If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that brings together the best of cozy flavors and satisfying textures, this Loaded Chicken Casserole Recipe is your new go-to. Imagine tender chicken, crispy roasted potatoes, vibrant broccoli, smoky bacon, and ooey-gooey cheddar cheese all baked in perfect harmony. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your kitchen because it’s indulgent, simple to prepare, and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Loaded Chicken Casserole Recipe calls for simple ingredients, each chosen to contribute its own magic to the dish’s taste, texture, and color. From fresh vegetables to savory spices, these basics come together to create a symphony of flavors.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Provides tender, juicy protein that’s perfect for baking and absorbs all the seasonings beautifully.
- Russet potatoes: Dice them up for a crispy, golden base that adds satisfying heartiness to every bite.
- Broccoli florets: Adds a pop of vibrant green color and a fresh, slightly crunchy contrast to the dish.
- Olive oil: Essential for roasting potatoes and coating the chicken mix to keep everything moist and flavorful.
- Salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder: A simple yet powerful spice blend that elevates the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Cheddar cheese: For that melty, cheesy goodness that pulls the whole casserole together.
- Bacon: Crispy, smoky bacon crumbles add an irresistible savory punch and incredible texture.
How to Make Loaded Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 400º F (200º C). This high heat ensures that your potatoes and chicken will cook evenly with a perfectly roasted finish. Preparing the oven ahead of time saves you from any waiting and gets you ready for a smooth cooking experience.
Step 2: Roast the Potatoes
Dice your russet potatoes and toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika. The olive oil helps the potatoes crisp up beautifully, while the paprika adds a subtle smoky warmth that enhances the flavor. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake until they are tender and golden brown—this will take about 20 to 25 minutes. These roasted potatoes form the delicious base layer of your casserole.
Step 3: Mix the Chicken and Broccoli
While the potatoes roast, combine the chicken breasts (either diced or shredded), broccoli florets, garlic powder, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This mixture balances the earthiness of chicken with the freshness of broccoli, all coated in garlic-infused olive oil that ensures every bite is flavorful.
Step 4: Layer and Bake
Once the potatoes are done, transfer them to a casserole dish and evenly layer the chicken and broccoli mixture over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake until the chicken is fully cooked through, which typically takes around 25 to 30 minutes. This layering allows the flavors to mingle and the juices from the chicken to soak into the potatoes.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Bacon
As the chicken finishes cooking, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits over the casserole. Pop it back into the oven just long enough for the cheese to melt into a bubbly, golden topping and the bacon to warm through, adding a rich smoky crunch that is simply irresistible.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
For an extra touch of deliciousness, garnish your casserole with sour cream and chopped green onions if you like. These fresh garnishes cut through the richness and add layers of flavor that complete this wholesome dish perfectly.
How to Serve Loaded Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing finishes a plate of loaded chicken casserole like a dollop of cool sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh green onions. These garnishes brighten the dish and add a lovely tang that complements the creamy cheese and smoky bacon perfectly.
Side Dishes
Since this casserole is already loaded with protein, veggies, and carbs, simple sides work best. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some steamed green beans with lemon zest can balance out the richness and keep the meal refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your casserole in individual ramekins, allowing each person to enjoy their own personal portion. You can even create mini loaded chicken casserole “bowls” inside hollowed-out bell peppers for a colorful, festive presentation that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This Loaded Chicken Casserole Recipe holds its flavor well, making for an easy, satisfying dinner the next day or a great packed lunch option.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the casserole, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in a 350º F (175º C) oven until heated through and bubbly. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw first and then reheat so the casserole heats evenly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well if fresh isn’t available—just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before mixing it with the chicken to avoid sogginess.
Is it okay to use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, you can definitely use cooked chicken to save time. Just mix it with the broccoli and spices and adjust baking time to warm everything through and melt the cheese.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute cheddar with your favorite dairy-free cheese and skip the sour cream garnish or use a dairy-free alternative. The dish will still be deliciously flavorful!
How spicy is this casserole?
This Loaded Chicken Casserole Recipe has a mild warmth thanks to paprika and garlic powder but isn’t spicy hot. You can always add cayenne pepper or chili flakes if you want to kick up the heat.
What’s the best way to crisp the bacon?
Cooking bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy yields the best texture and flavor. You can also bake it on a sheet pan in the oven. Either way, draining it on paper towels before adding to the casserole prevents grease from making the dish soggy.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Loaded Chicken Casserole Recipe inspires you to create a warm, crowd-pleasing meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious. It’s straightforward to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for those days when you want a little extra coziness on your plate. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite casserole!
Print
Loaded Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Loaded Chicken Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breast, crispy roasted potatoes, and fresh broccoli, all layered and baked to perfection. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and crispy bacon, it’s a satisfying meal packed with flavor and texture, perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 3 large russet potatoes, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Seasonings and Toppings
- Olive oil, 3 tablespoons (divided)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Paprika, 1 teaspoon
- Garlic powder, 1 teaspoon
- Cheddar cheese, 1 to 1.5 cups shredded
- Bacon, 6 slices cooked and crumbled
- Optional garnish: sour cream and chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400º F (200º C) to prepare for roasting the potatoes and baking the casserole.
- Prepare and Roast Potatoes: Toss the diced potatoes in olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika until evenly coated. Spread them out on a baking sheet and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes or until tender and slightly crispy.
- Mix Chicken and Broccoli: In a mixing bowl, combine diced chicken breasts, broccoli florets, garlic powder, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly with seasonings.
- Assemble Casserole: In a baking dish, layer the chicken and broccoli mixture evenly over the roasted potatoes.
- Bake Chicken Mixture: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and broccoli is tender.
- Add Cheese and Bacon: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon evenly over the top. Return to oven and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and optionally garnish with dollops of sour cream and chopped green onions for added freshness and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your loaded chicken casserole.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is diced uniformly for even cooking.
- You can use frozen broccoli florets; just thaw and drain before mixing.
- Bacon can be cooked in advance or replaced with turkey bacon for a lighter option.
- If you prefer extra crispy potatoes, broil for 2-3 minutes after baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- This casserole can be assembled a day ahead and baked right before serving.
