This chicken and potato casserole is an easy, comforting meal that tastes just like a loaded baked potato — but better, because it includes tender chicken. It’s a great weeknight dinner for families: all-in-one, filling, and simple to prepare. Serve it with a crisp side salad or a steamed vegetable to round out the plate. This recipe combines potatoes, bacon, cheese, and chicken for a crowd-pleasing casserole that stores well and reheats beautifully.
Why you need to try this Chicken and Potato Casserole
- Everything in one dish: protein, carbs, and plenty of flavor
- All the best parts of a loaded baked potato — bacon, cheddar, sour cream-style toppings
- Simple ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for busy nights
Ingredients
- 5 red potatoes (about 6 cups), scrubbed and cut into ½-inch pieces
- 8 oz bacon (sliced, then fried; reserve 1 tablespoon bacon grease)
- 1½ lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (use 1 cup, save 1 cup for topping)
- ¼ cup green onion, thinly sliced
Optional garnish
- Dollops of sour cream
- Additional sliced green onion
How to make chicken potato casserole
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray or grease a baking dish.
- Fry the bacon in a skillet until crisp. Remove bacon to drain and chop into pieces. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease in the skillet for cooking the chicken.
- Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces. Pat lightly with salt and pepper.
- Place the scrubbed and chopped red potatoes in the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Pour the butter mixture over the potatoes and toss so the potatoes are evenly coated.
- Bake the potatoes at 400°F for 45–50 minutes, or until fork-tender.
- While the potatoes are baking, cook the chicken in the reserved bacon grease over medium heat until fully cooked, about 6–10 minutes depending on pieces. (An instant-read thermometer should read 165°F for chicken.)
- When the potatoes are done, remove the baking dish from the oven and turn the oven off or lower the temperature to the oven’s lowest setting.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar evenly over the potatoes. Layer the cooked chicken, chopped bacon, and sliced green onions on top of the cheese.
- Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar over the top and place the casserole back in the still-warm oven for 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese melts and becomes gooey.
- Serve warm, topped with dollops of sour cream and additional green onions if desired.
Recipe details
- Recipe: Chicken and Potato Casserole
- Author: Vicky
- Prep time: 10 mins
- Cook time: 50 mins
- Total time: 1 hour
- Servings: 8
- Calories (approx.): 497 kcal per serving
Nutrition (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 497 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Fat: 29 g (Saturated fat: 13 g)
- Cholesterol: 117 mg
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Potassium: 1008 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 1 g
Tips and variations
- Swap russet potatoes for red potatoes if you prefer a fluffier texture.
- Use smoked paprika or add a pinch of cayenne for a touch of heat.
- Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–5 days and reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Stir in steamed broccoli or peas before topping with cheese for an easy vegetable boost.
Frequently asked questions
You can store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–5 days. Reheat until hot throughout before serving.
Should chicken be cooked before adding to the casserole?
Yes. Cook the chicken first to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature and to avoid cross-contamination.
Can I use russet potatoes in place of red potatoes?
Yes. Russet potatoes will work fine and give a slightly different texture.
Related posts
- Easy Loaded Smashed Potatoes
- Instant Pot Red Baked Potatoes
- Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
- 10 Easy Casserole Recipes
- Sweet Potato Bread with Pecans
This nutritional information is approximate and was calculated using online tools. Actual values may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.