One of my favorite meals to make is loaded chicken and potato casserole! It’s a delicious twist on the classic baked potato, packed with flavor and a wonderful mix of textures. The combination of tender chicken, colorful peppers, and creamy sauce all piled on crispy potatoes is simply irresistible. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner and is sure to impress your family and friends!
Method
Prepare the Potatoes
I begin by cooking the potatoes, which serve as the hearty base for this loaded casserole. I take the Maris Piper potatoes and cut them into small cubes to ensure they cook evenly and develop a crispy texture. In a mixing bowl, I toss the cubed potatoes with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper, followed by one teaspoon of paprika and one teaspoon of garlic granules. This mixture adds a flavorful kick to the potatoes. To help them crisp up nicely, I give them a light spray of oil. After coating them thoroughly, I transfer the potatoes to my air fryer and set it to cook for about 20-25 minutes. During this time, I occasionally shake the basket to ensure they brown evenly and become golden and crispy.
Sauté the Vegetables
While the potatoes are cooking, I focus on preparing the chicken mixture. I heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add the diced onion along with the diced red and green peppers. As they sauté, I stir them occasionally until they soften and the onions become translucent, which usually takes about 5 minutes. This process brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables, adding depth to the dish. Once the onions and peppers are tender, I toss in the crushed garlic and continue to cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning. The fragrant aroma fills the kitchen, signaling that it’s time to add the chicken.
Cook the Chicken
Next, I add the diced chicken breast to the pan with the softened vegetables. I cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it is no longer pink and is cooked through, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes. It’s important to ensure the chicken is fully cooked to avoid any food safety issues. Once the chicken is done, I sprinkle the fajita seasoning over the mixture and stir in the tomato puree. This step not only enhances the flavor but also creates a deliciously rich sauce. I let it cook for a minute or two to allow the puree to reduce slightly and meld with the chicken and vegetables.
Prepare the Sauce
After the chicken and vegetables have cooked together, I pour in the chicken stock, allowing it to simmer for a few minutes. This helps to create a flavorful base for the sauce. Once it starts to bubble, I mix in the Philadelphia cream cheese, stirring until everything is well-coated and creamy. The cream cheese adds a rich texture to the sauce, making it comforting and satisfying. I continue to stir until the cream cheese is fully incorporated, ensuring the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine Potatoes and Chicken Mixture
Once the potatoes are cooked and crispy, I carefully add them to the chicken mixture in the frying pan. I gently stir everything together to combine the crispy potatoes with the flavorful chicken and sauce. This melding of textures and flavors is what makes this dish so delightful. After mixing, I sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. To help the cheese melt perfectly, I cover the pan with a lid and let it sit for a few minutes on low heat. This allows the cheese to become gooey and golden, creating a delicious topping for the casserole.
Serve the Dish
Finally, once the cheese has melted and everything is heated through, I remove the lid and serve the loaded chicken and potato casserole hot. I like to garnish the dish with freshly sliced spring onions or chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. This loaded casserole not only looks inviting but is also bursting with flavor and comfort, making it a perfect choice for dinner.
Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole
Equipment
- Air fryer or oven
- Large frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 1 diced onion
- 1 diced red pepper
- 1 diced green pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato puree
- 260 g diced chicken breast
- 1 packet fajita seasoning
- For the Potatoes:
- 400 g Maris Piper potatoes cubed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic granules
- For the Sauce:
- 200 ml chicken stock
- 80 g Philadelphia cream cheese
- 2-3 crushed garlic cloves
- Toppings:
- 80 g reduced-fat cheddar cheese grated
- Sliced spring onion or fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- First, I start by cooking the potatoes. I cut the Maris Piper potatoes into small cubes and toss them in a bowl with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic granules. I add a little spray oil to help them crisp up and then cook them in the air fryer for about 20-25 minutes until they are golden and crispy.
- While the potatoes are cooking, I heat a large frying pan over medium heat. I add the diced onion and both red and green peppers, cooking them until they become soft. After a few minutes, I toss in the crushed garlic and fry it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant.
- Next, I add the diced chicken breast to the pan and cook it until it’s no longer pink. Once the chicken is cooked, I sprinkle in the fajita seasoning and stir in the tomato puree. I let it cook for a minute or two to reduce the puree slightly.
- Then, I pour in the chicken stock and let it simmer for a few minutes. After that, I mix in the Philadelphia cream cheese, stirring until everything is well-coated and creamy.
- Once the potatoes are done, I add them to the chicken mixture and stir everything together. I scatter the grated cheddar cheese on top and cover the pan with a lid to let the cheese melt and become golden.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this loaded chicken and potato casserole hot from the pan, topped with freshly sliced spring onions or parsley for a pop of color. It pairs well with a fresh salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal!
Fun Fact
Did you know that potatoes are one of the most versatile vegetables? They can be baked, mashed, fried, or roasted, and they’re a staple food in many cultures around the world!
Conclusion
This loaded chicken and potato casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s sure to satisfy! It’s easy to make and packed with delicious ingredients. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do, and that it becomes a favorite in your home!