Loaded Baked Potato Chicken

This loaded baked potato chicken casserole brings together creamy rotisserie chicken, cheese-stuffed potatoes, and savory bacon in one delicious family dish. I lean on this casserole any time I want a hands-off hearty dinner that guarantees happy faces at our table.

I first made this for a potluck and the dish vanished before anything else on the table. Now it is my go-to whenever I need a guaranteed hit with friends or family.

Ingredients

• Russet potatoes: The fluffy texture holds up well and soaks in the creaminess and flavor
• Rotisserie chicken: Pre-shredded chicken saves time and always brings great flavor
• Full-fat sour cream: Makes the casserole super creamy use the good stuff for best taste
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Gives bold flavor and melty texture I always grate mine fresh
• Green onions: These add a pop of freshness and color
• Beef bacon bits: Provide smoky flavor as a topping I love baking my own until very crisp
• Whole milk: Helps loosen up the sour cream for easy mixing and rich consistency
• Salt and black pepper: Essential to balance all the other flavors use sea salt and freshly cracked pepper if possible

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Baking Dish:

Lightly grease a standard 9 by 13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy

Cube the Baked Potatoes:

Let your baked russets cool fully so they keep their shape Cut them into even one inch cubes for the perfect hearty bite

Layer the First Half:

Arrange half of the potato cubes on the bottom of the dish Distribute half of the shredded chicken over the potatoes so each bite has a little of both

Mix the Cream:

Whisk together the sour cream and whole milk until completely combined and smooth This mixture will melt into the potatoes and chicken as it bakes

Drizzle the Cream Mixture:

Pour half the cream mixture evenly over the layers letting it soak between the potatoes and chicken

Add Cheese Onions and Bacon:

Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese green onions and bacon bits on top Season lightly with salt and black pepper This forms the first savory layer

Repeat the Layers:

Use the remaining potatoes chicken cream mixture cheese onions and bacon to build a second set of layers repeating all the steps

Cover and Bake:

Cover with foil Bake in your preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes until everything is hot and bubbling and flavors meld

Uncover and Crisp:

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5 to 10 minutes This allows the top cheese and bacon to become crisp and golden

Let Rest:

Remove from the oven and let the casserole stand for at least 5 minutes before serving This helps everything set so you get neat slices

Pin it

Cheddar is my favorite part of this recipe because it gets perfectly golden and crisp at the top My youngest once called the top crust the best part of dinner and tried to sneak extra when I was not looking This dish always brings everyone to the kitchen to peek at the bubbly cheese layer as it finishes up

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to four days Store in a covered dish and reheat gently in the oven or microwave for best results If you want to freeze it wrap the casserole tightly in two layers of foil for up to three months Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap the beef bacon with turkey bacon or even vegetarian bacon if you want a lighter flavor Shredded rotisserie turkey also works well in place of chicken I have used Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a little more tang and fewer calories For extra heat toss in some diced pickled jalapenos between layers

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is a main course on its own but I like to serve it with a crisp green salad or a batch of steamed broccoli for balance For brunch make smaller cubes and serve alongside scrambled eggs and fruit For a game day snack scoop small portions into ramekins for easy snacking

Cultural Context of the Dish

Loaded baked potato chicken casserole is rooted in American comfort food tradition It takes familiar steakhouse flavors and combines them for a one-dish meal that is easy to assemble and share The combination of potatoes cheese and bacon is universally loved and brings out a sense of nostalgia for family gatherings and holiday tables

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use leftover chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, any cooked shredded chicken works well, such as leftover roast or grilled chicken. Ensure it’s seasoned to enhance the flavors.

→ What can I use as a substitute for beef bacon bits?

You can use turkey or pork bacon bits, or even vegetarian bacon crumbles if you prefer a non-meat option.

→ Can this dish be frozen for later?

Yes, assemble the casserole without baking and freeze it covered tightly. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as instructed.

→ How can I make this dish creamier?

To make it creamier, replace whole milk with heavy cream or add an extra tablespoon of sour cream to the mixture.

→ What side dishes pair well with this dish?

This casserole pairs well with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or a light coleslaw to balance its richness.