Easy Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken Recipe

Creamy mashed potato casserole with crispy chicken brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Layers of fluffy potatoes and golden-brown chicken create a hearty meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Cheese melts perfectly between soft potato clouds and crunchy chicken pieces.

Seasonal herbs add unexpected depth to this classic comfort dish.

Home cooks can easily master this recipe with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated these delightful potato casseroles that warm hearts and fill bellies.

Tips For Fluffy Potato Casserole With Chicken

• Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels before placing them on the cheese layer to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
• Grate cheese directly from the block for smoother melting and better coverage across the casserole.
• Add a sprinkle of garlic powder or dried herbs to the mashed potatoes for extra depth and richness.
• Warm the brown gravy slightly before pouring over the casserole to maintain the dish's temperature and prevent cooling.
• Assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience.

Variations To Change Up Your Casserole Routine

• Vegetarian Potato Bake: Replace chicken tenders with plant-based protein like crispy tofu or seasoned tempeh strips for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Swap mashed potatoes with mashed cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate content and create a lighter dish.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Casserole: Use gluten-free cornstarch for gravy and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Dairy-Free Cheese Option: Substitute regular cheddar with dairy-free cheese alternatives made from nuts or soy for lactose-intolerant individuals.

How To Serve Potato Casserole Hot And Fresh

• Comfort Food Feast: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the rich flavors and add freshness to your meal.
• Veggie Boost: Roasted broccoli or steamed green beans make excellent side companions, providing extra nutrients and color to the plate.
• Family-Style Serving: Scoop portions directly from the baking dish for a rustic, homey dining experience that encourages sharing and connection.
• Gravy Lover's Dream: Serve extra brown gravy on the side, allowing each person to drizzle additional sauce over their portion for maximum flavor enjoyment.

Store Potato Casserole For Family Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months to preserve flavor and texture.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until thoroughly warm, stirring midway to ensure even heating.
• Preheat oven to 350F, cover casserole with aluminum foil to prevent drying, warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, then remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the chicken.

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 them dry before placing on top of the cheese layer to ensure they crisp up properly.

• Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold.

• What can I substitute if I don't have cheddar cheese?

You can easily swap cheddar with other melting cheeses like monterey jack, colby, or a blend of your favorite cheeses. The key is choosing a cheese that melts well and complements the chicken and potatoes.

• How can I make the chicken extra crispy?

Mashed Potato Casserole With Crispy Chicken Twist

• Quick Family Feast: Combines protein, potatoes, and corn in one delicious dish that satisfies everyone's hunger with minimal kitchen effort.
• Layer-Up Convenience: Simple step-by-step assembly makes this recipe perfect for busy weeknight dinners or last-minute meal planning without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Crispy chicken, melted cheese, and creamy mashed potatoes create a hearty meal that appeals to both kids and adults, making it an instant family favorite.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Easily adaptable for different tastes by switching cheese types or adding extra seasonings, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys their portion.

Everything For Chicken Potato Casserole Success

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy base that provides a smooth and comforting foundation for the casserole.
• Chicken Tenders: Protein-rich protein that creates a crispy and flavorful topping for the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds a rich, melty layer of flavor and texture.

• Corn: Sweet and tender vegetable that adds a pop of color and natural sweetness to the casserole.

• Brown Gravy: Rich sauce that enhances the overall flavor and adds moisture to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Steps To Creamy Mashed Potato Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) to create the perfect cooking environment for this comforting dish.

Step 2: Create the Potato Base

Spread the creamy mashed potatoes smoothly across the bottom of a baking dish, creating an even layer that will serve as the foundation of your casserole.

Step 3: Add a Sweet Corn Layer

Generously distribute corn kernels over the mashed potato surface, adding a burst of sweetness and color to the dish.

Step 4: Sprinkle Cheesy Goodness

Shower the corn layer with grated cheddar cheese, ensuring a rich and melty topping that will make your casserole irresistibly delicious.

Step 5: Position Crispy Chicken Tenders

Carefully arrange chicken tenders across the cheese layer, creating a protein-packed crown for your casserole.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and let it cook for 20-25 minutes.

You’re looking for golden-brown chicken tenders and a beautifully melted cheese layer that bubbles with excitement.

Step 7: Finish with Savory Gravy

Whip up a batch of brown gravy according to the package instructions.

Once the casserole is out of the oven, drizzle the warm gravy over the top, adding an extra layer of rich flavor that ties everything together.

Serve hot and enjoy the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy potatoes, sweet corn, crispy chicken, and mouthwatering gravy in every single bite!

Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy mashed potato casserole with crispy chicken brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table. Rich layers of smooth potatoes and golden-brown chicken create a satisfying meal that delights with each comforting bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 8 chicken tenders
• 5–6 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 cup corn

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, freshly grated

Sauce:

• Brown gravy (homemade or packet)

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
2. Create an even, smooth base layer of mashed potatoes across the entire dish, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Distribute a uniform layer of corn kernels directly over the potato foundation.
4. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the corn, creating a rich and creamy intermediate layer.
5. Carefully position chicken tenders atop the cheese, ensuring each piece is evenly spaced for consistent cooking.
6. Transfer the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 22-27 minutes, monitoring the chicken until it achieves a golden, crispy exterior and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
7. While the casserole completes cooking, prepare brown gravy according to package instructions, whisking until smooth and free of lumps.
8. Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 3-5 minutes to set and stabilize the layers.
9. Drizzle the prepared brown gravy over the entire casserole just before serving, ensuring an even distribution of flavor.

Notes

• Swap chicken tenders for plant-based alternatives like tofu or seitan to create a vegetarian version of this hearty casserole.
• Add diced bell peppers or crispy bacon bits between potato and corn layers for extra texture and flavor complexity.
• Use low-fat cheese and Greek yogurt in mashed potatoes to reduce overall calorie content while maintaining creamy consistency.
• Make ahead and refrigerate assembled casserole for up to 24 hours before baking, allowing flavors to meld and simplifying meal preparation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg