Firehouse Pepper Jack Chicken Potato Bake

Firehouse Pepper Jack Chicken Potato Bake
Creamy potatoes, smoky bacon, juicy chicken, and melted pepper jack cheese baked into one big comfort-food casserole. This is the kind of meal that fills the station kitchen with that “what are we eating tonight?” smell before it even comes out of the oven.

Prep Time - 20 minutes
Cook Time - 1 hour
Servings - 6-8

Ingredients
•    2 lbs chicken thighs or chicken breast, diced 
•    3 lbs russet potatoes, diced small 
•    10 slices bacon, chopped 
•    1 onion, diced 
•    1 bell pepper, diced 
•    3 cloves garlic, minced 
•    2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese 
•    1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 
•    1 can cream of chicken soup 
•    1 cup sour cream 
•    1/2 cup milk 
•    2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasoning Blend
•    2 teaspoons paprika 
•    1 teaspoon garlic powder 
•    1 teaspoon onion powder 
•    1 teaspoon salt 
•    1 teaspoon black pepper 
•    1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 
•    1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 

Topping
•    Green onions 
•    Extra bacon crumbles 

Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Season the Chicken
Toss chicken with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne, and smoked paprika.
Brown lightly in the bacon grease for 4-5 minutes. It does not need to be fully cooked yet.

Step 3: Build the Sauce
In a bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and garlic.

Step 4: Assemble the Bake
In a greased 9x13 dish combine:
•    Potatoes 
•    Chicken 
•    Onion 
•    Bell pepper 
•    Half the bacon 
•    Half the cheese 
Pour sauce mixture over everything and stir lightly.
Top with remaining cheese.

Step 5: Bake
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.
Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Finish It
Top with green onions and remaining bacon before serving.

Cooking Tips & Notes
•    Dice potatoes small so they cook evenly. 
•    Rotisserie chicken works great if you’re short on time. 
•    Add jalapeños for extra heat. 

Equipment Needed
•    9x13 baking dish 
•    Large skillet 
•    Mixing bowl 
•    Knife & cutting board 

Firehouse Move
Serve with garlic bread or Texas toast and expect absolutely zero leftovers.