Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken

This Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken is the ultimate comfort food recipe! Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or family gatherings, it features creamy mashed potatoes, sweet corn, melty cheddar cheese, and crispy chicken tenders, all topped with savory brown gravy. It’s an easy, kid-friendly dish that’s customizable and satisfying. Whether you’re using homemade or pre-made ingredients, this casserole is a delicious way to bring everyone to the table.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 5-6 cups mashed potatoes (use your homemade version or pre-made)
• 1 cup corn
• 1 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
• 8 chicken tenders (homemade or frozen)
• Brown gravy (store-bought or prepared from a packet)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. If using frozen chicken tenders, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to soften slightly. This makes slicing easier, if desired.
3. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish. If your mashed potatoes are cold, warm them up before spreading.
4. Layer the corn and cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes.
5. Slice the chicken tenders into bite-sized pieces (if preferred) and arrange them on top of the casserole.
6. Bake the casserole uncovered for 20 minutes if using frozen chicken tenders or 15 minutes for homemade chicken tenders.
7. While the casserole bakes, prepare the gravy on the stovetop according to the package instructions or your preferred method.
8. Once baked, drizzle the desired amount of gravy over the casserole and serve hot.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort Food Classic: Combines creamy mashed potatoes, savory chicken, and melty cheese for the ultimate comfort dish.
• Simple and Quick: Perfect for busy nights, especially if using pre-made ingredients.
• Customizable: Easy to adjust with your favorite veggies or cheese.
• Kid-Friendly: A hit with the whole family, even picky eaters!

Tips

• Mashed Potatoes: For the best flavor, use creamy homemade mashed potatoes seasoned with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
• Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and has a richer flavor compared to pre-shredded.
• Gravy: Use homemade gravy for extra flavor, or a packet for convenience.
• Chicken Tenders: Homemade tenders elevate the dish, but frozen tenders work well for a quicker option.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetables: Swap corn with peas, green beans, or diced carrots for variety.
• Cheese Options: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend for a different flavor.
• Protein Swap: Substitute chicken tenders with shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian twist.
• Gravy Alternative: Use a cream-based sauce instead of brown gravy for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes! Assemble the casserole (without baking) and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if chilled.

Can I freeze leftovers? Absolutely. Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.

Can I use instant mashed potatoes? Yes, instant mashed potatoes work if you’re short on time.

How do I prevent the casserole from drying out? Ensure the mashed potatoes are moist, and don’t overbake. Adding gravy before serving also keeps the dish moist.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this hearty casserole with a side of fresh greens or a crisp salad for a balanced meal. A slice of garlic bread or dinner rolls also complements the dish perfectly.

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Enjoy this comforting, cheesy casserole as an easy dinner option or a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings!