Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for this casserole?

Absolutely! Leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly here—just warm them a bit to make spreading easier. It’s a fantastic way to repurpose leftovers into a comforting new meal.

What’s the best way to get the chicken crispy?

I find making homemade breaded chicken tenders or using good-quality frozen ones delivers the best crispiness. Bake uncovered in a hot oven to keep the crust from getting soggy under the cheese and potatoes.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. Just add the gravy and bake it the following day for a fresh, hot meal with minimal effort.

Crispy Chicken Casserole: Irresistible Comfort Food Delight

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, this casserole is perfect for a satisfying family meal.

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 (prepared from scratch or packet)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
Prepare Chicken Tenders: If using frozen chicken tenders, let them sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to soften slightly if you plan to slice them before baking.
Layer Mashed Potatoes: Spread the mashed potatoes evenly on the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish. Warm the potatoes beforehand if they are cold to make spreading easier.
Add Corn and Cheese: Evenly distribute the cup of corn over the mashed potatoes, then sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese on top.
Top with Chicken: Slice the chicken tenders into pieces of your desired size and arrange them evenly on top of the cheese layer.
Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole dish uncovered in the oven. Bake for 20 minutes if using frozen chicken tenders, or 15 minutes if using homemade chicken tenders, until the chicken is crispy and the cheese is melted.
Prepare Gravy: While the casserole bakes, prepare the brown gravy on the stovetop according to package instructions or your favorite homemade recipe.
Serve: Once baked, drizzle the desired amount of warm brown gravy over the casserole and serve immediately for a delicious meal.

Notes

Homemade popcorn chicken can be used instead of chicken tenders for extra flavor and crunch.
If mashed potatoes are too thick, add a splash of milk or cream to help spread evenly.
Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting and flavor.
Leftover casserole can be stored covered in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 480 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 620 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
Trans Fat: 0.3 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg