There’s something magical about a bubbling Mashed Potato Casserole with Chicken that sings to your soul like a warm hug on a cold day. Imagine fluffy, buttery potatoes layered with juicy chicken, all blanketed in a creamy sauce that could make even the grumpiest of eaters smile. It’s like comfort food on steroids—packed with flavors that dance together in harmony, making you forget all your worries and warm your heart. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
This dish is perfect for family gatherings, chilly nights, or when you just want to impress your friends without breaking a sweat. I remember the first time I made this casserole; my family declared it “the best thing since sliced bread.” That’s high praise coming from a bunch of picky eaters! With every creamy bite, I felt an overwhelming sense of satisfaction as they gobbled it up like it was the last meal on Earth.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Mashed Potato Casserole with Chicken is incredibly easy to whip up, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- The flavors meld beautifully, creating a comforting dish everyone will adore
- Its creamy texture and golden top make it visually appealing for any table setting
- Plus, you can easily customize it based on your family’s preferences or what you have on hand
I once served this delightful casserole at a potluck, and let me tell you, I had friends fighting over the last spoonful. The oohs and aahs were deafening!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well but adjust based on your crowd size.
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Large Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russets for creamy mashed perfection.
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Butter: Always opt for unsalted butter to control the salt in your dish.
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Heavy Cream: This makes the mashed potatoes luxuriously creamy; don’t skimp!
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Cheddar Cheese: Grated sharp cheddar adds flavor that melts into every bite.
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Sour Cream: Adds tanginess that balances out the richness perfectly.
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Garlic Powder: A must-have for extra savory goodness throughout the casserole.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all the flavors.
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Chives or Green Onions: Fresh herbs for garnish add color and freshness to your dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Mashed Potato Casserole with Chicken
Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures everything cooks evenly and saves time later.
Cook the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, add some olive oil and cook seasoned chicken breasts until golden brown, about 6-7 minutes per side. The kitchen will smell heavenly!
Boil the Potatoes: While the chicken cooks, peel and chop potatoes into chunks. Boil them in salted water until tender, roughly 15-20 minutes. Don’t forget to check if they’re fork-tender!
Create Creamy Mash: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter and heavy cream while mashing until smooth and creamy. This is where you can go crazy with seasoning!
Add Flavors: Mix in sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into your mashed potatoes. Taste-test like a pro; adjust seasoning as needed.
Layer Everything: In a greased baking dish, layer half of the mashed potatoes followed by sliced chicken breasts. Top with remaining mash and sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
Bake: Place casserole in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until bubbling and golden brown on top. Your place will smell divine!
Once you’ve created this masterpiece of flavors, serve it hot garnished with chives or green onions for that Instagram-worthy touch! Enjoy each bite knowing you’ve created something truly comforting.
With every spoonful of this Mashed Potato Casserole with Chicken, you’re not just feeding bellies—you’re also filling hearts! So gather around your loved ones because good food is best enjoyed together!
You Must Know
- Mashed Potato Casserole with Chicken is a cozy dish that brings warmth to any gathering
- Its creamy texture and savory flavors create a delightful experience at the dinner table
- This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts, providing comfort and satisfaction in every bite
Perfecting the Cooking Process
The best approach is to cook the chicken first, allowing it to rest while you prepare the mashed potatoes. This keeps everything warm and flavorful.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different cheeses, herbs, or veggies based on your preferences. Adding bacon bits can elevate this dish to a new level of deliciousness.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F until warmed through for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For optimal flavor, use freshly mashed potatoes instead of instant ones
- Adding garlic or cream cheese enhances richness
- Avoid overcooking chicken; juicy pieces make the casserole irresistible
Cooking this dish reminds me of family gatherings where everyone fought over the last spoonful. It became a tradition that brought us together, filled with laughter and love.
FAQ
Can I use leftover chicken for this casserole?
Absolutely! Leftover chicken adds great flavor and saves time in meal prep. For more inspiration, check out this lunch ideas recipe.
What type of cheese works best in Mashed Potato Casserole with Chicken?
Cheddar cheese is classic, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella or gouda for variety.
How do I make the mashed potatoes creamy?
Add butter, cream, and seasonings while mashing to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
Mashed Potato Casserole with Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Mashed Potato Casserole with Chicken is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy mashed potatoes with tender chicken, all enveloped in a rich, savory sauce. This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings, making it an instant hit at any table. With layers of flavor and a golden, bubbly top, it’s sure to impress even the pickiest eaters. Easy to prepare and customizable, this casserole will warm your heart and satisfy your appetite.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 2 large Russet potatoes (about 1.5 pounds), peeled and chopped
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chives or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a greased baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook seasoned chicken breasts in olive oil until golden brown, about 6-7 minutes per side. Set aside.
- Boil chopped potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain potatoes and mash with butter and heavy cream until smooth. Mix in sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Layer half of the mashed potatoes in the baking dish, add sliced chicken on top, then layer remaining mashed potatoes and sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbling and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (210g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg