The Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole Recipe for Comfort

Crafting a mouthwatering cheesy chicken potato casserole brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in this classic dish that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Creamy textures and rich flavors mingle, creating a delightful experience for hungry souls.

Perfectly seasoned chicken nestles between layers of tender potatoes and melted cheese.

Home cooks adore this simple yet impressive meal that comes together quickly.

Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment for everyone gathered around the table.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe that will have people asking for seconds.

Delicious Variations for Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole

• Veggie Potato Bake: Replace chicken with roasted cauliflower, zucchini, and bell peppers for a vegetarian version that's packed with nutrients and color.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Casserole: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets to create a keto-friendly dish that's lighter but still creamy and satisfying.
• Spicy Mexican Style: Add diced green chiles, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle taco seasoning to give the casserole a zesty southwestern kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use cornstarch instead of flour for the roux and ensure all cheese and dairy products are gluten-free to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.

Serving Ideas for Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole

• Dinner Party Delight: Serve this casserole as a stunning main course that'll impress guests with its creamy, cheesy goodness.
• Family Comfort Meal: Pair with a crisp green salad and crusty bread to create a complete, satisfying dinner that everyone will love.
• Leftover Magic: Reheat individual portions for quick lunches, adding a sprinkle of extra cheese on top for renewed flavor and texture.
• Potluck Superstar: Bring this dish to gatherings in a portable casserole carrier, guaranteeing you'll be the hit of the party with its crowd-pleasing taste.

Best Ways to Store Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish. Wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date and contents.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with monterey jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses to customize the flavor profile and create your own unique version of the casserole.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. You can assemble it the night before and bake it fresh when you’re ready to eat, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

• How can I make this dish more protein-rich?

Consider adding extra protein like diced ham, crumbled bacon, or even replacing chicken with ground turkey or cooked shrimp to increase the protein content and add more variety to the dish.

Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole That Hits the Spot

• Simplify Dinner Prep: Toss together a hearty one-dish meal that combines protein, potatoes, and creamy cheese sauce with minimal kitchen effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Deliver a warm, satisfying casserole that appeals to both kids and adults with its rich, cheesy flavor profile and familiar ingredients.
• Customize with Ease: Swap proteins, add extra vegetables, or adjust seasonings to match your family's taste preferences without complicated modifications.
• Stress-Free Cooking: Create a delicious main course that requires straightforward steps, basic kitchen skills, and minimal cleanup for a relaxed cooking experience.

Ingredients for Hearty Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole

• Chicken: A tender and flavorful protein that forms the heart of this comforting casserole.

• Butter, Cream Cheese, Sour Cream, Cheddar Cheese: These creamy ingredients create a rich and luxurious sauce that adds depth and smoothness to the dish.

• Potatoes, Onion, Garlic: These hearty vegetables provide a substantial foundation and bring robust flavor to the casserole.

• Flour, Milk, Salt, Pepper, Paprika: These ingredients help thicken the sauce, enhance the overall taste, and add a subtle warmth to the dish.

• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb that adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the finished casserole.

Step-by-Step Directions for Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375F (190C) and get ready for some serious comfort food magic.

Step 2: Sauté the Flavor Builders

Grab a large skillet and melt butter over medium heat.

• Minced garlic
• Chopped onion

Cook these aromatic friends until they’re soft and fragrant, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering scents.

Step 3: Create a Silky Sauce Base

Sprinkle flour into the skillet and stir quickly to create a smooth roux.

Let it cook for about a minute to remove any raw flour taste.

Step 4: Whisk in Creamy Goodness

Slowly pour milk into the skillet, whisking constantly to create a velvety smooth sauce.

Keep stirring until the mixture thickens beautifully.

Step 5: Cheese Party

• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Cheddar cheese
• Salt
• Pepper
• Paprika (optional)

Stir until all the cheeses melt into a luxurious, creamy blend.

Step 6: Combine Protein and Potatoes

In a large bowl, mix together diced potatoes and chicken pieces.

Pour the cheesy sauce over the top and stir until everything is evenly coated.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.

Then remove the foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the top turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 9: Final Touch

Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor before serving.

Pro Tips to Keep Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole Moist and Flavorful

• Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the cheese sauce for extra richness and complexity.
• Soak diced potatoes in cold water before cooking to remove excess starch and maintain a clean, white appearance.
• Cut potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent tenderness throughout the casserole.
• Swap full-fat dairy with low-fat alternatives like Greek yogurt and reduced-fat cheeses to create a healthier version without sacrificing taste.
• Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Scrumptious cheesy chicken potato casserole blends hearty ingredients with comfort food magic. Southern-style layers of tender chicken, crisp potatoes, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal for family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Starches and Vegetables:

• 4 large russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Seasonings:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup milk
• 4 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C), preparing a creamy comfort dish with hearty ingredients.
2. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, sautéing minced garlic and chopped onions until they become translucent and aromatic.
3. Sprinkle flour into the skillet, creating a silky roux and stirring continuously for one minute to eliminate raw flour taste.
4. Slowly incorporate milk, whisking consistently to develop a smooth, velvety sauce without lumps.
5. Blend cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika into the sauce, stirring until all cheeses melt completely and integrate seamlessly.
6. Combine diced potatoes and chicken pieces in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
7. Pour the rich cheese sauce over the potato and chicken mixture, gently folding to coat every morsel thoroughly.
8. Grease a baking dish and transfer the creamy mixture, spreading evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
9. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, allowing potatoes to soften and flavors to meld.
10. Remove foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes until the top turns golden and potatoes become fork-tender.
11. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the surface for a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch before serving.

Notes

• Select potatoes with high starch content like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest and most tender texture in your casserole.
• Ensure chicken is cut into uniform pieces to guarantee even cooking and consistent flavor throughout the dish.
• Dice onions and garlic finely to distribute flavor evenly and prevent large chunks disrupting the smooth cheese sauce.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, and use low-fat cheese options without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 495 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg