Buffalo Chicken & Loaded Potato Bake
Experience the ultimate comfort food with this Buffalo Chicken & Loaded Potato Bake! Packed with tender cubes of chicken breast, crispy potatoes, and a zesty kick from hot sauce, this casserole is sure to impress. Each bite is creamy, cheesy, and topped with crispy turkey bacon and fresh green onions. Not only is it a delicious and satisfying meal, but it's also a slimmed-down version, making it a healthier option for any weeknight dinner. Perfect for gatherings, meal prep, or simply a cozy night in, this dish combines classic flavors in a modern, lighter format. Serve it with a side of ranch dressing or extra hot sauce for that extra zing.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
24 ounces (cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
Potatoes
30 ounces (cut into 1/2-inch cubes (skin on))
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Fresh ground pepper
1 tablespoon (none)
Paprika
1 tablespoon (none)
Garlic powder
2 tablespoons (none)
Hot sauce
6 tablespoons (none)
Weight Watchers reduced-fat shredded Mexican-style cheese
8 ounces (none)
Turkey bacon
4 slices (diced and pan-fried until crispy)
Green onion
1 cup (diced)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and hot sauce.
3
Add the cubed potatoes to the mixture and toss to ensure they are well coated.
4
Transfer the seasoned potatoes to a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish, discarding excess marinade.
5
Spread the potatoes evenly and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
6
While the potatoes are baking, toss the cubed chicken breast in the remaining olive oil and hot sauce mix until fully coated.
7
Once the potatoes are cooked, reduce the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
8
Layer the marinated chicken evenly over the crispy potatoes in the baking dish.
9
In a separate bowl, mix together the cheese, cooked turkey bacon, and diced green onion. Spread this mixture generously over the chicken.
10
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly.
11
Serve hot, accompanied by extra hot sauce or ranch dressing if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
25g
Carbs
30g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Buffalo Chicken & Loaded Potato Bake?
This dish is a comfort food casserole that combines tender chicken breast cubes, crispy potatoes, and a zesty hot sauce, topped with melted cheese, turkey bacon, and fresh green onions.
How many calories are in a serving of this bake?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving.
Is this recipe considered a healthy dinner option?
Yes, it is described as a slimmed-down, healthier version of a classic casserole, featuring lower fat and high protein content.
What kind of chicken is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 24 ounces of boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
Should I peel the potatoes before cubing them?
No, the instructions specify cutting the potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes with the skin left on.
What is the initial oven temperature for baking the potatoes?
The oven should be preheated and the potatoes baked initially at 500°F (260°C).
How long do the potatoes need to bake to become crispy?
The potatoes should bake for 45-50 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes.
What type of cheese is recommended for the topping?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of Weight Watchers reduced-fat shredded Mexican-style cheese.
How much protein is provided in one serving?
This recipe provides 30g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this Buffalo Chicken Bake?
There is 7.5g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content of this dish?
Each serving contains 25g of carbohydrates.
Does this recipe contain dietary fiber?
Yes, each serving contains 2.5g of fiber.
Can this dish be used for meal prep?
Yes, it is noted as being perfect for gatherings, meal prep, or a cozy night in.
What size baking dish is required?
You will need a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
How much hot sauce is needed for the recipe?
A total of 6 tablespoons of hot sauce is used in the preparation.
What spices are used to season the potatoes and chicken?
The seasonings include salt, fresh ground pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
At what point is the chicken added to the casserole?
The marinated chicken is layered over the potatoes after they have finished their initial 45-50 minute bake.
What temperature should the oven be reduced to for baking the chicken?
The oven temperature should be reduced to 400°F (200°C) when adding the chicken.
What are the suggested condiments to serve with this dish?
It is recommended to serve the bake with extra hot sauce or a side of ranch dressing.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 11 ingredients required for this recipe.
How should the turkey bacon be prepared?
The turkey bacon should be diced and pan-fried until it is crispy before being added as a topping.
What size should the chicken and potato cubes be?
Both the chicken and potatoes should be cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
How often should you stir the potatoes while they are baking?
Stir the potatoes every 10-15 minutes to ensure they brown evenly and become crispy.
How long does the final bake take after adding the chicken and cheese?
The casserole needs to bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and cheese is bubbly.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-dish meal, making it convenient for weeknight dinners.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of garlic powder.
What kind of onions are used in the topping?
The recipe uses 1 cup of diced green onions.
What is the preparation for the potatoes before baking?
Potatoes are tossed in a mixture of olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and hot sauce.
Can I add extra hot sauce for more zing?
Yes, you can serve the final dish with extra hot sauce if a spicier flavor is desired.