Description
This Cajun Chicken Loaded Potato Bake is a flavorful, hearty casserole perfect for a family dinner. Tender cubes of chicken breast seasoned with bold Cajun spices are baked alongside crispy, seasoned russet potatoes. The dish is topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, fresh green onions, and creamy sour cream, creating a comforting meal packed with layers of savory taste and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
Potatoes
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cubed potatoes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika until evenly coated. Spread the potatoes in an even layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Roast Potatoes: Place the baking dish in the oven and roast the potatoes for 20 minutes. Halfway through, stir the potatoes once to ensure even browning.
- Season Chicken: While the potatoes roast, combine chicken cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil and Cajun seasoning in a bowl. Mix thoroughly to coat each piece with seasoning.
- Add Chicken to Potatoes: After the potatoes have roasted for 20 minutes, remove the dish from the oven. Evenly scatter the seasoned chicken pieces over the partially cooked potatoes.
- Bake Together: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the potatoes are tender and golden brown.
- Add Cheese and Bacon: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled cooked bacon evenly over the baked casserole. Return to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes, until the cheese has completely melted.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven, immediately top with chopped green onions and dollops of sour cream. Serve the dish hot for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute smoked paprika with regular paprika if unavailable, but the smoked variety adds a deeper flavor.
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven for best texture.
- Using russet potatoes is ideal for roasting, but you can also use Yukon gold potatoes for a creamier texture.
- If you prefer a lower-fat option, reduce the amount of cheese or use a reduced-fat cheese variety.
