Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast! This Smoked Chicken Potatoes Cheese Sauce recipe is the ultimate comfort food that promises to make your taste buds dance with joy. Imagine crispy golden potatoes, tender smoky chicken, and a luxuriously creamy cheese sauce all coming together in one irresistible dish that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups smoked chicken, shredded
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 2 cups cheese sauce
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- Wash and dice the potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes. Place the diced potatoes in a large mixing bowl and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to ensure even coating.
- Spread the seasoned potato cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning once halfway through, until potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the outside, tender on the inside.
- While potatoes are roasting, prepare the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine milk and cheese sauce over medium heat. Whisk continuously until smooth and heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Shred the smoked chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring no large chunks remain.
- Remove potatoes from the oven and transfer to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded smoked chicken evenly over the potatoes.
- Pour the warm cheese sauce over the chicken and potatoes, ensuring complete coverage.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese sauce is bubbling and slightly golden on top.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and flavors to meld together.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Serve hot as a main course or hearty side dish.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use high-quality smoked chicken and aged cheese sauce for a richer taste profile.
- Ensure potato cubes are cut uniformly to guarantee even roasting and consistent texture.
- Don't skip the step of turning potatoes halfway through roasting - this ensures crispy edges on all sides.
- Use a non-stick baking dish or generously grease your pan to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese sauce to set and flavors to meld perfectly.
- For extra crunch, consider adding breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before the final bake.
- If you want a lighter version, you can substitute whole milk with low-fat milk or use a lighter cheese sauce.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can add a bright, fresh finish to this rich and comforting dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 27g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
