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
Scale
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.
