Loaded Chicken Casserole Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that combines hearty ingredients, creamy sauce, and a generous layer of melted cheese, look no further than this Loaded Chicken Casserole. It’s the kind of dish you’ll crave after a long day, perfect for feeding a family or sharing at a potluck. Every bite offers juicy chicken, tender potatoes, smoky bacon, and a luscious, cheesy finish—making this casserole a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Loaded Chicken Casserole is in its simplicity: each ingredient brings something special, whether it’s richness, creaminess, a pop of color, or that irresistible cheesy pull. Don’t skip any of these key players—they work together to create pure comfort in every forkful.
- Cooked chicken breast: Use rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken for extra flavor and speed.
- Frozen diced potatoes or hash browns: Thaw before using to avoid excess moisture and ensure even baking.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess to bind everything together.
- Cream of chicken soup: The classic casserole shortcut for a rich, savory sauce.
- Milk: Helps loosen the mixture, making each bite smooth and luscious.
- Garlic powder: Infuses subtle, aromatic depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Onion powder: Adds a gentle sweetness and savory kick.
- Smoked paprika: Lends a hint of smokiness and beautiful color.
- Salt: Enhances all the other ingredients—season to your taste.
- Black pepper: For a gentle warmth that balances the creamy elements.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Divided for inside the casserole and a melty, golden topping.
- Cooked bacon: Crumbled for salty, smoky crunch in every bite.
- Green onions: Sliced for a fresh, colorful finish and a mild onion flavor.
How to Make Loaded Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), so it’s ready when you are. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This not only prevents sticking but also helps the casserole crisp up around the edges—those bits are always fought over at my table!
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth. This is your flavor-packed foundation that will make the Loaded Chicken Casserole irresistibly creamy and delicious.
Step 3: Add the Chicken, Potatoes, Cheese, and Bacon
Toss in the shredded or diced chicken, thawed potatoes, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the crumbled bacon into your creamy base. Gently mix until all the ingredients are evenly coated. Each scoop should be loaded (pun intended!) with everything you love.
Step 4: Assemble and Top
Spread the mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it out so it bakes evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon over the top. This is where the magic happens—the cheese gets bubbly and golden, while the bacon crisps up beautifully.
Step 5: Bake
Slide your casserole into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbling and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden. The rich aroma will fill your kitchen, drawing everyone to the table.
Step 6: Finish with Green Onions
Once out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the Loaded Chicken Casserole with sliced green onions. This adds a fresh pop of color and a mild crunch that perfectly balances the creamy, cheesy goodness underneath.
How to Serve Loaded Chicken Casserole
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of fresh green onions on top is a must for that extra burst of color and flavor. If you’re feeling fancy, try a little chopped parsley or even a dollop of extra sour cream. These simple touches really brighten up the casserole and make it look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to shine on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or even a simple side of steamed broccoli. If you want to lean into the comfort-food vibe, serve it with warm dinner rolls or garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try baking the mixture in individual ramekins for personalized servings—a hit at dinner parties or family gatherings! You can also spoon the Loaded Chicken Casserole onto a baked potato or serve it over rice for an even more filling meal. However you serve it, don’t be surprised if people ask for seconds (and the recipe!).
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Loaded Chicken Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Just cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. The flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers almost as delicious as the first day.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole before or after baking. If freezing before, assemble the dish and wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. If already baked, let it cool completely, portion, and freeze in airtight containers. Either way, it’ll stay fresh for up to three months—perfect for meal prepping or busy weeks.
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover and bake in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes if refrigerated or 40 minutes if frozen (thaw first for best results). For individual portions, a quick zap in the microwave works great. If you want to restore that bubbly, cheesy top, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken in Loaded Chicken Casserole?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and adds extra flavor. Just shred or dice it and follow the recipe as written—the results will be delicious and save you even more time.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you want to avoid canned soup, try making a quick homemade version using a roux (butter, flour, and chicken broth) with a splash of milk. You can also substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a slightly different flavor profile.
Is it possible to make Loaded Chicken Casserole gluten-free?
Definitely! Just double-check that your cream of chicken soup and hash browns are certified gluten-free, or make your own soup base. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, making this an easy adaptation.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole (without baking) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake, then just pop it in the oven and add a few extra minutes to the bake time if needed.
How do I make a lighter version of Loaded Chicken Casserole?
For a lighter twist, try substituting Greek yogurt for the sour cream and using reduced-fat cheese. You’ll still get all the creamy, cheesy goodness but with less fat and more protein—perfect for lighter appetites!
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Loaded Chicken Casserole is a family favorite—it’s simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. Whether you’re feeding a busy weeknight crew or sharing with friends, this recipe will make everyone feel right at home. Give it a try and watch it disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!”
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Loaded Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Loaded Chicken Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese baked with diced potatoes. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole delivers a delicious blend of savory flavors with a smoky touch of paprika and the fresh crunch of green onions on top.
Ingredients
Protein & Dairy
- 4 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 3 green onions, sliced
Vegetables & Potatoes
- 4 cups frozen diced potatoes or hash browns, thawed
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended to create a savory sauce base.
- Add Main Ingredients: Fold in the cooked chicken, thawed diced potatoes, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the crumbled bacon. Mix until all ingredients are evenly coated in the sauce mixture.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon crumbles evenly over the top for a crispy, cheesy finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with sliced green onions to add a fresh and colorful touch. Serve warm and enjoy your loaded chicken casserole.
Notes
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and stored unbaked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
- For a lighter variation, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
- Ensure potatoes are thawed completely for even cooking.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat, if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
