Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Loaded Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and savory potatoes all baked to perfection. It’s a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. With rich flavors and a cheesy, satisfying texture, this casserole is both indulgent and easy to prepare.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken breastspotatoesbaconcheddar cheesemozzarella cheesecream cheesesour creamgreen onionsgarlic powderonion powdersaltpepperolive oil

directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes. Toss them with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Spread the seasoned potatoes in the baking dish and bake for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

While the potatoes are baking, cook the bacon until crispy, then chop and set aside.

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook in a skillet until golden and cooked through.

In a large bowl, mix the cooked chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, half of the cheddar cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the chopped bacon.

Remove the potatoes from the oven, then layer the chicken mixture on top.

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar, mozzarella, and bacon over the top.

Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Initial baking time: 30 minutes
Final baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 65-70 minutes

Variations

Add steamed broccoli or cauliflower for a veggie boost.

Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep time.

Swap cream cheese for ranch dressing for a different flavor profile.

Use sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter and nutritious twist.

Spice it up with jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
This casserole also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Can I use frozen potatoes?

Yes, frozen diced potatoes or hash browns work well—just thaw before using.

Can I omit the bacon?

Absolutely, though it adds a lot of flavor. You can substitute with turkey bacon or a vegetarian alternative.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, just ensure all ingredients, especially seasonings and cheeses, are gluten-free.

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, feel free to experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or pepper jack.

Can I add eggs to make it breakfast-style?

Yes, crack a few eggs on top before the final bake for a breakfast casserole version.

How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?

Cover with foil during baking if it starts to look dry, and avoid overcooking.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Use dairy-free cheese and sour cream alternatives, and skip the cream cheese or use a vegan version.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and add extra flavor.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes, layer ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

Conclusion

Loaded Chicken Casserole is a rich and satisfying dish that brings together the best of comfort food in one pan. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for an easy meal prep solution, this casserole delivers flavor and convenience. Give it a try—you might just find it’s your new favorite go-to recipe.