I saw this recipe a few weeks ago after bringing home Zach and knew I wanted to make it. I swear its a fact that every nursing mama wants comfort food that first month and I just so happened to pick up that dip a few weeks before having to stock my pantry up with snacks and such.

Mine

the pin

Loaded Baked Potato and Buffalo Chicken Casserole

Recipe source

2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2 inch cubes (roughly 2 lbs)

2-3 large potatoes, cut into 1/2 inch cubes (or 6-8 small/med potatoes)

1/3 cup olive oil

1 1/2 t. salt

1 T. fresh ground pepper

1 T. paprika

1 1/2 T

. garlic powder (I used half McCormicks Garlic & Herb Grill mates)

3 T. buffalo wing sauce (I used 6 T. I like sauce)

3 T. Loaded Baked Potato Dip*

*

You could use Ranch dip or salad dressing in the place of the dip I used

Topping:

1 3/4 cups cheese

of choice

(

I used 1 cup sharp cheddar, 1/2 cup Monterey Jill and 1/4 cup blue cheese)

1/2-3/4

cup real bacon bits (I like the pepper kind)

1/2 cup

diced green onion

Preheat oven to 500 degrees F. In a large bowl mix together the olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, buffalo sauce and dip/dressing (I added the dip after to remaining sauce to coat the chicken only). Add the cubed potatoes and stir to coat. Pour potatoes into a sprayed 9 x 13 baking dish, reserving as much sauce as possible for the chicken. Bake the potatoes at 500 degrees for 45-50 mins, stirring every 10-15 mins (I did every 15 and only took mine about 35-40 minutes to cook), until potatoes are cooked through and crispy & browned on the outside. While the potatoes are cooking, add the chicken to the bowl with the remaining sauce. Stir to coat. Once potatoes are done, remove from oven and lower oven temp to 400 degrees. Add the chicken to the top of the cooked potatoes. (I know, raw chicken on top of cooked potatoes seems a little weird, but it all heats back up and cooks through.) Cover raw chicken with cheese, bacon bits and green onions in an even layer. Place assembled casserole in the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

You can serve this with extra hot sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing if desired.

My Verdict:

Winner! I could eat this everyday if it was healthy but its not, so I will save this for special events.