Loaded Chicken Casserole Recipe

Loaded Chicken Casserole is the sort of dish that transforms an ordinary evening into something extra special. Imagine juicy bites of chicken, tender potatoes, clouds of melted cheese, and all your favorite fixings—bacon, green onions, and just the right balance of seasonings. This casserole is the ultimate comfort meal that manages to both delight a crowd and satisfy the hungriest members of the family. Packed with hearty ingredients and playful texture, each forkful is a celebration of flavor. If you love a dinner that’s both cozy and conveniently easy, this recipe is about to become your go-to hero.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about a Loaded Chicken Casserole is how it brings together classic ingredients for a meal that’s both familiar and exciting. Each one does its part to bring flavor, richness, and a pop of color—so don’t skip a thing!

• Cooked chicken (3 cups, shredded or cubed): Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver, but any leftover cooked chicken works perfectly here.
• Frozen diced potatoes (3 cups): These add comfort and heartiness, making prep extra simple and skipping the step of peeling potatoes.
• Sour cream (1 cup): It creates a creamy, tangy base that binds all the flavors together.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): For that classic cheesy stretch and undeniable flavor—don’t be shy!
• Cooked and crumbled bacon (1/2 cup): Adds smoky, savory bites in every forkful; feel free to add more if you’re a bacon lover.
• Milk (1/2 cup): Loosens up the mixture just enough for a luscious, scoopable texture.
• Chopped green onions (1/4 cup): Offers a mild, fresh sharpness that keeps each bite lively.
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): A little dash adds depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the savory notes for a well-seasoned casserole.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings all the flavors in harmony—so important for casseroles!
• Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds subtle heat and that essential bite.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup, for topping): Melts like a dream and gives the casserole its gorgeous, gooey finish.
• Extra green onions and bacon (for garnish, optional): These little sprinkles on top add color and a fresh, savory crunch right before serving.

How to Make Loaded Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Dish and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Quick tip—using nonstick spray makes cleanup a breeze, especially once all that cheesy goodness starts bubbling. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, shred or cube it now, and make sure your frozen diced potatoes are measured and ready to go.

Step 2: Combine the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded or cubed chicken, frozen diced potatoes, sour cream, cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, milk, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together so every piece of potato and chicken gets coated with creamy, cheesy goodness. This step is where the magic really starts—the mix should look incredibly hearty and inviting.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the chicken and potato mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Now, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese across the top, completely covering the filling—this is what will form that dreamy golden crust in the oven.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide your casserole into the oven and bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese on top is melted, gently browned, and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to help it set and make scooping easier.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Just before serving, scatter a little extra cooked bacon and some fresh green onions over the top for a beautiful pop of color and an added layer of flavor. These garnishes aren’t just decorative—they’re the finishing touches that make this dish sing!

How to Serve Loaded Chicken Casserole

Garnishes

A Loaded Chicken Casserole really shines with its finishing touches. Generous sprinkles of chopped green onions and crispy bacon not only make the top irresistible, they bring bursts of flavor in every bite. Add a dollop of sour cream, some chives, or even a pinch of smoked paprika if you want to amp up the color and excitement on the plate!

Side Dishes

Because this casserole is so filling, you’ll want to pair it with lighter, fresh sides. Think crisp green salads with vinaigrette, roasted broccoli, steamed asparagus, or even some sliced tomatoes with a sprinkle of salt. If you’re feeding a bigger crowd, some crusty bread or fluffy dinner rolls are always welcome for mopping up all that creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your Loaded Chicken Casserole to the next level by scooping it into individual ramekins for a dinner party, or serve it family-style in your favorite colorful baking dish. For game day, cut the casserole into small, sturdy squares and serve as hearty finger food—perfect with toothpicks on a platter. Feeling extra fun? Sprinkle crushed potato chips or fried onions on top for added crunch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Loaded Chicken Casserole will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just be sure to cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual portions into airtight containers to keep it fresh.

Freezing

This casserole is a dream for meal prepping. Once cooled, wrap portions tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. To save time, portion out into single servings, so you can grab just what you need on busy days.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place the casserole (covered with foil) in a 350°F oven until it’s heated through and bubbly—about 20 minutes should do the trick for a full dish, or less for individual servings. For quick single portions, pop them in the microwave until hot. If you want to refresh the topping, remove the foil for the last few minutes to help the cheese get nice and melty again.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Simply peel and dice your potatoes into small cubes (about 1/2-inch), then parboil them for a few minutes until just tender before using. This will help them cook evenly and soak up all the flavors in your Loaded Chicken Casserole.

What’s the best way to add extra vegetables?

Feel free to mix in a cup of steamed broccoli, peas, or finely diced bell peppers right along with the other ingredients in step two. They’ll blend seamlessly with the cheesy, creamy base and bring a dash of extra nutrition and color.

Can I make Loaded Chicken Casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the casserole completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready, just uncover and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed since the dish will be cold.

Is there a lighter version of this recipe?

Yes! Swap the sour cream for plain Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheeses if you like. You can also use turkey bacon for a lighter topping and toss in extra veggies for more fiber and less calorie density.

What’s the best kind of chicken to use?

Both shredded and cubed cooked chicken work great here; rotisserie chicken is fast and flavorful, but leftover roasted or poached chicken will also be delicious. Just make sure it’s well-seasoned since it’s the star of the Loaded Chicken Casserole!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a recipe that feels like a cozy hug on a plate, you absolutely have to try this Loaded Chicken Casserole. It strikes the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy comfort and heartiness, making it a winner any night of the week. Gather your favorite people, dig in, and watch this dish disappear—everyone will be asking for seconds!

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