If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug on a plate, then the Loaded Baked Potato Chicken Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. This hearty casserole combines tender, spice-kissed chicken with perfectly roasted, crispy-edged potatoes, all smothered in melty cheddar cheese, savory ham, and fresh green onions. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings together classic loaded potato toppings with juicy chicken, creating layers of flavor that make every bite downright addictive. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe is a simple, crave-worthy winner you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the punch of smoked paprika and hot sauce to the rich cheddar cheese and crispy potatoes, these essential components come together effortlessly to create that signature loaded baked potato goodness.
- 2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cubed for quick, even cooking and juicy bites throughout the casserole.
- 8-10 medium russet potatoes (skin on): The star of the dish, diced to roast crispy on the outside while tender inside.
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps coat the potatoes and chicken for perfect roasting.
- 1 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the dish.
- 1 tbsp ground black pepper: Provides a subtle heat and depth of flavor.
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika: Adds a smoky, earthy note that complements the chicken and potatoes beautifully.
- 2 tbsp garlic powder: Introduces a savory warmth that gently infuses every bite.
- 6 tbsp hot sauce: Gives the dish a bold kick and lively tanginess.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly over the top for that irresistible gooey finish.
- 1 cup cooked diced ham: Adds a salty, meaty contrast that elevates the casserole’s savoriness.
- 1 cup thinly sliced green onions: Offers fresh color and a bright, mild onion flavor as a finishing touch.
How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Spice Marinade
Begin by combining the extra virgin olive oil, hot sauce, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a large bowl. This flavorful marinade sets the foundation for the dish, infusing both potatoes and chicken with a perfect balance of spice and smokiness. Take a moment to really mix these well so every ingredient gets the attention it deserves.
Step 2: Coat and Roast the Potatoes
Add the cubed russet potatoes to your spice marinade and stir thoroughly to ensure each piece is generously coated. Transfer the potatoes to a greased 9×13 baking dish, leaving any leftover marinade in the bowl. Roast these powerhouse potatoes in a blazing 500°F oven for 45 to 50 minutes, stirring every 10 to 15 minutes. This high heat creates crispy, golden exteriors while tenderizing the insides, achieving that incredible texture that makes loaded potatoes so addictive.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken While Potatoes Bake
As the potatoes roast, toss the cubed chicken breasts into the remaining marinade in the bowl. Let the chicken soak up all those spices until the potatoes are just about done. This step guarantees that the chicken will be flavorful, juicy, and fully integrated into the casserole’s vibrant taste profile.
Step 4: Layer the Chicken atop the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are cooked to perfection, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Spread the marinated chicken cubes evenly over the roasted potatoes. Lower the oven temperature to 400°F to prepare for the next baking phase, where flavors will truly meld together.
Step 5: Add Cheese, Ham, and Green Onion Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, diced ham, and thinly sliced green onions. This topping is what transforms the dish into a loaded baked potato celebration. Sprinkle it evenly over the chicken and potatoes, ensuring every bite will deliver that perfect cheesy, salty, fresh combo.
Step 6: Final Bake for Melty Perfection
Return your casserole to the oven and bake for about 15 minutes. During this time, the chicken will cook through completely while the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden crown. The ham warms up and the green onions soften just slightly, tying the whole dish together into a mouthwatering masterpiece.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the casserole from the oven and serve hot. For those who want an extra flavor boost, offer sides like extra hot sauce, ketchup, ranch dressing, or classic sour cream—just like a loaded baked potato, but with even more fun! Dig in and savor the perfect harmony of textures and flavors you’ve created.
How to Serve Loaded Baked Potato Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate your casserole experience dramatically. Consider sprinkling extra green onions or chopped fresh chives for a bright pop of color and mild tang. Crumbled crispy bacon or a dollop of sour cream adds richness and texture, making each spoonful an absolute treat. A dash of paprika or finely chopped fresh parsley can also give your platter a stunning finish.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a fulfilling main dish but pairs beautifully with vibrant, lighter sides. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness, while steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus offer a healthy crunch. For a heartier meal, serve alongside dinner rolls or garlic bread to make the gathering comfortably filling.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in mini casserole dishes or ramekins to make cozy, personalized servings that impress at dinner parties. You can also layer the casserole into a trifle dish for a family-style presentation that’s visually stunning. Garnishing the top with sections of fresh tomato or slices of avocado adds a colorful, fresh contrast to the warm, cheesy interior.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When properly chilled, the casserole’s flavors deepen, making the next-day meal just as delicious—if not better! Make sure to cool it completely before sealing to preserve texture and avoid sogginess.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully and makes for a fantastic ready-to-bake meal on busy days. To freeze, place the cooled casserole in a freezer-safe container or cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It will keep well for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes, to keep the potatoes crispy and the cheese melty. Microwave reheating works too, but the texture of the potatoes is best preserved in the oven. If frozen, ensure the casserole is completely thawed before reheating to maintain consistent cooking.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Russet potatoes are ideal because of their high starch content, which creates that classic fluffy interior and crispy skin. However, Yukon golds can be used for a creamier texture. Just keep in mind they may not get quite as crispy as russets.
Is the hot sauce necessary?
While the hot sauce adds a lively kick that brightens the spices, you can adjust the amount or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder flavor. The dish still delivers great taste without it, just a bit less tangy and spicy.
Can I substitute the ham with another ingredient?
Absolutely! Bacon bits or cooked sausage chunks make excellent alternatives if you want to switch up the flavors. For a vegetarian option, try using sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu instead.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked in the casserole?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is no longer pink inside. Baking the casserole for 15 minutes after adding the chicken generally ensures it’s cooked through, but you can cut a piece open to double-check.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your hot sauce and any store-bought ham to confirm they do not contain gluten additives.
Final Thoughts
This Loaded Baked Potato Chicken Casserole Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels special yet comes together with such simplicity. Its winning combination of crispy potatoes, juicy chicken, melty cheese, and smoky, spicy seasoning is sure to become a staple in your cooking rotation. So gather your ingredients, and get ready to serve up a bowlful of hearty comfort that your friends and family will love!
Print
Loaded Baked Potato Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Loaded Baked Potato Chicken Casserole combines tender, spicy marinated chicken and crispy baked potatoes smothered in a rich cheddar cheese, ham, and green onion topping. Baked to bubbly perfection, this hearty one-dish meal delivers all the comforting flavors of a loaded baked potato with an extra protein boost for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Potatoes
- 2–3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
- 8–10 medium russet potatoes, skin on, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 6 tbsp hot sauce
Topping
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked diced ham
- 1 cup thinly sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the spice mixture: In a large bowl, mix together the extra virgin olive oil, hot sauce, salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until well combined. This spicy marinade will flavor both the potatoes and chicken.
- Coat and bake the potatoes: Add the cubed potatoes to the spice mixture and stir thoroughly to evenly coat. Transfer the potatoes to a greased 9×13 baking dish, leaving extra marinade behind in the bowl. Bake at 500°F for 45-50 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes, until the potatoes are cooked through with crispy exteriors.
- Marinate the chicken: While the potatoes bake, add the cubed chicken breasts to the remaining spice mixture in the bowl. Stir well to coat the chicken completely and allow it to marinate during the remaining potato cook time.
- Add chicken to potatoes and reduce oven temperature: When potatoes are done, remove the baking dish from the oven. Add the marinated chicken pieces on top of the potatoes. Lower the oven temperature to 400°F to prepare for the casserole baking step.
- Prepare and add the topping: In a separate bowl, combine shredded cheddar cheese, cooked diced ham, and thinly sliced green onions. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the chicken and potatoes in the baking dish.
- Bake the casserole: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the cheese topping is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and serve hot. For extra flavor, offer additional hot sauce, ketchup, ranch dressing, or sour cream on the side.
Notes
- Check chicken doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Stirring the potatoes during baking promotes even crisping on all sides.
- Russet potatoes hold up well during baking and develop a crispy outside with a fluffy interior.
- Adjust hot sauce quantity according to your preferred spice level.
- For added creaminess, consider mixing sour cream into the cheese topping before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
