Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole

This Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—warm, filling, and layered with crispy bacon, gooey cheddar, tender chicken, and hearty chunks of baked russet potatoes. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or casual get-together, it’s a no-fuss recipe that always satisfies. Whether you’re reheating leftovers or serving it fresh out of the oven, every bite is rich and savory with just the right hint of crunch and creaminess.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All-in-One Comfort Meal: Protein, carbs, and cheesy goodness in one easy bake.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble ahead and pop it in the oven later.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, game nights, or family dinners.
• Customizable: Swap proteins, adjust seasoning, or add veggies.
• Simple Ingredients: No fancy tools or hard-to-find items required.

Ingredients

• 8 baking potatoes (Russets), baked and cooled
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 2 cups cooked and cubed chicken
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• Sour cream (for serving)
• Green onions (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Preheat and Prep

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or olive oil.
3. Bake the potatoes in advance (or microwave/boil if short on time), allow them to cool, and cut into bite-sized cubes.

Season the Base

4. In a large bowl, combine the cubed potatoes, ⅓ cup olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp pepper. Toss well to coat.
5. Spread the seasoned potatoes evenly across the baking dish.

Layer the Good Stuff

6. Scatter 2 cups of cooked, cubed chicken evenly over the potatoes.
7. Top with 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese.
8. Sprinkle 1 cup of crumbled bacon across the entire dish.

Bake

9. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden brown.

Garnish and Serve

10. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
11. Garnish with chopped green onions if using.
12. Serve with a dollop of sour cream on the side or on top.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños before baking.
• Add veggies: Toss in broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms with the chicken.
• Cheese swap: Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a twist.
• Time-saver: Use rotisserie chicken and pre-cooked bacon.
• Healthier option: Swap bacon for turkey bacon and use less cheese.

Serving Suggestions

• Main dish: Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies.
• Brunch idea: Great alongside scrambled eggs or a fried egg on top.
• Potluck hero: Easy to double and travel with—just cover and reheat.

Storage / Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave or the full dish in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes.
• Freeze: Assemble but don’t bake. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking as usual.

FAQs

Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
Yes! Sweet potatoes offer a slightly sweeter flavor and work great in this dish.

Can I prep it the night before?
Definitely. Assemble the casserole and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next day as directed.

What if I don’t have cheddar cheese?
Substitute with your favorite cheese blend—mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or gouda.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Swap the chicken with chickpeas and use vegetarian bacon or skip it entirely.

How do I keep it from drying out?
Ensure there’s enough olive oil and cheese, and don’t overbake. You can also loosely cover with foil while baking.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole is an easy, feel-good dish that never disappoints. With just a few simple ingredients, it turns pantry staples into a warm, bubbly, and flavor-packed meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, it’s a go-to casserole that delivers every single time. Give it a try—you’ll see why it’s such a hit!

Print