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
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Introduce pre-cooked, shredded chicken pieces into the creamy sauce. Fold in crispy chopped turkey bacon and thinly sliced green onions, ensuring even distribution.
- Gently combine cooked potato cubes with the sauce, ensuring each piece is luxuriously coated with the cheesy mixture.
- Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly and creating a smooth surface.
- 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