This hearty and comforting casserole is a delicious twist on the classic loaded baked potato. It combines tender chunks of chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, and a variety of flavorful toppings like bacon, cheese, and green onions. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 lbs chicken breasts, cubed
- 8 potatoes, cubed
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 3 tbsp hot sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crumbled bacon
- 1 cup diced green onions
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C).
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and hot sauce.
- Add the cubed potatoes to the mixture and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
- Using a strainer, drain the potatoes, reserving the marinade in a separate bowl.
- Grease a baking dish with cooking spray and spread the potatoes in an even layer. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
- While the potatoes bake, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and let drain, then crumble.
- In the same pan, brown the chicken cubes in the bacon grease. Once browned, toss the chicken in the reserved marinade to coat evenly.
- Once the potatoes are done, spread the chicken over the top and bake for an additional 12 minutes.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, and half of the diced green onions over the chicken and potatoes. Bake for another 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with the remaining green onions and serve immediately.
