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
Scale
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.
