Loaded Chicken & Potato Casserole

I'm finally back, after a week long break. That's what happens when it's near the end of tax season, and I'm working on some others taxes. Glad those are done. 😅

We never eat casseroles, but boy was this good! AND this is Whole 30 compliant! Even better! 

This came from Jessie B's website. 

Originally when I looked at the recipe I thought it seemed easy, but honestly there is a lot of steps. I wouldn't put this in the "quick and easy" category, but definitely in the "treat" category. The 3 year old ate it great without the spicy sauce. The 1 year old not so much. I think it was too spicy for him. But it was a double win for us adults! :)

• 1 to 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1" cubes
• 2 to 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped 
• 1 lb gold potatoes, cut into 1" cubes
• 1/2 white onion, sliced then roughly chopped
• 5 to 6 garlic cloves, quartered

For the sauce:

• 1/3 cup olive or avocado oil
• 2 tbsp hot sauce
• 2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp Italian or other herb blend (I used Italian seasoning)

For the garnish:

• 6 slices compliant bacon
• 1/2 cup green onion, thinly sliced
• "Spicy Cream Sauce" (recipe below) (This is so good, and makes the dish!)

Spicy Cream Sauce:

• 1/4 cup avocado oil
• 1/4 cup full fat coconut milk
• juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 to 2 tsp hot sauce
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried chives (I did not have these, so went without)
• 1/4 tsp dijon mustard
• salt & pepper

For the sauce, mix all ingredients up in a blender or food processor. Refrigerate until it firms up slightly.

Directions:

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

        2: In a large bowl, mix the sauce ingredients until well combined. 

        3: Add the potatoes and white onion to the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. Drizzle with 1/2 of your sauce, stir to combine, then transfer to the oven. Bake for about 30 minutes, stirring halfway through.

        4: Meanwhile, fry the bacon in a pan and set aside.

        5: Using the rendered bacon fat, brown the chicken cubes over medium high heat. Cook partially through. Add the browned chicken to the large bowl with the remaining sauce. Add the broccoli, garlic, and half of the green onions, and stir to coat.

        6: Once the potatoes are done, pour the chicken & brocolli mixture over top. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the broccoli is lightly browned and the chicken is cooked through. 

        7: Top the casserole with crumbled bacon and the remaining half of green onions. Drizzle with "Spicy Cream Sauce" or a ranch dressing. 

Enjoy! Whew, just typing that out makes me realize just how many steps there are! It took me about an hour total to prepare it.