Name: Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (breast or thighs); 3 cups mashed potatoes (preferably warm); 2 tablespoons butter; 1/2 cup sour cream; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided; 1/2 cup bacon bits, crispy; 1/4 cup green onions, chopped

If you adore comforting, hearty meals that bring together rich flavors and satisfying textures, then the Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole is your new go-to dish. This casserole combines tender chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheese, and all the classic loaded baked potato toppings into one irresistible, soul-warming bake. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe delivers the ultimate blend of creamy, cheesy goodness that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate Comfort Food: This casserole combines the best of loaded baked potatoes with protein-rich chicken for a filling, comforting meal.
Easy to Prepare: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
Family Favorite: The familiar flavors of baked potatoes and cheesy chicken make it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Customizable Ingredients: You can tailor this dish with your favorite toppings and mix-ins for endless variation.
One-Dish Convenience: Everything bakes together in one casserole, simplifying cleanup and meal prep.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a key role in boosting flavor, creaminess, and that authentic loaded potato character.

Cooked chicken: Use shredded or diced chicken breast or thighs for tender protein that soaks up all the flavors.
Mashed potatoes: Creamy and smooth mashed potatoes provide the perfect base layer full of comfort.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts perfectly, adding gooey, savory richness throughout the casserole.
Bacon bits: Crispy bacon delivers smoky, salty crunch to mimic classic baked potato toppings.
Green onions: Fresh green onions add a pop of color and mild onion brightness.
Sour cream: Adds tangy creaminess that complements the hearty potatoes and chicken.
Butter and seasonings: Simple spices like garlic powder, salt, and pepper enhance depth without overpowering.

Variations

This Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole is wonderfully flexible, so feel free to make it your own and adjust according to your pantry, taste, or dietary needs.

Vegetarian twist: Swap the chicken for roasted mushrooms or extra veggies for a meat-free version bursting with flavor.
Different cheeses: Try gouda, pepper jack, or mozzarella to change the cheesy profile.
Spicy kick: Add jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for a warming spice boost.
Low-carb option: Use cauliflower mash instead of potatoes for a lower-carb casserole alternative.
Dairy-free substitution: Replace cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives for a vegan-friendly casserole.

How to Make Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cooking and shredding or dicing your chicken breasts or thighs. You can poach, bake, or pan-fry the chicken, seasoning it lightly with salt and pepper for extra flavor.

Step 2: Mash the Potatoes

Use leftover mashed potatoes or freshly boil and mash potatoes until smooth and creamy. Add butter, sour cream, salt, and pepper to enrich the texture and taste.

Step 3: Mix the Casserole Base

Combine the shredded chicken, mashed potatoes, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and seasonings in a large bowl until well blended.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the chicken and potato mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle crispy bacon bits, the remaining cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions evenly on top.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.

Pro Tips for Making Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole

Use warm mashed potatoes: Mixing warm potatoes helps everything bind smoothly.
Don’t skip bacon: The crispy, smoky flavor adds an essential contrast to creamy textures.
Season layers well: Taste and adjust salt and spices throughout for balanced flavor.
Rest before serving: Let the casserole sit 5-10 minutes to set perfectly and avoid runny slices.
Use high-quality cheese: Sharp cheddar or your favorite meltable cheese enhances richness.

How to Serve Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole

Garnishes

Finishing with fresh diced green onions, a dollop of sour cream, and crunchy bacon bits adds not only flavor but texture and visual appeal that makes this casserole truly inviting.

Side Dishes

Pair this rich casserole with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness and add freshness to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual portions in small ramekins for a fancy touch at dinner parties or family gatherings, or spoon onto plates alongside a vibrant vegetable medley to create a wholesome dinner plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring freshness and easy meal prep.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully—wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months to enjoy later without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and bubbly again, or microwave individual portions for quick convenience.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken for this casserole?

Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly and makes the recipe even easier to prepare.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, using gluten-free ingredients and ensuring your bacon and seasonings are gluten-free will keep this casserole safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

Yes, substitute dairy ingredients like cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives to create a dairy-free version.

What kind of potatoes work best?

Russet potatoes are ideal for fluffy mashed potatoes, but Yukon Gold also works well for a creamier texture.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Diced broccoli, bell peppers, or corn can add flavor and nutrition while maintaining the casserole’s delicious appeal.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a filling, flavorful, and wonderfully comforting meal to share with loved ones, the Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole is an absolute must-try. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and packed with all the cozy flavors that will bring everyone back to the table again and again. Give this recipe a whirl, and watch it become your new family favorite!

Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole

Author: Savannah
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free (with gluten-free ingredients), Dairy-Free option available

Print Recipe

Description

Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole is a comforting and hearty one-dish meal combining tender chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, it blends the flavors of classic loaded baked potatoes with protein-rich chicken in an easy-to-make, family-friendly casserole.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Cook and shred or dice your chicken breasts or thighs. You can poach, bake, or pan-fry the chicken, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
Mash the Potatoes: Use leftover mashed potatoes or freshly boil and mash potatoes until smooth and creamy. Stir in butter, sour cream, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enrich the texture and taste.
Mix the Casserole Base: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mashed potatoes, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and seasonings. Mix until well blended.
Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the chicken and potato mixture into a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the crispy bacon bits, remaining cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions on top.
Bake Until Golden: Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.