Rustic Potato, Bacon & Chicken Casserole

This Rustic Potato, Bacon & Chicken Casserole is a comforting one-dish meal that brings together crispy bacon, tender chicken, hearty potatoes, and sweet bursts of corn and pineapple. Sautéed mushrooms, peppers, and carrots build a savory base, while olives, cooked pork, and a creamy mayonnaise dressing add depth and tang. Baked until golden and slightly crisp on top, this casserole offers layers of flavor and texture in every spoonful. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or lazy Sunday dinners, it’s a crowd-pleaser that feels both indulgent and homey—no need for separate sides or complicated prep.

Preparation Time, Cooking Time & Yield
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes (including baking)
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: Serves 6–8 generously

Cuisine
Fusion comfort food with Eastern European and Western influences

Ingredients
• 800 g (1.75 lbs) potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 250 g (8.8 oz) bacon, chopped
• 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large mushrooms, sliced
• ½ bell pepper, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 300 g (10.5 oz) boneless chicken shank meat, diced
• 300 g water, for blanching (see Step 8)
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 can sweet corn (200 g), drained
• ½ can pineapple (100 g), diced
• 100 g cooked pork, diced
• 1 handful olives, sliced
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise (more to taste)

Directions

1. Boil Potatoes: Bring a pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Add the cubed potatoes and cook until just tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and set aside in a large mixing bowl.

2. Crisp the Bacon: While the potatoes boil, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and reserve on paper towels.

3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.

4. Cook Mushrooms and Veggies: Add the sliced mushrooms and diced bell pepper; cook until mushrooms release moisture and begin to brown, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in diced carrots; season with salt and pepper.

5. Brown the Chicken: Push the vegetables to one side of the pan. Add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and diced chicken. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes.

6. Combine Main Ingredients: Transfer the sautéed chicken and vegetables to the bowl with potatoes. Add the crispy bacon, drained sweet corn, diced pineapple, and cooked pork. Gently fold to combine.

7. Prepare Onion Dressing: Place the finely chopped small onion in a heatproof bowl and pour just-boiling water over it. Let sit 5 minutes, then drain thoroughly and add to the casserole mixture.

8. Add Olives & Mayo: Stir in the sliced olives and mayonnaise, mixing until every component is coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

9. Assemble & Bake: Preheat the oven to 200 °C (400 °F). Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, smoothing the surface. Drizzle any remaining olive oil over the top.

10. Bake to Finish: Bake for 20–25 minutes until the top is lightly golden and the edges bubble. Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 8 portions):
Calories: ~320 kcal
Protein: 15 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g (fiber 4 g, sugars 5 g)
Fat: 15 g (saturated 4 g)
Sodium: 520 mg

Origin and Popularity
One-dish casseroles have roots in European peasant cooking, where sturdy ingredients were combined in a single vessel for simplicity and flavor. This particular mix of potatoes, bacon, and chicken echoes Eastern European “drunken chicken” casseroles, while the addition of sweet corn and pineapple nods to modern fusion trends. Its ease of assembly and crowd-pleasing taste have made it a staple at casual gatherings across North America and beyond.

Reasons to Love It
• All-in-One Meal: No need for separate sides—protein, veggies, and starch in one dish.
• Flavor Layers: Smoky bacon, tender chicken, sweet fruit, and briny olives in every bite.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Toss ingredients together earlier in the day and bake before dinner.
• Family-Approved: Kids and adults alike enjoy its comforting flavors and familiar textures.
• Leftover Sauce: The creamy, savory juices are perfect for mopping up with crusty bread.

Health Benefits
• Balanced Macronutrients: Combines lean protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats.
• Vitamin-Rich Veggies: Carrots and peppers add β-carotene and vitamin C.
• Heart-Healthy Fats: Olive oil provides monounsaturated fats linked to cardiovascular health.
• Probiotic Boost: Sautéing onions and garlic supports digestion and immune function.
• Portion Control: Easily divided into balanced portions for mindful eating.

Serving Suggestions
• Green Salad: A crisp mixed-green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness.
• Crusty Bread: Offer warm sourdough or baguette slices to sop up sauce.
• Pickles: Tangy dill pickles or sauerkraut add refreshing contrast.
• Wine Pairing: A light Pinot Noir or a zesty Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors.

Cooking Tips
• Uniform Cuts: Chop potatoes and chicken into similar sizes for even cooking.
• Avoid Soggy Veggies: Drain canned ingredients thoroughly and pat dry if needed.
• Crispier Top: For extra crunch, sprinkle 2 tbsp breadcrumbs on top before baking.
• Even Browning: Rotate the casserole halfway through baking.
• Taste as You Cook: Adjust seasoning in the bowl before baking to ensure balanced flavors.

Variations
• Spicy Kick: Add ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit meat, double the mushrooms, and add chickpeas.
• Cheesy Twist: Stir in 100 g shredded cheddar or pepper jack before baking.
• Herb Infusion: Mix chopped thyme or rosemary into the olive oil drizzle.
• Creamy Upgrade: Dollop sour cream or Greek yogurt on each serving.

Conclusion
This Rustic Potato, Bacon & Chicken Casserole is the epitome of cozy, flavorful home cooking. With minimal prep and a single bake, you’ll serve a dish that feels indulgent yet familiar, packed with a variety of tastes and textures. Whether you’re feeding family, entertaining friends, or simply craving a hearty meal, this casserole delivers comfort and satisfaction. Gather around the table, dig in, and enjoy every savory, sweet, and smoky bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use sweet potatoes?
   Yes—swap half or all of the potatoes for sweet potatoes for a sweeter flavor and extra nutrients.

2. How do I reheat leftovers?
   Microwave individual portions or reheat in a 180 °C oven for 10 minutes until warmed through.

3. What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
   Greek yogurt or a nut-based spread work for a lighter, tangy dressing.

4. Can I prep this in advance?
   Assemble up to step 8, cover, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking.

5. Is this freezer-friendly?
   Yes—freeze before baking in an airtight container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.

6. How do I make it gluten-free?
   Omit breadcrumbs (if used) and ensure any processed meats are gluten-free.

7. Can I add more veggies?
   Broccoli, peas, or zucchini are great additions; sauté them with the other vegetables.

8. Why are my potatoes mushy?
   Avoid overboiling—cook until just tender and drain immediately to prevent waterlogging.

9. How do I keep bacon crispy?
   Cook bacon separately until very crisp, then fold in after potatoes and other ingredients.

10. What side pairs best?
    A simple cucumber salad or pickled beets provide a refreshing counterpoint.