Description
This Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken is a comforting and hearty dish featuring creamy mashed potatoes layered with sweet corn, melted cheddar cheese, and topped with crispy chicken tenders. Finished with a savory brown gravy drizzle, it combines textures and flavors for a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Casserole
- 5–6 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 8 chicken tenders (homemade or frozen)
- Brown gravy (prepared or from a packet)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Chicken Tenders: If using frozen chicken tenders, let them sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to soften if you plan to slice them; this makes slicing easier.
- Spread Mashed Potatoes: Spread the mashed potatoes evenly on the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish. If the potatoes are cold, warm them first for better layering and texture.
- Add Corn and Cheese: Sprinkle the corn evenly over the mashed potatoes, followed by the freshly grated cheddar cheese for a rich, melted topping.
- Slice and Layer Chicken: Carefully slice the chicken tenders into pieces of your desired size and arrange them over the cheese layer in the casserole dish.
- Bake Casserole: Bake the casserole uncovered for 20 minutes if using frozen chicken tenders, or 15 minutes if using homemade chicken tenders, until the cheese is melted and the chicken is cooked through.
- Prepare Gravy: While the casserole is baking, prepare the brown gravy on the stovetop according to package instructions or your preferred recipe.
- Serve: Drizzle the desired amount of gravy over the baked casserole and serve hot for a delicious comfort meal.
Notes
- For added flavor and texture, homemade popcorn chicken can be used instead of chicken tenders.
- If mashed potatoes are cold or refrigerated, warm them before assembling the casserole for better consistency.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for variation.
- Leftover casserole can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for best results.