If you’re craving a warm, hearty, and comforting dish that brings the whole family to the table, this Loaded Cheesy Potato Casserole is exactly what you need. Loaded with creamy potatoes, savory chicken, crispy beef bacon, and gooey cheddar cheese, it’s the perfect blend of indulgence and nourishment.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings
Budget-friendly and feeds a crowd
Great way to use leftover chicken
Freezer-friendly for make-ahead meals
Customizable with your favorite add-ins

Ingredients Breakdown

Base:

4 cups diced potatoes – Hearty and filling, the foundation of this comfort-packed casserole.
1 lb cooked chicken (breasts or rotisserie) – Adds lean protein and texture to balance the richness.

Cheesy Goodness:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Bold, melty flavor that ties it all together.
1/2 cup sour cream – Provides creamy tang that complements the cheese.
1/2 cup milk – Loosens the sauce for even coating and moisture.
2 tbsp butter – Adds smooth richness to the creamy base.

Savory Add-Ins:

1/4 cup sliced green onions – Brings a fresh, mild bite and pop of color.

Seasoning:

Salt and pepper to taste – Enhances all the other flavors in the dish.

Tips and Tricks

Time Saver: Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or frozen diced potatoes.
Extra Crispy Top: Broil the casserole for the last 2–3 minutes.
Creamier Texture: Add a handful of cream cheese or extra sour cream.
Healthier Version: Swap full-fat dairy with low-fat alternatives.

Variations and Customizations

Tex-Mex Twist: Add black beans, jalapeños, and taco seasoning.
Veggie Boost: Mix in broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach.
Meat Swap: Use ground turkey, ham, or sausage instead of chicken.
Cheese Variety: Try Monterey Jack, Colby, or a spicy pepper jack.

Pairing Suggestions

This casserole pairs wonderfully with:

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave individual portions.

Loaded Cheesy Potato Casserole

Author: easysweetmeal
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

This loaded cheesy potato casserole is packed with tender potatoes, juicy chicken, smoky beef bacon, and melty cheddar cheese—all smothered in a rich sour cream sauce. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you crave warm, hearty comfort in a dish.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups diced potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cooked and diced or use shredded rotisserie chicken)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup cooked and crumbled beef bacon (about 4 slices)
¼ cup sliced green onions (2–3 stalks)
½ cup sour cream
½ cup milk
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

2. Cook the Potatoes

Dice the potatoes into small cubes.
Boil or steam until fork-tender, or microwave for 5–7 minutes.
Drain and let cool slightly.

3. Mix the Main Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

Cooked potatoes
Diced or shredded chicken
Shredded cheddar
Crumbled bacon
Sliced green onions

Mix gently until evenly distributed.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

Sour cream
Milk
Melted butter
Salt and pepper

Pour the sauce over the potato-chicken mixture and mix until fully coated.

5. Assemble the Casserole

Transfer everything into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly and smooth the top.

6. Bake

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

7. Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra green onions or chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

Notes

Adjust seasoning to your taste based on the saltiness of your bacon or cheese.
If using rotisserie chicken, remove the skin for better texture.
This is a great meal prep option for busy families.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American