Description
This Cajun Chicken Loaded Potato Bake is a hearty, flavorful casserole combining tender, spiced chicken with golden roasted potatoes, topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, fresh green onions, and creamy sour cream. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this dish offers a delicious Cajun twist with an easy one-dish bake in the oven.
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
- Prepare oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish using olive oil or a nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Season and roast potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the peeled and cubed potatoes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika until evenly coated. Spread the potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Roast potatoes: Place the baking dish in the oven and roast the potatoes for 20 minutes. Stir them halfway through the cooking to ensure even browning and cooking.
- Season chicken: While potatoes roast, combine the chicken cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning in a bowl. Mix well so all pieces are coated with the spices and oil.
- Combine chicken and potatoes: After 20 minutes, remove the baking dish from the oven and evenly scatter the seasoned chicken pieces over the partially cooked potatoes.
- Bake until tender: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through and the potatoes to become tender and golden.
- Top with cheese and bacon: Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon evenly over the casserole. Bake for another 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Add green onions and sour cream: Remove the casserole from the oven and immediately top with 1/4 cup chopped green onions and dollops of 1/2 cup sour cream. Serve hot for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- You can prepare the bacon in advance and keep it in the refrigerator before assembling the dish.
- For a spicier kick, increase the Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- If you prefer crispier potatoes, you may roast them an additional 5-10 minutes before adding chicken.
- Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier topping option.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cajun chicken, loaded potato bake, cheesy potato casserole, oven-baked chicken and potatoes, dinner casserole, comfort food, one-dish meal
