Creamy Mashed Potato Casserole With Crispy Chicken Recipe

Comfort meets crunch in this mouthwatering mashed potato casserole that promises a delightful twist on classic side dishes.

Layers of creamy potatoes blend seamlessly with golden, crispy chicken pieces.

Hearty ingredients come together in a way that surprises and satisfies your taste buds.

Weeknight dinners will never be the same with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of smooth and crunchy textures that dance across your palate.

Rich, velvety potatoes provide the ultimate backdrop for crisp chicken that adds excitement to every bite.

Dive into this simple yet spectacular dish that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal you’ll crave again and again.

Ingredients for Mashed Potato and Crispy Chicken Casserole

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and smooth potatoes that form the foundational layer of the casserole.
• Corn: Sweet and tender corn kernels that add texture and flavor to the dish.

• Chicken Tenders: Juicy and tender chicken pieces that provide the main protein source for the casserole.

• Cheese: Melty and rich cheese that creates a golden, crispy top layer.
• Gravy: Savory sauce that adds extra moisture and enhances the overall flavor of the casserole.

How to Prepare Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400°F. If you’re working with frozen chicken, let it hang out at room temperature for about 5 minutes to make slicing easier.

Step 2: Create Potato Base

Spread those creamy mashed potatoes across a 9×13 baking dish in an even, inviting layer. Sprinkle corn kernels and cheese all over the potato landscape.

Step 3: Add Chicken Layer

Slice chicken tenders into bite-sized pieces that will make every forkful exciting. Arrange these golden protein pieces strategically across the potato and corn foundation.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Pop the casserole into the preheated oven and let it sizzle uncovered. If using homemade chicken, bake for 15 minutes.

For frozen chicken, give it an extra 5 minutes, totaling 20 minutes of delicious transformation.

Step 5: Drizzle With Gravy

While the casserole is getting all crispy and golden, whip up some rich gravy.

Once it’s out of the oven, generously drizzle that liquid gold over the top, creating a mouthwatering finish that’ll have everyone rushing to the table.

Tips for Crispy Chicken Mashed Potato Casserole

• Let frozen chicken sit at room temperature for 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent cold spots.
• Spread warm mashed potatoes in a consistent layer to create a smooth, creamy base for the casserole.
• Select a melting cheese like cheddar or monterey jack for maximum flavor and gooey texture.
• Adjust cooking duration based on chicken type – 15 minutes for homemade, 20 minutes for frozen to prevent overcooking.
• Drizzle warm gravy just before serving to add moisture and extra flavor to the casserole.

Creative Takes on Mashed Potato Casserole

• Spicy Southwest Sensation: Replace corn with diced green chiles and add taco seasoning to the chicken for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Swap cheese with crumbled feta, sprinkle dried oregano and thyme, and use grilled chicken marinated in olive oil and lemon.
• Bacon Ranch Revival: Crumble crispy bacon over the top, mix ranch seasoning into the mashed potatoes, and use ranch-seasoned chicken strips for extra flavor.
• Veggie Power Upgrade: Add roasted bell peppers, spinach, and substitute chicken with plant-based protein for a nutritious vegetarian version.

Ideal Pairings for Mashed Potato Casserole

• Boost Savory Richness: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp chardonnay that cuts through the creamy potatoes and complements the chicken's golden crunch.
• Refresh the Palate: Serve a tangy cucumber salad with fresh dill and light vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness and add bright, zesty notes.
• Elevate Comfort Flavors: Add roasted garlic green beans as a side to introduce an additional vegetable and enhance the overall meal's depth and nutrition.
• Complete the Comfort Experience: Pour a cold amber ale that matches the casserole's warm, rustic flavors and provides a smooth, malty counterpoint to the creamy potatoes.

How to Store Mashed Potato Casserole

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Transfer casserole to freezer-safe container. Seal tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.

Preheat oven to 350F. Cover dish with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.

Place portion on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature before serving.

FAQs

• How do I ensure my chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Cut into the thickest part of the chicken to verify there’s no pink and the juices run clear.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses work great. Choose a cheese that melts well and complements the chicken and corn flavors.

• What if I don't have fresh corn?

Frozen corn is a perfect substitute. Thaw it first or add it directly to the casserole. If you prefer, you can also use canned corn, just drain it well before adding.

Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken: Comfort Food at Its Best

• Craft a Comfort Classic: Transform simple ingredients into a hearty, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen.
• Customize with Ease: Swap chicken types, adjust cheese varieties, or add extra veggies to make this recipe uniquely yours without complicated techniques.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with a single baking dish that combines protein, potatoes, and toppings into a deliciously streamlined dinner solution.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults will love the combination of crispy chicken, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese, making mealtime a crowd-pleasing experience.

Mashed Potato Casserole With Crispy Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comforting mashed potato casserole with crispy chicken delivers a perfect harmony of creamy potatoes and crunchy poultry. Homemade goodness fills each forkful with warmth, promising a satisfying meal that brings smiles to the dinner table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein

• 8 chicken tenders (frozen or homemade)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, freshly grated

Starch

• 6 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 cup corn

Sauce

• Brown gravy (homemade or packet)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Ensure oven is preheated to 400°F, allowing sufficient warmth for even cooking.
2. Create a smooth, even base by spreading warm mashed potatoes across the entire surface of a 9×13 baking dish.
3. Distribute corn kernels uniformly over potato layer, followed by an even sprinkle of cheese for comprehensive coverage.
4. Cut chicken tenders into consistent bite-sized pieces, arranging them strategically across the potato and corn foundation.
5. Place uncovered casserole in heated oven, baking for 15-20 minutes depending on chicken type (fresh or frozen) until chicken appears golden and cheese melts completely.
6. While casserole bakes, prepare gravy to enhance flavor profile and moisture of the dish.
7. Remove casserole from oven, allowing brief cooling period to stabilize structure.
8. Drizzle prepared gravy generously over casserole surface immediately before serving, ensuring each portion receives rich, savory complement.

Notes

• Keep chicken tenders at room temperature before slicing to ensure even cooking and prevent cold spots.
• Use freshly made mashed potatoes for the best creamy texture and richer flavor profile.
• Choose high-moisture cheese like cheddar or mozzarella for maximum melting and golden browning on top of the casserole.
• Customize protein options by substituting chicken with pulled pork, turkey, or plant-based protein for dietary variations.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg