Loaded Baked Potato Chicken Casserole

         Admittedly, this is not a recipe for those of you who are attempting to lose weight. This one is loaded with ooey gooey cheese, bacon, chicken and baked potatoes. This is everything we love in one hot meal. This is one of those awesome simple meals that we all want, mainly because it is one of those tasty comfort foods. When the day calls for quick and easy, I reach for the chicken and potatoes casserole.

This is my favorite to make when we actually get to take a vacation. That first night away calls for the comforting taste of potatoes, chicken and whatever vegetable I can reach at the time.

            Preferably, I enjoy roasted vegetables with this casserole. Something colorful like carrots and broccoli, or even asparagus. All the colors together make this a beautiful dish.

This meal comes together so easily, with very little effort. I will say that this dish is very filling on it’s own, so if you feel the need to serve more, you want something light.

Frequently Asked Questions:

            Which potato is best in this recipe?

I love red potatoes in this dish. I will leave the skins on so it adds to the beauty of the colors. You could use baby reds, or red that you need to cut into bites. Yukon Gold and Russets will hold up better for this dish though.

            Can I use frozen potatoes?

You can cut the time needed for cooking even more by using diced frozen potatoes. I have heard that some of you have used tater tots and some even used hashbrowns. I hear they are both good choices.

            Are chicken thighs better than breasts?

This depends on the choice you make. If you prefer chicken thighs over white meat chicken breasts, then go for it. For that fact, you could use pork loin or pork chops.

What do you need to make Loaded Baked Potato Chicken Casserole

            6 cups of red potatoes, cut into pieces

            8 ounces bacon, cooked and crumbled, save some bacon grease

            3 tbsp butter, unsalted

            2 tsp paprika

            1 ½ tsp garlic powder

            Salt and pepper to taste

            1 ½ boneless chicken, thighs or breasts

            2 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded

            ¼ cup chopped green onion

How to make Loaded Baked Potato Chicken Casserole

FIRST STEP:

Preheat the oven to 400*

Spray a casserole dish with non stick spray

SECOND STEP:

Cut up the potatoes and place them in the baking dish

a)

b)

Mix together the butter and the spices

THIRD STEP:

Pour this mixture over the potatoes

Bake for 45 minutes or until the potatoes are fork tender

FOURTH STEP:

Add the diced chicken to the skillet with the bacon grease

a)

b)

Cook until the chicken is done thoroughly

FIFTH STEP:

When the potatoes are done, remove from the oven and top with the chicken and then the bacon.

Sprinkle it with cheese. If needed, place the meat in layers until the pan is full.

SIXTH STEP:

Return to the oven and bake for 3 to 5 minutes

Remove and let sit and rest for 5 minutes

Serve hot with your favorite toppings and a vegetable of your choice or dinner salad.

Enjoy!

YUM!