I made this last night, and I can’t stop thinking about how comforting and delicious it was! This mashed potato casserole with crispy chicken has everything I love about comfort food in one dish. Creamy potatoes, crispy chicken, gooey cheese, and a drizzle of rich gravy… it’s perfection! It’s also super easy to prepare ahead, which is a lifesaver when I want a stress-free dinner. Trust me, this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

mashed potato casserole with crispy chicken recipe

Credit: thecozycook

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this hearty casserole to life. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect flavor and texture:

Mashed potatoes (5-6 cups): Homemade mashed potatoes work best for that creamy texture. If using leftover mashed potatoes, warm them up first.
Corn (1 cup): Fresh, frozen, or even canned. If using canned, drain it to avoid excess moisture.
Cheddar cheese (1 cup, freshly grated): Always grate your cheese rather than buying pre-shredded. It melts better and ensures a gooey texture.
Chicken tenders (8 pieces): Crispy chicken tenders are the star of this dish! You can use homemade or store-bought, but homemade adds a special touch.
Gravy (as needed): Brown gravy ties everything together. Make it from scratch for that rich depth, or use a packet for convenience.

Note: These quantities make about 6 servings.

Variations

Want to tweak the recipe to fit your dietary needs or spice up the flavors? Here are some variations to try:

Dairy-free: Use plant-based butter and milk in the mashed potatoes, and swap out the cheddar cheese for a dairy-free alternative.
Gluten-free: Ensure your gravy and chicken tenders are gluten-free by checking labels.
Flavor boosters: Add sautéed onions, garlic, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the mashed potatoes for extra depth of flavor.
Vegetable alternatives: Swap corn with peas, carrots, or green beans for variety.

For a lighter option, consider pairing it with Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps for a refreshing contrast.

Cooking Time

You’ll have dinner ready in no time with this casserole. Here’s the breakdown:

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Equipment You Need

To make this dish effortlessly, here’s the equipment you’ll require:

9×13-inch casserole dish: For baking the casserole to golden perfection.
Large mixing bowl: To mix the mashed potatoes and other ingredients.
Baking sheet: If you need to bake the chicken tenders beforehand.
Small saucepan: To prepare the gravy.
Knife and cutting board: For slicing chicken tenders if needed.

How to Make Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken?

Making this dish is simple and enjoyable, with a straightforward process that anyone can follow. Here’s how to do it:

Prepare the Base

Start by making a batch of mashed potatoes or reheating leftovers. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly along the bottom of your casserole dish. They act as a creamy base that holds all the delicious toppings.

Add the Layers

Next, sprinkle a layer of corn over the mashed potatoes. It adds a pop of sweetness and texture. Grate the cheddar cheese and spread it across the corn, creating a layer that melts beautifully when baked.

Prepare the Chicken

If using homemade chicken tenders, slice them into bite-sized pieces. This step makes the casserole easier to serve while ensuring every bite is packed with crispy chicken.

Assemble and Bake

Top the casserole with your chicken pieces, arranging them evenly. Bake the dish in a preheated oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, depending on whether you’re using fresh or frozen chicken. The cheese will melt, and the chicken will crisp up during baking.

Finish with Gravy

While the casserole is baking, heat up the brown gravy in a saucepan. Once the casserole is ready, drizzle the gravy over the top just before serving. It’s the finishing touch that ties all the flavors together.

Credit: wooedbythefood

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

I’ve learned a few tricks to take this recipe from great to absolutely unforgettable. Here’s what worked for me:

Use homemade mashed potatoes whenever possible. They make a world of difference in flavor and texture.
Don’t skip the step of freshly grating your cheese. It melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
If you have time, make the chicken tenders and gravy from scratch. It adds an unbeatable homemade touch.
Avoid overloading the casserole with gravy before baking. Serve it on the side to keep everything from getting too soggy.

How to Serve Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken?

This casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. To make it extra special:

Serve it piping hot with a side of green beans or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Garnish with chopped parsley or a pinch of paprika for a colorful, professional-looking finish.
Add extra gravy on the side in a gravy boat so your guests can drizzle to their heart’s content!

You might also enjoy the flavors in this Asian Chicken Crunch Salad for a fresh twist.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional breakdown for one serving:

Calories: 757 kcal
Protein: 34 g
Carbohydrates: 111 g
Fat: 21 g

Make Ahead and Storage

This casserole is perfect for busy days, as it comes together quickly and stores well.

Make Ahead

You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. Divide it into portions, freeze in airtight containers, and consume within 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are so many reasons this casserole is a must-try. Here’s why I think you’ll love it as much as I do:

Simplicity: It’s quick to prepare yet impressive enough for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Versatility: You can easily adapt it to suit dietary preferences or ingredient availability.
Comfort food perfection: It combines creamy, crispy, cheesy, and savory flavors in one bite.
Make-ahead friendly: Ideal for meal prep or entertaining without the stress.
Kid-approved: The layers of cheese, chicken, and gravy make it a hit with even the pickiest eaters.

This mashed potato casserole with crispy chicken is sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner idea or an easy dish to bring to a potluck, this recipe has got you covered! Bon appetit! You can also enjoy similar chicken recipes for more inspiration.

Ash Tyrrell