Loaded Potato and Chicken Bake Recipe | Hearty & Cheesy Casserole

July 30, 2025Maria

Introduction To Loaded Potato and Chicken Bake

There’s a special kind of comfort found in hearty, layered casseroles, and Loaded Potato and Chicken Bake perfectly fits that description. Combining tender chunks of chicken with creamy potatoes and all the beloved “loaded” potato toppings, this dish is a satisfying meal that brings both warmth and indulgence to your table. Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner after a long day or preparing a crowd-pleaser for a family gathering, this recipe hits every note of deliciousness.

This bake offers the perfect balance of protein and carbs, with vegetables adding a fresh element. It’s versatile enough to serve as a main course or a hearty side, and simple enough to customize to your taste preferences.

Why is this recipe so popular?

Loaded Potato and Chicken Bake has skyrocketed in popularity because it takes the best parts of a loaded baked potato and turns it into a complete meal. Here’s why this dish is so loved:

One-dish meal – Combines protein, starch, and veggies effortlessly.
Family-friendly flavors – Everyone loves loaded potatoes, and adding chicken makes it a wholesome dinner.
Easy to customize – Swap out toppings or add extras to suit your taste.
Great for leftovers – Reheats well and maintains its deliciousness.
Comfort food appeal – It satisfies cravings for creamy, cheesy, and savory dishes.

Its combination of familiar flavors in a convenient casserole form makes it a winner in kitchens everywhere.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Hearty and filling – Packed with protein and satisfying potatoes.
Loaded with flavor – Bacon, cheese, and green onions add depth and texture.
Easy to prepare – Simple layering and baking, no complicated steps.
Perfect for busy weeknights – Prep ahead and bake when ready.
Customizable – Add veggies like broccoli, swap chicken for turkey, or use sweet potatoes.

Ingredients:

4 large potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works well)
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup sour cream
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup milk
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions (plus extra for garnish)
Optional: 1 cup steamed broccoli florets or other veggies

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and tender.

Step 2: Cook Bacon and Prepare Chicken

Cook bacon in a skillet until crisp. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled. If your chicken is not cooked, sauté or roast it until fully cooked and then cube or shred it.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

In the same skillet used for bacon, sauté the chopped onion over medium heat until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Mix the Creamy Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. Add in half the shredded cheddar cheese, cooked onions, garlic, chicken, and bacon. Mix well.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly. Spread half of the roasted potatoes in an even layer. Spoon half of the creamy chicken mixture over the potatoes. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and chicken mixture.

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top evenly.

Step 6: Bake

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions or chives. Serve warm, optionally topped with extra sour cream or hot sauce.

Variation:

Add veggies: Incorporate steamed broccoli, peas, or diced bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Use sweet potatoes: Swap russet potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter and nutrient-rich option.
Different protein: Substitute chicken with cooked ground turkey, ham, or sausage.
Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the creamy sauce.
Dairy-free: Use vegan sour cream and cheese alternatives.

Cooking Note:

Roasting potatoes separately ensures they’re crispy and not soggy in the casserole.
If you want a creamier texture, add a little more milk or sour cream.
The bacon adds great texture, but you can omit it for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave; just cover with foil to prevent drying out.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair this bake with a simple green salad for freshness.
Serve alongside steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts.
A side of crusty bread or garlic bread complements the creamy textures.
Add a light dessert like fruit salad or lemon sorbet to finish the meal.

Tips:

Use day-old cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
Don’t skip roasting the potatoes first; it makes all the difference in texture.
For extra richness, add a handful of shredded mozzarella along with cheddar.
Chop herbs fresh for maximum flavor impact.
If prepping ahead, assemble the casserole but wait to add cheese until baking day.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 50 minutes (including potato roasting)

Total Time: 70 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 6 servings):

Calories: 470
Protein: 35g
Sodium: 820mg
Fats: 27g

Conclusion:

Loaded Potato and Chicken Bake is a dish that effortlessly combines all your favorite flavors into one comforting meal. The crispy roasted potatoes, tender chicken, savory bacon, and creamy cheese sauce come together to create a rich and satisfying dinner perfect for any night of the week. This casserole is ideal for feeding hungry families, impressing guests, or prepping meals in advance. Its flexibility with ingredients means you can tailor it to your dietary preferences without losing any of the hearty goodness.

With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this bake is destined to become a beloved staple in your home. Whether served with fresh salad greens or crusty bread, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that warms the soul and fills the belly.