Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 500g chicken breast (cooked and shredded or cubed)
- 4–5 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 1 cup cooked bacon (crumbled)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese (optional)
Creamy Base
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Optional Add-ins
- ½ cup chopped green peppers
- ½ cup corn or peas
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Peel and dice potatoes into small cubes.
Boil in salted water for about 8–10 minutes:
- Slightly tender but not fully cooked
Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
If not pre-cooked:
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika
- Cook in a pan until done
- Shred or cube into bite-sized pieces
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
In a pan:
- Cook bacon until crispy
- Drain excess fat
- Crumble into small pieces
Set aside.
Step 4: Prepare Creamy Sauce
In a pan:
- Melt butter
- Add garlic and cook briefly
Add:
- Sour cream
- Mayonnaise
- Milk
Mix until smooth.
Add seasoning:
- Salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder
Stir until creamy and well combined.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl:
- Add potatoes
- Add chicken
- Add onions and vegetables (if using)
Pour creamy sauce over everything.
Add half of the cheese and mix gently.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Grease a baking dish.
Pour mixture into the dish and spread evenly.
Top with:
- Remaining cheese
- Crumbled bacon
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 30–40 minutes until:
- Cheese is melted and bubbly
- Top is golden
- Edges slightly crispy
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
This helps it set and makes it easier to cut.
Texture and Flavor
This casserole gives:
- Creamy, rich base
- Soft tender potatoes
- Juicy chicken
- Crispy bacon topping
- Melted cheesy layer
A perfect mix of:
- Creamy
- Savory
- Slightly smoky
Tips for Best Results
1. Don’t Overcook Potatoes
They will continue cooking in the oven.
2. Use Good Cheese
Cheddar gives flavor, mozzarella adds stretch.
3. Balance Sauce
Too much mayo can overpower—adjust to taste.
4. Let It Rest
This prevents it from falling apart when serving.
Variations
1. Spicy Version
Add chili flakes or jalapeños.
2. Healthier Version
Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo.
3. Beef Version
Replace chicken with ground beef.
4. Extra Cheesy
Add cream cheese into the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Fresh salad 🥗
- Garlic bread 🥖
- Steamed vegetables
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 4 days
- Freeze up to 2 months
Reheating
- Oven: best for texture
- Microwave: quick option
Add a little milk when reheating to keep it creamy.
Common Mistakes
- ❌ Too much liquid → watery casserole
- ❌ Overcooked potatoes → mushy
- ❌ Not seasoning enough → bland
- ❌ Skipping resting time → messy serving
Why This Recipe Works
- Creamy sauce binds ingredients
- Cheese adds richness and texture
- Bacon gives crunch and flavor
- Baking blends everything perfectly
Final Thoughts
This loaded cheesy chicken and potato casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It’s easy to prepare, incredibly filling, and full of bold flavors.
The creamy base, melted cheese, and crispy bacon topping make every bite irresistible. Whether for family dinner or meal prep, this dish is guaranteed to be a favorite.