’s easy to pull together. From fresh vegetables to rich cheese, each component plays a vital role.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that soaks up flavors as it cooks.
- 3 large russet potatoes: These give a satisfying crispy and fluffy texture when roasted.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Adds a fresh, green contrast and a nutritional boost.
- Olive oil: Essential for roasting potatoes and adding moisture and richness.
- Salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder: The seasoning squad that elevates every ingredient with warm, savory notes.
- Cheddar cheese: Provides that irresistible melty, creamy topping that makes this casserole truly loaded.
- Bacon: Adds smoky crunch and depth to the casserole, making it feel like a special occasion meal.
- Optional garnishes: sour cream and green onions: Perfect finishing touches to bring brightness and creaminess.
How to Make Loaded Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 400º F (200º C). This temperature is ideal to roast the potatoes until perfectly tender and to cook the chicken through in the later baking steps.
Step 2: Roast the Potatoes
Dice the russet potatoes into bite-sized pieces, then toss them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast until they become golden and tender. This layer creates the crispy, comforting base of your Loaded Chicken Casserole Recipe.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli Mixture
While the potatoes roast, mix your chopped chicken breasts and broccoli florets in a bowl. Season them with garlic powder, a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. This not only seasons the protein and vegetable but also ensures everything stays juicy and flavorful.
Step 4: Layer and Bake
Once the potatoes are ready, spread the chicken and broccoli mixture evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake until the chicken is cooked through and tender, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Bacon
Finally, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese and cooked, crumbled bacon over your casserole. Pop it back into the oven and bake just until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden blanket.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
To finish, dollop with sour cream and scatter some chopped green onions if desired. These garnishes add creaminess and a fresh bite that perfectly complements the rich casserole.
How to Serve Loaded Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a spoonful of sour cream and a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions brings life to the casserole with creamy and zesty notes. It’s like a little flavor boost that makes every bite feel fresh and indulgent.
Side Dishes
This Loaded Chicken Casserole Recipe stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider a simple crisp green salad or a light vinaigrette-dressed slaw. These sides add a crisp, refreshing element that balances the richness of the casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets. Layer the ingredients neatly and finish with a decorative sprinkle of herbs like parsley or chives. This not only looks elegant but also makes portioning a breeze.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. Your Loaded Chicken Casserole Recipe will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for easy and delicious next-day meals.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the best texture and flavors.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers in the oven at 350º F (175º C) until warmed through to retain that crispy potato layer and melted cheese magic. You can also microwave it in shorter bursts, stirring occasionally, but the oven method is best for texture.
FAQs
Can I use different vegetables in this Loaded Chicken Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap broccoli for cauliflower, green beans, or even bell peppers. The key is to use vegetables that hold up well during baking to maintain texture.
Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes, simply substitute cheddar cheese with your favorite dairy-free cheese and omit sour cream or use a dairy-free alternative. The flavors will still be deliciously satisfying.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add some cayenne pepper or chili powder when seasoning the potatoes or chicken mixture. You can also top with jalapeños before baking for an extra kick.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time before baking?
Definitely. Assemble the casserole in the baking dish, cover tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.
What type of bacon works best?
Thick-cut bacon provides excellent texture and flavor, but regular bacon works just as well. Cook it until crispy to add a lovely crunch on top of the casserole.
Final Thoughts
Making this Loaded Chicken Casserole Recipe means treating yourself to a meal filled with layers of comfort and flavor that never disappoints. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to share with loved ones. Once you try it, I promise it will become a cherished go-to that you’ll want to make again and again. So grab those ingredients and start baking your next favorite comfort food!
Print
Loaded Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Loaded Chicken Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for family dinners. It features tender, seasoned chicken breasts combined with nutritious broccoli, nestled over crispy, seasoned baked potatoes, and topped with melted cheddar cheese and savory bacon. Simple to prepare and packed with flavor, this casserole is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
Proteins
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Bacon, 6 slices cooked and crumbled
- Cheddar cheese, 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded
Vegetables & Starches
- 3 large russet potatoes, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Seasonings & Oils
- Olive oil, about 3 tablespoons
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Paprika, 1 teaspoon
- Garlic powder, 1 teaspoon
Optional Garnishes
- Sour cream, for serving
- Green onions, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400º F (200º C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the potatoes and later the casserole layers.
- Prepare and bake potatoes: Dice the russet potatoes into bite-sized pieces, then toss them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika until evenly coated. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake until tender and slightly crispy, about 25-30 minutes.
- Combine chicken and broccoli: In a mixing bowl, add the diced chicken breasts and broccoli florets. Season with garlic powder, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Layer chicken mixture over potatoes: Remove the baked potatoes from the oven and spread them evenly in a casserole dish. Top the potatoes with the seasoned chicken and broccoli mixture, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
- Bake chicken and broccoli: Return the casserole dish to the oven and bake until the chicken is cooked through and broccoli is tender, approximately 20-25 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165º F (74º C).
- Add cheese and bacon: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the hot casserole, followed by the crumbled cooked bacon. Place the casserole back into the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese melts and bubbles.
- Garnish and serve: Once baked, optionally top the casserole with dollops of sour cream and chopped green onions before serving for extra flavor and creaminess.
Notes
- For a crispier potato base, parboil the diced potatoes before seasoning and baking.
- Use cooked bacon for convenience or bake your own by placing strips on a foil-lined tray at 400º F for about 15 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning amounts based on your taste preferences.
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165º F (74º C).
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; add extra baking time if chilled.
- Substitute cheddar with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella if preferred.
