If you’re in the mood for a dish that’s both indulgent and comforting, this Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken is exactly what you need. Imagine creamy mashed potatoes topped with crispy, golden chicken – every bite is like a warm hug. It’s the kind of dish you make when you want something hearty, satisfying, and a little bit fancy for dinner. You’re going to love how simple it is to prepare and how the flavors come together perfectly.
Why You’ll Love Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken
This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a crowd-pleasing dish for your next get-together. It’s all about that perfect balance between comfort and crispy indulgence. Here’s why you’ll want to make it:
Versatile: You can easily add extra veggies or change up the seasoning to fit your mood.
Budget-Friendly: You’ll love how you can whip up this delicious dish without splurging on expensive ingredients.
Quick and Easy: With just a few steps, you can create a filling, delicious meal that everyone will devour.
Customizable: Swap out the chicken for turkey or add some shredded cheese on top – this dish is a blank canvas!
Crowd-Pleasing: This casserole is bound to be a hit at the table. Crispy chicken and creamy mashed potatoes – what’s not to love? It’s the perfect dish for both kids and adults.
Ingredients in Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken
Here’s the magic of this dish – it’s made with simple ingredients, but the result is out-of-this-world delicious. Let’s break it down:
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts that you bread and fry until golden and crispy. These add a perfect crunch to the creamy potatoes.
Mashed Potatoes: The heart of this casserole – buttery, creamy mashed potatoes that melt in your mouth. You’ll want to use starchy potatoes for the fluffiest texture.
Bread Crumbs: For the crispy chicken coating – golden, crunchy, and perfect for adding texture.
Eggs: Used to dip the chicken in before coating it with breadcrumbs, helping it stick and fry to perfection.
Butter: You can’t go wrong with a bit of butter in your mashed potatoes – it gives them that creamy richness we all crave.
Cheese: Whether it’s shredded cheddar or a cheese blend, this dish gets a cheesy boost when you layer it in the casserole.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) – this ensures your casserole gets that perfect golden top.
Cook the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, dip the chicken breasts in beaten egg, then coat them with breadcrumbs. Heat some oil in a large skillet and fry the chicken until golden and crispy, about 5 minutes per side. Set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: While the chicken is cooking, boil the potatoes until they’re fork-tender. Drain and mash them with butter, salt, and pepper. If you like, add a little milk or cream for extra creaminess.
Assemble the Casserole: Spread the mashed potatoes in the bottom of a baking dish, then layer the crispy chicken on top. Sprinkle a generous amount of cheese over the chicken and mashed potatoes.
Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and everything is heated through.
Finishing Touches: Once done, remove from the oven and let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm, and enjoy the crispy, creamy goodness of this comforting casserole!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 420
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Serve Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken
This casserole is hearty on its own, but if you’re looking to balance things out, try pairing it with a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables. The crispness of a green salad or the sweetness of roasted carrots will complement the richness of the casserole perfectly. For a complete meal, serve with a slice of crusty bread to soak up any leftover mashed potatoes and cheese!
Additional Tips
- For extra flavor, add some garlic powder or onion powder to the mashed potatoes.
- You can make the mashed potatoes ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to assemble the casserole.
- If you prefer, you can bake the chicken ahead of time and just assemble the casserole when you’re ready.
FAQ’s
- Can I use a different type of chicken?
Yes, boneless thighs work well too! They’re a little juicier but will still give you that crispy texture. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the day before and bake it when you’re ready. - What kind of potatoes are best for mashed potatoes?
Russet potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes are perfect for creamy mashed potatoes. - Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Yes! Roasted veggies like broccoli, peas, or carrots would be a great addition. - Can I use a different cheese?
Of course! Try mozzarella for a stretchier cheese, or parmesan for a sharper flavor. - Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
You can use a light sour cream or Greek yogurt instead of butter and cream in the mashed potatoes. - Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, it freezes well! Just bake it, let it cool, and freeze it in an airtight container. - How do I keep the chicken crispy after baking?
To maintain the crispiness, bake the casserole uncovered so the chicken stays crunchy. - Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
You can, but homemade mashed potatoes will give a much creamier, richer texture. - Can I add bacon to this dish?
Yes! Crumbled bacon would add an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Conclusion
This Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken is one of those dishes that’ll quickly become a family favorite. From the creamy, buttery mashed potatoes to the crispy chicken and melted cheese, every bite is packed with flavor. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. So go ahead – get in the kitchen and enjoy this delicious, comforting meal!
Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Casserole / Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting casserole that layers creamy mashed potatoes with crispy chicken, sweet corn, and melted cheddar cheese, finished with a drizzle of savory brown gravy. Perfect for using up leftovers or serving as a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (homemade or instant, warmed)
- 1 cup frozen corn (thawed or lightly sautéed)
- 2 cups crispy chicken strips (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup brown gravy (prepared, homemade or store-bought)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Layer the Base: Evenly spread the warm mashed potatoes in a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Add the Corn: Sprinkle the corn evenly over the mashed potatoes.
- Top with Chicken: Arrange the crispy chicken pieces on top of the corn layer.
- Cheese It Up: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 15-25 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish with Gravy: While the casserole bakes, heat the brown gravy on the stovetop or in the microwave. Once baked, drizzle the hot gravy evenly over the casserole.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning (salt and pepper) to your taste.
- This dish is ideal for repurposing leftover mashed potatoes and chicken.
- For an extra-crispy finish, you can broil the casserole for 2 minutes at the end—just watch it closely to avoid burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg