Creamy Potato Chicken Casserole

This mashed potato casserole transforms ordinary ingredients into a comforting family meal that delivers all the satisfaction of comfort food with minimal effort. The layers of creamy potatoes, sweet corn, melty cheese, and crispy chicken create a complete meal in one dish that both kids and adults will eagerly devour.

I created this recipe one evening when I needed to use up leftover mashed potatoes and some frozen chicken tenders. My family raved about it so much that it has become our go to weeknight meal when time is short but we still want something hearty and homemade.

Ingredients

• 5 to 6 cups prepared mashed potatoes provides the creamy base for this casserole. Leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly but store bought refrigerated ones save time
• 1 cup corn kernels adds natural sweetness and texture. Fresh sweet corn is best in summer but frozen corn works year round
• 1 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese creates that irresistible golden top. Grate your own for best melting quality rather than using pre shredded
• 8 chicken tenders offer protein and crispy texture. Choose higher quality tenders for better flavor
• Brown gravy ties everything together with rich savory flavor. Homemade gravy elevates the dish but packet mixes work in a pinch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F. This higher temperature ensures the chicken tenders get crispy while warming through the potato layer. Allow at least 10 minutes for your oven to reach full temperature for even cooking.

Prepare The Chicken Tenders

If using frozen tenders, let them sit at room temperature briefly to soften slightly. This makes them easier to slice if you prefer smaller pieces. For homemade tenders, ensure they are fully cooked before adding to the casserole.

Create The Potato Base

Spread your mashed potatoes evenly across the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish. Use the back of a spoon to create a smooth, even layer. If your potatoes are cold from the refrigerator, warming them slightly will make spreading easier and reduce overall baking time.

Add The Flavor Layers

Distribute the corn kernels evenly over the mashed potatoes. The corn adds pops of sweetness throughout each bite. Next, sprinkle the freshly grated cheddar cheese in an even layer. The cheese will melt and form a delicious barrier between the potatoes and chicken.

Position The Chicken

Arrange your chicken tenders across the top of the casserole. You can leave them whole for a more dramatic presentation or slice them into bite sized pieces for easier serving. Space them evenly so every portion gets some chicken.

Bake To Perfection

Place the uncovered casserole in your preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes if using homemade tenders or 20 minutes for frozen tenders. Look for bubbling cheese and slightly crispy chicken edges as indicators of doneness.

Prepare The Gravy

While the casserole bakes, prepare your gravy according to package directions or your favorite recipe. The gravy should be hot and ready just as the casserole comes out of the oven for perfect timing.

Serve And Enjoy

Drizzle the hot gravy over the finished casserole just before serving. The gravy adds moisture and brings all the flavors together beautifully. Serve immediately while everything is hot and the chicken remains crispy.

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The corn in this recipe is my secret weapon. Its natural sweetness balances the savory elements and adds a pleasant textural contrast to the creamy potatoes. My daughter who normally picks vegetables out of everything always cleans her plate when I make this casserole which feels like a small miracle every time.

Make Ahead Options

This casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble everything except the chicken tenders up to two days in advance and keep refrigerated. When ready to bake, add the chicken tenders to the top and increase baking time by about 10 minutes to account for the cold ingredients. I often prepare this on Sunday and have it ready to pop in the oven for a busy Monday night.

Clever Substitutions

This recipe welcomes creative variations based on what you have available. Try using leftover rotisserie chicken instead of tenders for a different texture. Swap the corn for peas or mixed vegetables to change up the flavor profile. For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with roasted cauliflower florets or breaded eggplant slices. The gravy can be mushroom based instead of traditional brown gravy for deeper umami flavor.

Serving Suggestions

While this casserole is a complete meal on its own, a simple side salad with vinaigrette dressing provides a fresh contrast to the rich main dish. For special occasions, serve with cranberry sauce on the side which pairs surprisingly well with the savory flavors. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley just before serving adds color and brightness to the finished dish.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2 minutes or until heated through. For best results when reheating larger portions, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes. The chicken will lose some crispness upon reheating but the flavor remains delicious.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for this casserole?

Absolutely! Leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly in this casserole. Just warm them slightly before spreading in the dish to make them easier to work with. You may need to adjust baking time slightly if starting with cold potatoes.

→ What can I substitute for chicken tenders?

Several options work well in place of chicken tenders. Popcorn chicken (as mentioned in the notes), diced rotisserie chicken, turkey cutlets, or even breaded fish filets for a different twist. Vegetarians can use breaded cauliflower or plant-based chicken alternatives.

→ Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it covered. When ready to serve, allow an additional 10-15 minutes of baking time since you're starting from cold. Prepare the gravy fresh just before serving for best results.

→ What type of gravy works best with this dish?

Traditional brown gravy complements this casserole perfectly, but you can experiment with other varieties. Chicken gravy, mushroom gravy, or even a cheese sauce would work well. For convenience, packet mixes are fine, but homemade gravy will elevate the flavors.

→ How can I make this casserole more flavorful?

To enhance flavors, consider mixing herbs like thyme or rosemary into your mashed potatoes. Add sautéed garlic and onions, use a sharper cheese blend, or incorporate crispy bacon bits between layers. A dash of hot sauce or paprika can also add a pleasant kick.

→ Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Portion cooled leftovers into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F oven until hot throughout, about 20-25 minutes. The texture of the chicken may change slightly but will still be delicious.