Irresistible Cheesy Chicken-Potato Casserole Recipe Everyone Loves

Smoky cheesy chicken-potato casserole enhances ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that speaks directly to comfort food lovers.

Hearty and rich, this dish combines textures that dance brilliantly across your palate.

Creamy cheese melts into golden-brown potatoes, creating a luxurious backdrop for succulent chicken pieces.

Robust seasonings infuse each layer with depth and character, promising a memorable dining experience.

The harmonious blend of ingredients ensures every forkful delivers maximum satisfaction.

Warmth radiates from this classic comfort meal, inviting family and friends to gather around the table.

Smoky Cheesy Chicken-Potato Casserole: A Comforting, Hearty Dish

• Savor Layers of Comfort: This casserole delivers a hearty, satisfying meal packed with creamy, cheesy goodness that hugs your taste buds with every bite.
• Smoky Flavor Explosion: The smoked paprika transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dish, infusing rich, deep notes that make each spoonful incredibly exciting.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Wonder: With simple cooking techniques and minimal prep time, this recipe comes together effortlessly, perfect for busy families craving a delicious home-cooked meal in under an hour.
• Protein-Packed Nutritional Powerhouse: Combining chicken, cheese, and bacon, this casserole offers a balanced meal with 30g of protein, ensuring you stay full and energized throughout the evening.

Ingredients for Smoky Cheesy Chicken-Potato Casserole

• Chicken: Tender, cooked meat that provides protein and main flavor for the casserole.
• Turkey Bacon: Crispy protein element that adds smoky and salty notes to the dish.
• Potatoes: Hearty, starchy vegetable that creates the foundational texture of the casserole. Waxy or all-purpose potatoes work best for even cooking.
• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Rich, melty cheeses that provide creamy and tangy flavor. Sharp cheddar gives deeper taste, while mozzarella creates smooth texture.
• Chicken Broth, Milk: Smooth base liquids that create rich, creamy sauce.
• Butter, Flour: Classic roux combination that helps sauce achieve perfect consistency.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy richness and helps create smooth sauce texture.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds deep, smoky flavor profile to the entire dish. -Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor that provides brightness.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance overall taste.

How to Make Smoky Cheesy Chicken-Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

Boil diced potatoes in salted water until they become tender, which takes about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside for later use.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce Base

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a smooth roux. Slowly pour in chicken broth and milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes velvety.

Step 4: Enhance the Sauce Flavor

• Sour cream
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

• Cheddar
• Mozzarella

Mix until the cheeses melt completely and create a smooth sauce.

Step 5: Combine Protein and Sauce

• Cooked chicken
• Green onions
• Turkey bacon

Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.

Step 6: Incorporate Potatoes

Gently fold the cooked potatoes into the sauce, making sure each potato piece is well-coated.

Step 7: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure consistent cooking.

Step 8: Bake and Serve

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for a bubbly, golden-brown top. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors settle and make cutting easier.

Tips for Getting the Best Flavor in Smoky Cheesy Chicken-Potato Casserole

• Potato Perfection: Parboil potatoes just until fork-tender to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Grate cheese fresh for smoother melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Sauce Smoothing Technique: Whisk the roux and liquid ingredients slowly to prevent lumps and achieve a silky, creamy texture.
• Bacon Boosting Hack: Crisp the turkey bacon separately before adding to ensure maximum crunch and flavor distribution.
• Temperature Timing: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow flavors to settle and make serving easier.

Storing Leftover Smoky Cheesy Chicken-Potato Casserole

• Refrigerate the casserole in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Properly stored leftovers will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover the container tightly with plastic wrap or a sealed lid to prevent moisture loss and absorb other food odors.
• Reheating Options: Oven Method – Preheat the oven to 350°F, place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, and cover with aluminum foil. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, checking the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety. Microwave Method – Transfer a single serving to a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.
• Freezing Tips

Best Sides to Enjoy with Smoky Cheesy Chicken-Potato Casserole

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay to complement the creamy, smoky flavors of the casserole, cutting through its richness with bright, refreshing notes.
• Serve alongside Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light green salad with mixed herbs, arugula, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the heaviness of the cheesy chicken-potato dish.
• Match with Craft Beer: Choose a smooth amber ale or light lager that will enhance the smoky paprika and bacon undertones while providing a crisp, refreshing contrast to the creamy casserole.
• Add Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare simple roasted asparagus or brussels sprouts with olive oil and sea salt to provide a fresh, slightly charred accompaniment that adds nutritional balance to the meal.

Creative Variations of Smoky Cheesy Chicken-Potato Casserole

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Casserole: Replace smoked paprika with chili powder and add diced jalapeños for a fiery kick. Swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese to amplify the heat.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Bake: Substitute turkey bacon with crumbled feta cheese. Mix in dried oregano, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Potato Comfort Casserole: Remove chicken and turkey bacon. Replace with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free version.
• Rustic Alpine Potato Casserole: Incorporate Swiss cheese and crispy prosciutto. Add fresh thyme and a sprinkle of nutmeg to give the dish a European mountain-inspired taste.

Cheesy Chicken-Potato Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Smoky Cheesy Chicken-Potato Casserole blends hearty comfort with zesty southwestern flair. Layers of tender chicken, melted cheese, and crispy potato edges create a satisfying meal that draws families together around warm plates.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups (960 milliliters) potatoes, diced
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded mozzarella cheese

Dairy and Liquid Components:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter

Seasonings and Garnish:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) green onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Initiate oven preparation by heating to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Dice potatoes into uniform 1/2-inch (1.27 centimeters) cubes. Submerge in salted boiling water, cooking until fork-tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Carefully drain and set aside.
3. Melt unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle all-purpose flour gradually, whisking continuously to create a smooth roux. Slowly incorporate chicken broth and whole milk, stirring constantly to eliminate potential lumps.
4. Allow sauce to thicken for 3-4 minutes. Incorporate full-fat sour cream, introducing smoky paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Blend shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until completely melted and silky.
5. Introduce pre-cooked, shredded chicken pieces into the creamy sauce. Fold in crispy chopped turkey bacon and thinly sliced green onions, ensuring even distribution.
6. Gently combine cooked potato cubes with the sauce, ensuring each piece is luxuriously coated with the cheesy mixture.
7. Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly and creating a smooth surface.
8. Place in preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and edges become slightly crispy. Allow 5-7 minutes of resting time before serving to let flavors meld and casserole set.

Notes

• Smoky spices transform ordinary chicken and potatoes into a mouthwatering comfort meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
• Creamy cheese sauce binds tender potatoes and juicy chicken together, creating a rich and indulgent casserole experience.
• Perfectly balanced flavors from smoked paprika, crispy turkey bacon, and melted cheeses make this dish irresistibly delicious.
• Quick and easy preparation means you can have a hearty dinner on the table in less than an hour, with minimal cleanup.
• Versatile recipe allows for simple ingredient swaps like using different meats or cheese types to suit your taste preferences.
• Make-ahead friendly option lets you assemble the casserole earlier in the day and bake when ready to serve, perfect for busy families.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 480 kcal
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg