Name: Loaded Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts; 3 large russet potatoes; 2 cups broccoli florets; Olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder; Cheddar cheese; Bacon

Looking for a hearty and delicious meal that will satisfy the whole family? Look no further than this Loaded Chicken Casserole recipe. Packed with tender chicken, savory potatoes, nutritious broccoli, gooey cheese, and crispy bacon, this dish is a complete crowd-pleaser. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can have this mouthwatering casserole on the table in no time. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make this flavorful dish.

Ingredients:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

3 large russet potatoes, diced

2 cups broccoli florets

¼ cup olive oil, divided

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon paprika

2 teaspoons garlic powder

2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Instructions:

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400º F (200º C). While the oven heats up, prepare your ingredients by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces, dicing the potatoes, and cooking the bacon until crispy.

Season the Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the diced potatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika until they’re evenly coated. Spread the seasoned potatoes in a 13×9-inch baking dish and bake for 35 minutes until they start to brown and become tender.

Prepare Chicken Mixture: While the potatoes are baking, mix the diced chicken, broccoli florets, garlic powder, remaining olive oil, salt, and pepper in the same bowl. Ensure that the chicken and broccoli are evenly coated with the seasonings.

Layer the Casserole: Once the potatoes are partially cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and add the chicken mixture on top of the potatoes. Spread it out evenly to create a uniform layer.

Bake Until Golden: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender. Keep an eye on the casserole to prevent overcooking.

Add Cheese and Bacon: Once cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, followed by the crispy crumbled bacon. The cheese will melt and become gooey, while the bacon adds a delicious crunch.

Melt and Serve: Place the casserole back in the oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Garnish and Enjoy: For an extra burst of flavor, garnish the loaded chicken casserole with dollops of sour cream and chopped green onions before serving.

Serving Tips:

Garnish Creatively: Before serving, consider adding a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped green onions on top of each serving. This adds a burst of freshness and color to the dish.

Pairing Suggestions: Serve this loaded chicken casserole alongside a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Individual Portions: If you’re serving a crowd or want to make portioning easier, consider dividing the casserole into individual ramekins before baking. This makes serving and presentation more elegant.

Customization: Encourage diners to customize their servings with additional toppings such as salsa, hot sauce, or diced avocado for added flavor and texture.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to the fridge.

Freezing: You can also freeze the cooked casserole for longer storage. Place individual portions or the entire casserole in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating: To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator if needed, then reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. You may want to cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning during reheating.

Refreshing Leftovers: If the casserole becomes dry upon reheating, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to moisten it before serving. This will help restore its original texture and flavor.

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FAQs:

Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Casserole?

Absolutely! While broccoli adds a nutritious and flavorful element to the casserole, you can experiment with various vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Consider using cauliflower, bell peppers, spinach, or even mixed vegetables for a colorful twist.

Is it Necessary to Precook the Potatoes Before Baking the Casserole?

Precooking the potatoes ensures that they are tender and evenly cooked throughout the casserole. Baking them for the initial 35 minutes allows them to partially cook and develop a golden brown exterior, which enhances both the texture and flavor of the dish. Skipping this step may result in undercooked potatoes in the final dish.

Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare this loaded chicken casserole ahead of time to streamline meal preparation. Simply assemble the casserole according to the instructions up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator, let it come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, then bake as directed.

Can I Make This Recipe Without Bacon?

Absolutely! While bacon adds a delicious smoky flavor and crispy texture to the casserole, you can omit it if you prefer a vegetarian version or simply don’t have bacon on hand. The casserole will still be flavorful and satisfying thanks to the combination of seasoned chicken, potatoes, broccoli, and melted cheese. Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your dietary preferences or restrictions.

Conclusion:

In just over an hour, you can create a mouthwatering Loaded Chicken Casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its combination of tender chicken, crispy potatoes, fresh broccoli, melted cheese, and savory bacon, this dish offers a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and savor the irresistible goodness of this hearty casserole.

📖 Recipe: