I’m so happy to share this Creamy Chicken and Potato Bake recipe with you! This is a warm, hearty casserole with tender chicken, soft potatoes, and sweet carrots, all coated in a rich, creamy sauce and topped with melty cheddar cheese. It is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a family lunch. Simple, comforting, and full of flavor, it will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Level: Easy
Total Time: about 1 hour 45 minutes
Prep Time: about 15 minutes
Cook Time: about 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
I still remember the first time I made this creamy chicken and potato bake at home. The aroma of baked chicken, potatoes, and cheese filled the kitchen, and everyone was eager to dig in.
This casserole is simple to prepare but full of comforting flavors. Tender chicken, fluffy potatoes, and carrots are baked together in a creamy sauce, then finished with golden melted cheese on top.
It is a versatile recipe too. You can swap vegetables, try different cheeses, or even use homemade sauce, making it easy to adapt for what you have on hand.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Potato Bake
This dish combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that makes it irresistible. Here’s how it all comes together:
• Dice chicken breasts into large chunks and place in a casserole dish
• Add quartered potatoes and baby carrots on top of the chicken
• Prepare a creamy sauce using cream cheese, evaporated milk, cream of chicken soup, and ranch mix
• Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables
• Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top
• Cover with foil and bake until the chicken and potatoes are tender
• Remove foil and broil briefly to get a golden, bubbly top
• Let it rest before serving so the flavors settle
It is an easy, one-pan meal with minimal cleanup and maximum comfort.
Ingredients
• 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 4–5 potatoes (white, russet, or baby red), diced into large chunks
• 2 cups baby carrots, cleaned
• 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
• 12 ounces evaporated milk
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• ¾ ounce ranch dressing mix
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional toppings: crispy bacon, minced parsley, or thinly sliced green onions
Directions
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spray a 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut chicken into large chunks.
- Place in the casserole dish evenly.
- Add Vegetables:
- Quarter or dice potatoes and add on top of the chicken.
- Scatter the baby carrots over the potatoes.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, combine cream cheese, evaporated milk, cream of chicken soup, and half of the shredded cheese.
- Heat over medium-high, whisking until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake Covered:
- Cover tightly with foil.
- Bake for about 1 hour 30 minutes, until chicken and potatoes are tender.
- Broil for a Golden Top:
- Remove foil and place under the broiler for 4–6 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let the casserole rest for 15–20 minutes before serving to set the flavors.
Process Details
• Cooking the Chicken: Baking chicken in chunks ensures it stays tender and juicy.
• Creamy Sauce: Combining cream cheese, evaporated milk, and soup makes a rich sauce that coats every piece evenly.
• Golden Cheese Top: Broiling briefly adds a crisp, golden layer that makes the casserole look and taste amazing.
• Vegetable Texture: Using baby carrots and large potato chunks keeps a soft but not mushy texture.
• Flavor Balance: Ranch mix adds seasoning without extra salt or spices.
• Resting Time: Allowing the dish to rest helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes serving easier.
Tips for Success
• Use chicken breasts or thighs depending on preference for tenderness.
• Choose potatoes that hold their shape, like Yukon Gold or baby reds.
• Keep vegetables roughly the same size for even cooking.
• Stir the sauce constantly while heating to avoid lumps.
• Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley before serving for a pop of freshness.
• Assemble ahead of time and refrigerate before baking to save time on busy days.
Serving Ideas
• Family Dinner: Serve hot with a simple green salad on the side.
• Comfort Plate: Add mashed or roasted vegetables for a hearty meal.
• Garnish: Sprinkle with crispy bacon or green onions for extra flavor and texture.
• Potluck Dish: Bring to gatherings as a ready-to-serve casserole.
Storage & Freezing
• Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature and store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze baked casserole for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to keep the sauce creamy.
• Make Ahead: Assemble unbaked casserole in the fridge, add cheese before baking.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)
• Calories: ~385
• Protein: ~25g
• Carbohydrates: ~13g
• Fat: ~26g
• Fiber: ~1g
• Sodium: ~860mg
• Sugar: ~7g
This Creamy Chicken and Potato Bake is the perfect blend of tender chicken, soft potatoes, and a rich, cheesy sauce, making it a comforting and satisfying meal. It is simple to make but full of flavor, ideal for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
I hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish as much as I do. Once you try it, it will likely become a regular favorite in your home.