Cozy Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken Recipe

Whipping up a hearty mashed potato casserole with crispy chicken promises comfort in every delightful bite.

Creamy potatoes blend perfectly with golden-brown chicken pieces that crackle with each forkful.

Layers of rich flavors create a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening.

Home cooks can easily master this crowd-pleasing dish with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.

Seasonal herbs and a sprinkle of cheese add unexpected depth to this classic combination.

Crispy edges and smooth interior make this casserole irresistible for anyone seeking a filling and flavorful dinner.

Enjoy Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken With

• Elevate Beverage Pairing: Crisp Chardonnay
• A smooth, buttery Chardonnay complements the rich, creamy mashed potatoes and cuts through the crispy chicken's savory profile, creating a delightful balance of flavors that dance across your palate.
• Boost Comfort Side: Tangy Coleslaw
• Fresh, zesty coleslaw provides a crunchy contrast to the soft casserole, adding a bright, acidic element that refreshes the palate and lightens the dish's hearty texture.
• Amplify Flavor Match: Light Amber Ale
• A mildly hoppy amber ale enhances the chicken's golden crispiness and matches the cheese's sharpness, delivering a robust yet smooth drinking experience that ties the meal together.
• Enhance Herbal Garnish: Fresh Parsley Sprinkle
• Chopped parsley scattered on top introduces a vibrant, green freshness that lifts the dense casserole, adding a subtle herbal note and visual appeal to the comforting dish.

Mashed Potato Chicken Bake Options

• Vegetarian Potato Bake: Replace chicken tenders with plant-based protein like crispy tofu, seitan, or roasted portobello mushrooms for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Casserole: Use gluten-free gravy mix and swap regular cheese with dairy-free alternatives to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute mashed potatoes with mashed cauliflower for a lower-carbohydrate option that maintains creamy texture and flavor.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Casserole: Add herbs like oregano, swap cheddar for feta cheese, and include roasted red peppers for a Mediterranean-style transformation.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken tenders instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before placing on the mashed potatoes to ensure they get crispy.

• What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Cheddar cheese is recommended, but you can also use monterey jack, colby, or a blend of cheeses for different flavor profiles.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The combination of crispy chicken, cheesy mashed potatoes, and gravy is typically a hit with children and makes for an easy, satisfying meal.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook it.

Mashed Potato Casserole With Crispy Chicken Crust

• Quick Family Feast: Discover why this mashed potato casserole rocks your dinner table.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Whip up this comforting dish in under 45 minutes with simple ingredients everyone loves.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Layer creamy potatoes, crispy chicken, and melted cheese for a one-pan meal that satisfies all ages.
• Budget-Friendly Delight: Transform basic ingredients into a hearty dinner that won't break the bank, perfect for feeding hungry families.

What You Mix Into Crispy Chicken Mashed Potato Bake

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy base of the casserole, can be homemade or store-bought for convenience, provides rich and comforting texture.
• Chicken Tenders: Main protein source, can be homemade or frozen, adds substantial and satisfying element to the dish.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty topping that adds rich flavor and golden color when baked.
• Corn: Sweet and crunchy vegetable that provides color and fresh taste, works well with potatoes and chicken, available fresh, canned, or frozen.

Mashed Potato Casserole With Crispy Chicken Directions

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Space

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F, creating the perfect environment for your delicious casserole adventure.

Step 2: Create a Potato Foundation

Smooth out your creamy mashed potatoes across the entire bottom of a casserole dish, ensuring an even, delectable base.

Step 3: Sprinkle Flavor Boosters

• Sweet corn kernels
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Step 4: Top with Protein Power

Gently place crispy chicken tenders on top of the cheesy potato canvas, arranging them with care.

Step 5: Drench in Savory Goodness

Drizzle a rich, homemade or store-bought brown gravy all over the casserole, letting it seep into every delicious crevice.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and let it transform for 25-30 minutes.

Watch for golden-brown chicken and melted, bubbling cheese that promises incredible flavor.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Pull out your masterpiece, let it cool for a moment, then dive into this comforting, mouth-watering meal that combines all your favorite comfort food elements in one spectacular dish.

Handy Ideas for Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken

• Marinate chicken tenders in buttermilk or seasoned yogurt for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure extra tenderness and deeper flavor.
• Mix different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar and parmesan for a more complex, rich cheese profile in the casserole.
• Cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 15 minutes of baking to prevent chicken from burning and maintain moisture.
• Replace traditional gravy with gluten-free gravy mix or use cornstarch-thickened chicken broth for celiac-friendly version.
• Add diced bell peppers or frozen mixed vegetables alongside corn for increased nutritional value and color variation.

Save Mashed Potato Casserole With Crispy Chicken Right

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a little water to prevent dryness, and heat in 1-minute intervals until thoroughly warm.

Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy mashed potato casserole with crispy chicken offers a comforting blend of smooth potatoes and crunchy poultry. Hearty layers of flavor promise a satisfying meal that brings warmth to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 chicken tenders
• 5–6 cups mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375°F, creating an ideal cooking temperature for the casserole’s transformation.
2. Create a smooth, even landscape of creamy mashed potatoes across the entire surface of the casserole dish, ensuring uniform coverage.
3. Generously distribute golden corn kernels and sharp cheddar cheese over the potato foundation, adding layers of flavor and texture.
4. Carefully position crispy chicken tenders across the potato and corn terrain, allowing each piece to nestle comfortably.
5. Craft a rich brown gravy using either packaged mix or traditional homemade techniques, releasing its robust flavors.
6. Gently cascade the warm gravy over the entire casserole, allowing it to seep between chicken and potato layers.
7. Transfer the assembled dish into the preheated oven, allowing the ingredients to meld and transform for 25-30 minutes.
8. Verify the chicken has achieved a golden, crispy exterior and the cheese has melted into a bubbling, appetizing blanket.
9. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest momentarily, allowing flavors to settle and intensify before serving.
10. Present the dish immediately while hot, celebrating the harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Notes

• Chicken tenders can be substituted with leftover roasted or grilled chicken for a more economic and time-saving option.
• Use low-fat cheese and Greek yogurt in mashed potatoes to create a healthier version of this hearty casserole.
• Add fresh herbs like chives or parsley on top for extra flavor and a vibrant green garnish that brightens the dish.
• Replace traditional gravy with gluten-free brown gravy mix or make a simple homemade version using cornstarch as a thickener.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg