Loaded-Up Casserole

Step 1 -Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

Step 2 -Coat a 9x11-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 3 -Add the potatoes, the olive oil, the garlic powder, the onion powder, the paprika, the black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt to a large bowl and toss until evenly coated.

Step 4 -Transfer the potato mixture to the prepared baking dish and bake until the potatoes are golden and fork-tender, about 25-30 minutes.

Step 5 -While the potato mixture is baking, in a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon, turning occasionally, until crisp, about 10-15 minutes.

Step 6 -Transfer the bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain and rest until it is cool enough to handle. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings from the skillet and discard the rest.

Step 7 -Finely chop the cooled bacon.

Step 8 -In a large bowl, add the chicken, the cream cheese, the water, the scallions, the hot sauce, the chopped bacon, the reserved bacon drippings, 1 1/2 cups of the cheese, and the remaining salt and stir to combine.

Step 9 -Fold the chicken mixture into the cooked potato mixture in the baking dish until well-combined.

Step 10 -Sprinkle the casserole with the remaining cheese.

Step 11 -Bake the casserole until the cheese has melted, about 10 minutes.

Step 12 -Set an oven rack about 6-inches from the heat source and switch the oven to the broiler.

Step 13 -Broil the casserole on high heat until the cheese is bubbling and brown in spots, about 3 minutes.

Step 14 -Serve.