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