**Loaded Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole: Comfort in Every Bite**
For those days when you crave something warm, cheesy, and packed with comfort, our Loaded Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole makes for the perfect choice. This dish entails the heartiness of potatoes, the creaminess of cheese, and the rich flavors of chicken and bacon, all layered and baked to perfection.
**Why Make the Loaded Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole**
Apart from being a crowd-pleaser, this recipe is easy to make and uses everyday ingredients. You can prepare it in advance and just oven-bake it when needed. It’s also a versatile dish, allowing you to add other ingredients based on your preferences.
**How to Make Loaded Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole**
**Ingredients**
– 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 1 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
**Directions**
1. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F.
2. Boil your peeled and cubed potatoes until they become tender.
3. Drain the boiled potatoes and mash them with the sour cream, milk, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper.
4. In a greased baking dish, spread half of the mashed potato mixture.
5. Layer it with shredded chicken, half the amount of cheese, bacon, and green onions.
6. Top the dish with the remaining potato mixture and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
7. Bake for about 40 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
**How to Serve Loaded Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole**
Serve the casserole hot, straight out of the oven. Top it with some extra green onions and bacon if desired. A side salad or some green veggies would complement this rich dish.
**How to Store Loaded Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole**
Store the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. Ensure to consume the dish within 3 days. When you are ready to serve it again, just heat it in the oven until it’s hot.
**Tips to Make Loaded Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole**
– After boiling, ensure to drain the potatoes well before mashing to prevent your casserole from becoming soggy.
– Use freshly shredded cheese as it melts better than store-bought pre-shredded varieties.
**Variations**
For a vegetarian version, you can simply skip the chicken and bacon. Add more vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra flavor and texture.
**Frequently Asked Questions**
**Q:** Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
**A:** Yes, although cheddar is ideal for this recipe, you can also use Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
**Q:** What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
**A:** You can use already cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook and shred your own chicken breast.
**Q:** Can I prepare this dish in advance?
**A:** Yes, you can prepare the casserole and refrigerate it before baking. Just remember to add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if starting with a cold dish.