– 4 cups diced potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
– 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Creating Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole is a simple and enjoyable process. Here’s how you can make it:
1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
2. Prepare Potatoes: Peel and dice the potatoes into small, uniform cubes for even cooking.
3. Cook Potatoes: In a large pot, add the diced potatoes and cover with water. Boil for about 10 minutes or until they are tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
4. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, bacon, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
5. Combine with Potatoes: Gently fold in the cooked potatoes, ensuring they are covered in the creamy mixture.
6. Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
7. Add Cheese: Top the casserole with the shredded cheddar cheese, making sure to cover it completely.
8. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Cool: Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
10. Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle chopped green onions on top for added color and flavor just before serving.
These step-by-step instructions will guide you to create a dish that is not only delicious but also comforting.