Get ready to indulge in a dish that combines all the best elements of comfort food – crispy fries, tender chicken, melted cheese, and savory bacon. Introducing the Loaded BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheese Fry Casserole, a hearty and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. This casserole is the perfect blend of flavors and textures, perfect for a cozy night in or a crowd-pleasing party dish.

Ingredients That Make This Casserole a Winner

At the heart of this mouthwatering casserole are a few key ingredients that come together to create a truly irresistible dish:

Frozen French Fries: The foundation of this casserole, the crispy fries provide the perfect base to soak up all the delicious toppings.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded or diced chicken adds protein and heartiness to the dish, making it a complete meal.
Barbecue Sauce: The tangy and sweet barbecue sauce coats the chicken, infusing the entire casserole with bold, smoky flavors.
Cheddar and Mozzarella Cheese: A blend of melty cheeses creates a gooey, irresistible topping that ties all the flavors together.
Bacon: Crispy, crumbled bacon adds a savory, indulgent element that takes this casserole to the next level.
Green Onions: A sprinkle of fresh, chopped green onions provides a pop of color and a hint of onion flavor to balance out the rich ingredients.
Seasonings: A simple seasoning of black pepper and garlic powder enhances the overall flavor profile.

The beauty of this recipe is that you can easily customize it to your liking. Feel free to experiment with different proteins, cheese varieties, or even add in some extra veggies for a nutritional boost.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Loaded BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheese Fry Casserole

Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple steps to create your own Loaded BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheese Fry Casserole:

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to get it nice and hot for baking the fries.
Bake the Fries: Spread the frozen French fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Mix the Chicken and Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cooked, shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce, mixing until the chicken is evenly coated.
Layer the Casserole: In a large casserole dish, start by laying the baked fries in an even layer. Top the fries with the BBQ chicken mixture, spreading it out evenly.
Add the Cheese and Bacon: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the chicken, then evenly distribute the crumbled bacon on top.
Season and Bake: Finish the casserole by sprinkling the black pepper and garlic powder over the top. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and top it with the chopped green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!

Cooking Tips and Variations

To make this casserole even more delicious, consider these tips and variations:

Chicken Preparation: While the recipe calls for cooked, shredded chicken, you can also use grilled, rotisserie, or pan-seared chicken for added flavor.
Barbecue Sauce Alternatives: If you prefer a homemade touch, try making your own barbecue sauce or using a different flavor profile, such as a honey-based or spicy-sweet sauce.
Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheese combinations, such as pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses for added depth of flavor.
Vegetable Add-Ins: For extra nutrition and flavor, consider adding sautéed onions, diced bell peppers, or even some fresh chopped spinach or kale to the casserole.

Serving Suggestions and Nutritional Information

This Loaded BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheese Fry Casserole is a hearty, satisfying dish that can easily serve as the main course for a family dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer at a party. Some tasty side dish ideas to complement the casserole include:

Fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette
Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts
Warm, crusty bread or rolls
Creamy coleslaw or potato salad

As for the nutritional information, this casserole is a delicious indulgence, but it can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. A single serving contains approximately:

Calories: 560
Total Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 51g
Sodium: 1,120mg

To make a lighter version of this casserole, you can use baked or air-fried fries, opt for a lower-sodium barbecue sauce, and reduce the amount of cheese or bacon. Pairing the casserole with a fresh salad or a side of steamed vegetables can also help balance the meal.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you loved this Loaded BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheese Fry Casserole, be sure to check out these other delicious comfort food recipes:

FAQs about BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheese Fry Casserole

1. What ingredients do I need for BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheese Fry Casserole?

To make BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheese Fry Casserole, you will need: frozen French fries or tater tots, cooked chicken (shredded or diced), BBQ sauce, cooked bacon (crumbled), shredded cheese (cheddar or a cheese blend), and optional toppings like green onions, jalapeños, or sour cream.

2. How do I prepare BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheese Fry Casserole?

To prepare the casserole, follow these steps:

Preheat your oven according to the French fry package instructions.
Cook the fries or tater tots according to the package directions until crispy.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken with BBQ sauce.
In a baking dish, layer the cooked fries, followed by the BBQ chicken mixture, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheese.
Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, typically around 15-20 minutes.
Add any optional toppings before serving.

3. Can I substitute any ingredients in the BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheese Fry Casserole?

Yes! You can customize the casserole based on your preferences. For example, you can use different proteins such as pulled pork or beef, sweet potato fries instead of regular fries, a different type of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for added flavor, or vegetarian options such as black beans or grilled vegetables in place of meat.

4. How should I store leftovers of BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheese Fry Casserole?

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven until heated through.

Conclusion

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food masterpiece with this Loaded BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheese Fry Casserole. Packed with irresistible flavors and textures, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party, this casserole is guaranteed to satisfy. Don’t hesitate to try it out and let us know how you like to customize it to make it your own!

Loaded BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheese Fry Casserole Recipe

Author: Time of Recipes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Get ready to indulge in a dish that combines all the best elements of comfort food – crispy fries, tender chicken, melted cheese, and savory bacon. Introducing the Loaded BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheese Fry Casserole, a hearty and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. This casserole is the perfect blend of flavors and textures, perfect for a cozy night in or a crowd-pleasing party dish.

Ingredients

Frozen French Fries: The foundation of this casserole, the crispy fries provide the perfect base to soak up all the delicious toppings.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded or diced chicken adds protein and heartiness to the dish, making it a complete meal.
Barbecue Sauce: The tangy and sweet barbecue sauce coats the chicken, infusing the entire casserole with bold, smoky flavors.
Cheddar and Mozzarella Cheese: A blend of melty cheeses creates a gooey, irresistible topping that ties all the flavors together.
Bacon: Crispy, crumbled bacon adds a savory, indulgent element that takes this casserole to the next level.
Green Onions: A sprinkle of fresh, chopped green onions provides a pop of color and a hint of onion flavor to balance out the rich ingredients.
Seasonings: A simple seasoning of black pepper and garlic powder enhances the overall flavor profile.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to get it nice and hot for baking the fries.
Bake the Fries: Spread the frozen French fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Mix the Chicken and Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cooked, shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce, mixing until the chicken is evenly coated.
Layer the Casserole: In a large casserole dish, start by laying the baked fries in an even layer. Top the fries with the BBQ chicken mixture, spreading it out evenly.
Add the Cheese and Bacon: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the chicken, then evenly distribute the crumbled bacon on top.
Season and Bake: Finish the casserole by sprinkling the black pepper and garlic powder over the top. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and top it with the chopped green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 560 kcal
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 1,120mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 51g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: BBQ Chicken, Casserole, Comfort Food, Cheese Fries