Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken Recipe
When it comes to comfort food, nothing quite hits the spot like a creamy, cheesy mashed potato casserole topped with golden, crispy chicken.
This dish brings together the best of both worlds—rich, buttery mashed potatoes and juicy chicken with a satisfying crunch. Perfect for a family dinner, potluck, or even as a meal prep option, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and full of flavor.
In this recipe, we’ll guide you through creating the ultimate mashed potato casserole with crispy chicken. We’ll start with a base of creamy mashed potatoes, layer it with a flavorful cheese blend, and top it off with perfectly seasoned, crispy chicken. The result is a dish that’s comforting, filling, and absolutely delicious.
Essential Tools for Making Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken
Large Pot
A large pot is essential for boiling the potatoes. Make sure it’s big enough to hold the potatoes with enough water to cover them completely.
Mixing Bowls
You’ll need a few mixing bowls: one for the egg wash, one for the flour, and one for the breadcrumbs and seasonings. A large bowl is also necessary for mashing the potatoes.
Potato Masher or Electric Mixer
A potato masher or electric mixer will help you achieve the perfect creamy mashed potatoes. If you like your mashed potatoes extra smooth, an electric mixer is the way to go.
Baking Dish
A 9×13-inch baking dish is the ideal size for this casserole. Make sure it’s oven-safe and large enough to hold all the layers.
Frying Pan
A large frying pan is necessary for cooking the chicken breasts to a crispy, golden-brown perfection. Choose a pan that heats evenly and is large enough to hold the chicken without overcrowding.
Oven
You’ll need an oven to bake the casserole. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) before starting the assembly process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
- Boil the Potatoes: Start by peeling and cubing the Russet potatoes. Place them in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the softened butter, sour cream, and milk. Use a potato masher or an electric mixer to mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Stir in the minced garlic, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper to taste. Set the mashed potatoes aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Chicken
- Pound the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick. This ensures even cooking and helps the chicken stay tender.
- Set Up the Breading Station: In three separate bowls, set up your breading station. In the first bowl, add the flour and season it with a pinch of salt and pepper. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs with a tablespoon of water until well combined. In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip the chicken into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, coating it evenly on all sides.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken breasts. Fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Layer the Mashed Potatoes: Spread the mashed potatoes evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Add the Chicken: Place the crispy chicken breasts on top of the mashed potatoes, spacing them evenly across the dish.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the chicken and mashed potatoes. The cheese will melt and create a gooey, golden topping as the casserole bakes.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you want a crispier top, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot, with your favorite side dishes or a fresh salad.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken
Tip 1: Use Fresh Ingredients
For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Fresh potatoes, butter, and cheese will make a big difference in the taste and texture of the mashed potatoes. Similarly, fresh chicken breasts will yield juicier, more flavorful results.
Tip 2: Don’t Overcook the Chicken
To keep the chicken juicy and tender, avoid overcooking it. Fry the chicken until it’s just cooked through and golden brown. It will finish cooking in the oven as the casserole bakes.
Tip 3: Customize Your Seasonings
Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumbs for a spicy kick, or use your favorite herbs in the mashed potatoes. The recipe is flexible, so you can make it your own.
Tip 4: Make It Ahead
This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving. Simply prepare the mashed potatoes and chicken, assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
Tip 5: Use Leftover Chicken
If you have leftover chicken from another meal, you can use it in this recipe. Simply bread and fry the chicken as directed, then proceed with the casserole assembly. This is a great way to use up leftovers and create a new, delicious meal.
Variations of Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken
Variation 1: BBQ Chicken and Mashed Potato Casserole
For a tangy, smoky twist, swap out the traditional crispy chicken for BBQ chicken. Marinate the chicken breasts in your favorite BBQ sauce, then bread and fry them as usual. Layer the BBQ chicken over the mashed potatoes and top with shredded cheddar cheese before baking.
Variation 2: Buffalo Chicken Mashed Potato Casserole
If you love spicy food, try making a Buffalo chicken version of this casserole. Toss the chicken breasts in Buffalo sauce before breading and frying them. After assembling the casserole, drizzle more Buffalo sauce over the top and add a layer of blue cheese crumbles before baking.
Variation 3: Loaded Baked Potato Casserole with Chicken
For a loaded baked potato experience, mix in cooked bacon bits, chives, and extra cheese into the mashed potatoes before assembling the casserole. Top the casserole with crispy chicken and more cheese, then bake until bubbly and golden.
Variation 4: Veggie-Packed Mashed Potato Casserole with Chicken
To add some veggies to the dish, stir in steamed broccoli, peas, or sautéed mushrooms into the mashed potatoes before layering in the casserole. This variation adds color, texture, and extra nutrients to the meal.
Serving and Storing Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Serve it with a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or a simple coleslaw for a balanced meal. For an extra indulgent dinner, pair the casserole with garlic bread or a side of creamy mac and cheese.
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place a portion of the casserole in a microwave-safe dish and heat it in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed to your liking.
Freezing the Casserole
This casserole freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep or future meals. To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight, then bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through.
Conclusion
Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken is the ultimate comfort food—a dish that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. The creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes combined with the crunchy, flavorful chicken create a meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a potluck, or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, with all the variations and customization options, you can make it your own every time.
Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken Recipe
When it comes to comfort food, nothing quite hits the spot like a creamy, cheesy mashed potato casserole topped with golden, crispy chicken. This dish brings together the best of both worlds—rich, buttery mashed potatoes and juicy chicken with a satisfying crunch. Perfect for a family dinner, potluck, or even as a meal prep option, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- For Casserole:
- 5-6 cups mashed potatoes, my homemade version is portioned for this recipe
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 8 Chicken Tenders, I prefer my homemade recipe but frozen may be used
- Brown Gravy, you can also use a packet
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
If using frozen chicken tenders, let them sit at room temp for about 5 minutes if you prefer to slice them first, this allows them to soften.
Spread the potatoes on the bottom of a 9 x 13 casserole dish.
Note: If your mashed potatoes are cold, warm them first.
Top with corn and cheese.
Carefully slice the chicken strips into pieces of desired size and top the casserole dish with them.
Bake uncovered for 20 minutes if using frozen chicken tenders and 15 minutes for homemade.
Prepare the gravy on the stove top while the casserole finishes baking.
Drizzle desired amount of gravy over the casserole dish and serve!