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Crispy Chicken and Mashed Potato Casserole

Crispy Chicken and Mashed Potato Casserole

Crispy Chicken and Mashed Potato Casserole combines golden, crunchy chicken with creamy, smooth mashed potatoes, baked to perfection with a crispy breadcrumb topping. This comforting, easy-to-make casserole is perfect for family dinners and gatherings, delivering a delicious texture contrast and rich, hearty flavors all in one dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breasts, shredded or diced

Mashed Potatoes

  • 4 cups mashed potatoes (preferably from Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheese Layer

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Topping

  • 1 cup bread crumbs (or gluten-free alternative such as crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
  • Smoked paprika (for sprinkling)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cook chicken breasts until golden and tender by baking, pan-searing, or poaching. Once cooked, shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure even layering throughout the casserole.
  2. Make Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Boil peeled potatoes until soft. Mash them with butter, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and fluffy to create a velvety base for the casserole.
  3. Assemble the Layers: Grease a casserole dish. Spread half of the mashed potatoes evenly at the bottom. Add the shredded chicken layer on top, then sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Finish by spreading the remaining mashed potatoes over the top.
  4. Add the Topping: Combine bread crumbs with melted butter. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the top layer of mashed potatoes to create a golden, crispy crust when baked.
  5. Bake Until Golden: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Notes

  • Use leftover cooked chicken to save time and effort.
  • Mix mashed potatoes just until smooth; avoid overmixing to prevent a gluey texture.
  • For extra flavor and crunch, mix grated Parmesan cheese into the bread crumb topping.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to settle, making it easier to serve.
  • This recipe freezes well; consider doubling the batch for future meals.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken casserole, mashed potato casserole, comfort food, baked chicken, cheesy casserole, creamy mashed potatoes, crispy topping