Cozy Cheesy Chicken-Potato Casserole Recipe For Family Nights

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible cheesy chicken-potato casserole that promises pure deliciousness in every bite.

Layers of tender potatoes and succulent chicken create a mouthwatering symphony of flavors.

The creamy cheese sauce binds everything together, making each forkful a heavenly experience.

Weeknight dinners never looked so good with this hearty and satisfying meal.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to craft a dish that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Busy home cooks will adore how quickly this casserole comes together, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Let’s find out this crowd-pleasing recipe and watch as everyone at the table asks for seconds.

Tools You’ll Need for Chicken-Potato Casserole

• Large Skillet: Essential for creating the creamy cheese sauce and mixing ingredients.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect for baking the casserole evenly and serving.
• Whisk: Crucial for blending roux and creating smooth, lump-free sauce.
• Large Pot: Needed to boil and cook diced potatoes.
• Cutting Board: Used for chopping green onions and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Required for dicing potatoes and chopping green onions.
• Colander: Used to drain cooked potatoes.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helpful for mixing and folding ingredients.

Directions to Make a Smoky, Cheesy Casserole

• Oven Warmup

Crank up the oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab a large baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

• Potato Prep

Boil those potatoes until they’re tender and soft, about 10 minutes. Once done, drain and set them aside, ready for their flavor adventure.

• Creamy Sauce Magic

In a skillet, create a silky sauce by melting butter and whisking in flour. Slowly pour in chicken broth and milk, stirring until the mixture transforms into a velvety smooth base.

• Flavor Explosion

Stir in sour cream, a dash of smoked paprika, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Melt in some sharp cheddar and gooey mozzarella until the sauce becomes a rich, cheesy dream.

• Protein Party

Toss in cooked chicken, crispy turkey bacon, and fresh green onions. Gently fold in the boiled potatoes, making sure everything gets a delicious coating of the cheesy goodness.

• Baking Bliss

Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake until the top turns golden and the edges start to bubble with excitement.

• Serving Delight

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking, then serve up this ultimate comfort dish that’ll make everyone at the table smile.

Tips for Flavorful Chicken-Potato Casserole Combinations

• Replace regular potatoes with sweet potatoes or cauliflower for a different nutritional twist and unique flavor profile.
• Experiment with different spice blends like Cajun seasoning, Italian herbs, or Mexican chili powder to transform the casserole's taste completely.
• Substitute chicken with pulled pork, ground turkey, or even plant-based protein crumbles for a versatile meal that suits various dietary preferences.
• Try mixing different cheese combinations like gouda and pepper jack or gruyere and white cheddar to create exciting flavor layers that elevate the entire dish.
• Prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. Simply bake when ready to serve, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to cooking time for perfectly heated comfort food.

Serving Suggestions for a Cozy Cheesy Casserole

• Cozy Family Feast: Gather the whole family around this hearty casserole for a comforting weekend dinner that warms everyone's heart.
• Potluck Champion: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to your next gathering and watch it disappear quickly – friends will be begging for the recipe.
• Side Dish Spectacular: Pair this rich casserole with a crisp green salad or tangy coleslaw to balance the creamy, cheesy goodness and add some fresh crunch.
• Game Night Delight: Serve individual portions during movie or game night as a satisfying main course that keeps everyone happy and well-fed.

How to Store Smoky Chicken-Potato Casserole Well

• Refrigerator Revival: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days. The casserole stays deliciously creamy and maintains its rich flavors when properly sealed.
• Freezer-Friendly Feast: Wrap individual portions or the entire casserole in freezer-safe containers. Keeps perfectly for 2-3 months, making meal prep a breeze for busy families.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. For frozen servings, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain optimal texture and taste.
• Make-Ahead Masterpiece: Prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate, then bake directly from the cold state, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time for a fresh, hot meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients for Smoky Cheesy Chicken-Potato Casserole

• Potatoes: Hearty foundation that provides creamy texture and robust potato flavor, choose firm, waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for best results.
• Chicken: Protein-packed protein that adds substantial meat goodness, use leftover rotisserie or freshly cooked chicken for maximum tenderness.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid base that enhances overall moisture and deepens savory flavor, select low-sodium versions for better flavor control.

• Milk, Sour Cream: Luxurious dairy elements creating rich, velvety consistency, select full-fat versions for maximum creaminess.
• Butter, Flour: Classic roux-making duo that thickens sauce and provides silky smoothness, use unsalted butter for precise seasoning.

• Smoked Paprika: Smoky, warm spice delivering deep flavor complexity, choose high-quality Spanish paprika for authentic taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning that balances and elevates entire dish, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum impact.
• Turkey Bacon: Crispy, salty element adding textural contrast, opt for center-cut bacon for leaner profile.
• Green Onions: Fresh, zesty garnish that provides bright finish, select crisp, vibrant green stalks with white bases.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, stretchy topping creating golden, bubbling crust, blend sharp cheddar with mild mozzarella for perfect cheese harmony.

Creamy Chicken-Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty cheesy chicken-potato casserole recipe brings comfort from grandma’s kitchen to modern dining tables. Melted cheese, tender chicken, and creamy potatoes create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (480 ml) chicken, cooked and shredded
• 4 cups (960 ml) potatoes, diced
• 1 cup (240 ml) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (240 ml) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk
• ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
• ¼ cup (60 ml) turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
• ½ cup (120 ml) green onions, chopped
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) butter
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) flour
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent adherence.
2. Potato Preparation: Cube potatoes uniformly and boil in salted water until tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and reserve.
3. Sauce Creation: In a skillet, craft a velvety roux by whisking flour into melted butter. Gradually introduce chicken broth and milk, stirring to eliminate potential lumps. Simmer until sauce thickens, then fold in sour cream, smoky paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4. Cheese Integration: Melt cheddar and mozzarella into the sauce, creating a luscious, creamy base. Incorporate shredded chicken, crispy turkey bacon, and green onions, ensuring thorough distribution.
5. Casserole Assembly: Gently fold potatoes into the cheese mixture, coating each cube completely. Transfer to prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to create a smooth surface.
6. Baking and Finishing: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and edges become crisp. Rest for 5-7 minutes to allow flavors to harmonize before serving.

Notes

• Potato Perfection: Cube potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Sauce Smoothness: Whisk roux carefully to prevent lumps, creating a silky base that coats ingredients beautifully.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Use full-fat cheeses for maximum creaminess and rich flavor profile, blending them slowly for optimal meltiness.
• Resting Ritual: Let casserole sit 5-7 minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld and help it set properly for easier serving.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg