Description
This Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken is a hearty, comforting dish featuring creamy mashed potatoes layered with sweet corn, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy chicken tenders. Topped with rich brown gravy, it makes a perfect family-friendly meal that's easy to prepare and bake.
Ingredients
Scale
Casserole Ingredients
- 5-6 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 8 chicken tenders (homemade or frozen)
- Brown gravy (homemade or packet)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it's ready for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Chicken: If using frozen chicken tenders, let them sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to soften slightly for slicing. Slice the chicken tenders into pieces of your preferred size.
- Layer Mashed Potatoes: Spread the mashed potatoes evenly on the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish. If your mashed potatoes are cold, warm them first for easier spreading.
- Add Corn and Cheese: Sprinkle the corn evenly over the mashed potato layer, then top with the freshly grated cheddar cheese.
- Top with Chicken: Arrange the sliced crispy chicken pieces on top of the cheese layer, ensuring even coverage.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes if using homemade chicken tenders, or 20 minutes if using frozen tenders, until the cheese is melted and the chicken is heated through.
- Prepare Gravy: While the casserole is baking, prepare the brown gravy on the stovetop according to package or recipe instructions.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, drizzle the desired amount of warm gravy over the top, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Homemade popcorn chicken can be used instead of tenders for a flavorful twist.
- If mashed potatoes are cold, warm them before spreading to make layering easier.
- Frozen chicken tenders require slightly longer baking time to ensure they are fully heated.
- Use freshly grated cheddar cheese for best melting and flavor results.
- Adjust gravy amount to your preference for moisture and taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
