Loaded Baked Potato Chicken Casserole (Cheesy, Hearty & Family-Friendly Dinner)

Warm, cheesy, and packed with classic “baked potato” flavor, this Loaded Baked Potato Chicken Casserole is the ultimate cozy weeknight dinner. Tender roasted potatoes are mixed with juicy chicken, smoky bacon, melty cheddar, and creamy ranch for a comforting one-dish meal everyone will love. It’s easy to prep, perfect for busy nights, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad — try serving it alongside a crisp Classic Southern Garden Salad or a crunchy, flavorful Broccoli Bacon Salad for balance. And if you want to round out the meal with something sweet, you can’t go wrong with a comforting homemade dessert like Best Banana Bread or a seasonal favorite such as Classic Apple Crisp.

Why You’ll Love This

• Creamy, cheesy casserole loaded with tender chicken and potatoes

• All the flavors of a loaded baked potato in a comforting bake

• Filling, satisfying meal made with simple ingredients

• Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 1 hour Servings: 6

Nutrition Information (per serving, approximate)

• Calories: 520

• Protein: 36g

• Carbohydrates: 32g

• Fat: 28g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 4g

Ingredients

For the Potatoes

• 4 cups russet potatoes, peeled and cut into small cubes

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Chicken Mixture

• 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup ranch dressing

• 4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled

• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp kosher salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

Topping

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• Additional bacon + green onions for garnish

• Optional: drizzle of ranch

Instructions

1. Roast the Potatoes

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.

2. Toss potato cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.

4. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.

2. Mix the Chicken Filling

1. In a large bowl, combine chicken, sour cream, cream cheese, ranch dressing, bacon, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

2. Stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese.

3. Fold in the roasted potatoes.

3. Assemble & Bake

1. Transfer mixture to a lightly greased 9×13 baking dish.

2. Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese.

3. Bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and melty.

4. Finish & Serve

• Garnish with extra bacon, green onions, and a drizzle of ranch.

• Serve warm with a crisp side salad or steamed veggies.

Tips & Variations

• Swap chicken for rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.

• Add veggies like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers.

• For extra crispiness, broil the top for 1–2 minutes.

• Use pepper jack for a spicy kick.

FAQ

1. Do I have to roast the potatoes first?

Roasting the potatoes separately helps them get crispy and prevents the casserole from becoming mushy. You can par-cook them in the microwave or boil them briefly, but roasting gives the best texture.

2. What kind of potatoes work best?

Russet potatoes give you that classic baked-potato texture, but Yukon Golds work great too and become creamier when baked.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes — assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready (you may need an extra 5–10 minutes).

4. Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Yes! Freeze after baking for best results. Let it cool completely, wrap well, and freeze for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat at 350°F.

5. Can I lighten this recipe?

You can swap sour cream for Greek yogurt, use reduced-fat cheese, or add vegetables like broccoli or spinach to boost volume with fewer calories.

6. What can I add for more flavor?

Try adding diced jalapeños, a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning, extra bacon, or pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.

7. What should I serve with it?

This casserole pairs perfectly with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies. For dessert, try something light and cozy like banana bread or apple crisp.

8. How do I reheat leftovers?

Warm individual servings in the microwave or reheat the full dish in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes. If it seems dry, add a small drizzle of ranch or sour cream before reheating.

9. Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?

For food safety and even cooking, cooked chicken is recommended. Raw chicken releases too much moisture and may make the casserole watery.

Conclusion

This Loaded Baked Potato Chicken Casserole is everything you love about a steakhouse-style baked potato — cheesy, hearty, smoky, and indulgent — all baked into one easy family dinner. It’s warm, comforting, and guaranteed to become a weeknight favorite.