Loaded Chicken & Potatoes – Crispy, Cheesy, and Crowd-Pleasing
When it comes to cozy weeknight dinners that make everyone rush to the table, this Loaded Chicken & Potatoes recipe hits all the right notes. Juicy, seasoned chicken and crispy potatoes baked to perfection, topped with melty cheese, crispy bacon, and a sprinkle of fresh green onion—it’s basically the casserole version of your favorite loaded fries, but heartier and dinner-approved.
With just one pan, pantry-staple ingredients, and layers of craveable flavor, this is a no-fuss recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.
Why I Love This Recipe
It’s one of those dishes that feels like a cheat meal but fits into your regular dinner rotation. It’s hearty, comforting, and completely customizable depending on your heat tolerance or what’s in your fridge. And let’s be honest—anything topped with cheese and bacon is bound to win hearts.
The best part? It’s an all-in-one meal: protein, carbs, a little kick, and a lot of satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Base:
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts, cubed (1-inch pieces)
- 6–8 medium red potatoes, skin on, cut into ½-inch cubes
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 1½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp paprika
- 2 Tbsp garlic powder
- 2 Tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
Topping:
- 2 cups fiesta blend cheese (or cheddar)
- 1 cup crumbled bacon
- 1 cup diced green onion
Ingredient Tips & Swaps
- Potatoes: Red potatoes hold their shape well, but Yukon Golds also work great.
- Chicken: You can sub in boneless thighs if you want extra richness.
- Cheese: Try pepper jack for more kick, or sharp cheddar for extra tang.
- Add veggies: Bell peppers or jalapeños mix in well with the topping if you want to sneak in more color.
How to Make Loaded Chicken & Potatoes
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Step 2: Season & Toss
In a large bowl, mix olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and hot sauce.
Add in the cubed chicken and potatoes and stir until everything is coated evenly.
Step 3: Bake It Up
Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish.
Bake for 55–60 minutes, stirring every 20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked and the potatoes are browned and crispy.
While it bakes, fry up your bacon and crumble once cooled.
Step 4: Add the Good Stuff
Once the chicken and potatoes are cooked through, remove the dish from the oven.
Top evenly with cheese, bacon, and green onions.
Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips for Success
- Stir every 20 minutes—this ensures even crisping and prevents sticking.
- Cut uniform pieces of chicken and potatoes so they cook at the same rate.
- Love it spicier? Add extra hot sauce or sprinkle with cayenne before baking.
- Want extra texture? Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for golden cheese edges.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is a full meal on its own, but if you’re feeding a crowd or want to balance it out, pair it with:
- A side of roasted green beans or steamed broccoli
- A crisp Caesar salad or simple garden mix
- A drizzle of ranch or sour cream to cool down the heat
Looking for more comforting crowd-pleasers? Try:
- This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
- These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners
- This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit
- These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Bake in the oven at 350°F or microwave until hot. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese if you want to revive that gooey topping.
- Freezer: Freeze portions in sealed containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Loaded Chicken & Potatoes bake is the definition of an easy, family-approved dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. It’s spicy, cheesy, hearty, and hits the spot every single time.
If this recipe becomes a regular in your kitchen, I want to hear about it! Leave a comment below or tag @chefmaniac on social with your version—and don’t forget to follow along for more dinner wins you can count on.
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