Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken Recipe

The Best Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken Recipe

Crafting a delectable mashed potato casserole with crispy chicken promises a comforting meal that sparks joy at the dinner table.

Layers of creamy potatoes meet golden-brown chicken in a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Comfort food enthusiasts will adore this hearty dish that combines classic ingredients with a modern twist.

Soft, whipped potatoes provide a luxurious base for perfectly seasoned, crunchy chicken pieces.

Each forkful delivers a satisfying combination of smooth and crisp elements that dance across your palate.

Home cooks can easily assemble this crowd-pleasing recipe with simple ingredients and minimal prep time.

Dive into this irresistible casserole that turns an ordinary weeknight dinner into a memorable culinary experience.

Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken That Everyone Will Love

  • Savor Hearty Comfort: A mouthwatering combination of crispy chicken and creamy mashed potatoes creates the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like adding bacon bits, changing cheese types, or using different herbs to make this dish uniquely yours without complicated cooking techniques.
  • Perfect Family Pleaser: Kids and adults will love the crunchy chicken topping and smooth potato base, making it an ideal meal that satisfies everyone's taste buds with minimal fuss.
  • Crowd-Friendly Preparation: Simple cooking steps and common ingredients mean you can whip up this crowd-pleasing dish quickly, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends and family.

Ingredients for a Comforting Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken

Main Ingredients:

Potatoes: Starchy and creamy base that provides the foundation for the entire casserole.

Chicken Breasts: Protein-rich main component that adds substance and flavor to the dish.

Coating and Breading:
  • Flour: Helps create a crispy exterior for the chicken.
  • Eggs: Acts as a binding agent for the breading.
  • Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Provides a crunchy and flavorful coating for the chicken.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Adds depth and enhances the overall taste of both potatoes and chicken.
  • Paprika: Provides a subtle warmth and color to the chicken coating.
  • Olive Oil: Used for frying the chicken to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
Mashed Potato Ingredients:
  • Butter, Milk, Sour Cream: Creates a rich and creamy texture for the mashed potatoes.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Cheddar Cheese, Green Onions, Bacon Bits: Adds extra flavor, texture, and visual appeal to the casserole.
  • Fresh Parsley: Provides a fresh garnish and bright color to the finished dish.

How to Prepare Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken Perfectly

Step 1: Boil Potatoes for Creamy Base

Toss cubed potatoes into a pot of salted water.

Cook until they’re super soft and fork-tender, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes.

The potatoes should be so tender they practically melt when poked.

Step 2: Whip Up Dreamy Mashed Potatoes

Drain the potatoes and transfer to a large mixing bowl.

Mash with:
  • Butter
  • Milk
  • Sour cream
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Blend until smooth and luxuriously creamy.

Set aside while preparing the chicken.

Step 3: Prepare Chicken Coating Station

Create a breading setup with three shallow dishes:
  • First dish: Flour
  • Second dish: Beaten eggs
  • Third dish: Seasoned breadcrumb mixture
Ingredients for breadcrumb mixture:
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Step 4: Coat and Cook Chicken

Dredge each chicken breast through the flour, egg, and breadcrumb stations.

You can either:
  • Fry in olive oil over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side until golden
  • Bake in preheated 375°F oven for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked

Step 5: Assemble Delicious Casserole

Grab a greased casserole dish and spread mashed potatoes evenly across the bottom.

Arrange crispy chicken breasts on top.

Sprinkle generously with:
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Chopped green onions
  • Crispy bacon bits (optional)

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop the casserole into the 375°F oven.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese melts and gets bubbly and slightly golden.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Serve hot and watch everyone dig in with excitement!

Pro Tips for Crispy Chicken and Creamy Mashed Potato Casserole

  • Use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for the creamiest, most flavorful mashed potato base.
  • Pat chicken dry before breading to ensure a crunchier, more adherent breading that won't fall off during cooking.
  • Let mashed potatoes cool slightly before assembling to reduce excess moisture in the casserole.
  • Mix in roasted garlic or herbs like thyme into the mashed potatoes for a more complex taste profile.
  • Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use skinless chicken breasts to create a healthier version of this comforting dish.

Flavorful Variations for Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken

  • Vegetarian Potato Casserole: Replace chicken with roasted portobello mushrooms or crispy tofu, seasoned with similar spices for a meat-free version that maintains rich flavor and protein content.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free cornflakes or almond meal, use gluten-free flour for coating chicken, ensuring celiac-friendly preparation without compromising texture.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute mashed potatoes with cauliflower mash, using similar seasonings and creamy ingredients to create a lighter, lower-carbohydrate alternative that still delivers comforting taste.

Serving Ideas to Enhance Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken

Party Platter Potential: Create a stunning buffet-style presentation by slicing the crispy chicken and arranging it around the mashed potato casserole, allowing guests to serve themselves with ease.

Comfort Food Companion: Pair this hearty dish with a light, crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the casserole and add some freshness to the meal.

Weekend Family Feast: Transform this recipe into a weekend dinner celebration by adding a side of tangy coleslaw or roasted seasonal vegetables, making it a perfect family gathering meal that everyone will love.

Leftover Magic: Repurpose any remaining casserole by turning it into a delicious breakfast dish – simply top with a fried egg and extra crispy bacon for a morning twist on the original recipe.

Best Storage Advice to Keep Mashed Potato Casserole Fresh

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the casserole completely before covering to prevent condensation and soggy texture.
  • Wrap tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date and contents.
  • Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Add a splash of milk to restore moisture.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes, removing foil in the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

FAQs

  • How do I get the chicken extra crispy?

Use a combination of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese for the coating. Ensure the oil is hot when frying, and don’t overcrowd the pan. Pat the chicken dry before breading to help achieve a crunchier texture.

  • Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! Cheddar works great, but you can also try mozzarella, monterey jack, or a cheese blend. Choose a cheese that melts well and complements the chicken and potatoes.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond meal or gluten-free panko crumbs. Always check your ingredient labels carefully.

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Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken Recipe

Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken Recipe


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4.8 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy mashed potato casserole with crispy chicken brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table. Layers of golden potatoes and perfectly seasoned chicken create a hearty meal that satisfies you completely.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 large russet or Yukon gold potatoes (peeled and cubed)
  • 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) butter

Dairy and Seasoning:

  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Boil cubed potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender, ensuring even cooking.
  2. Drain potatoes thoroughly and mash with butter, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until creamy and smooth, creating a luxurious potato base.
  3. Preheat oven to 375F (190C) to prepare for baking.
  4. Prepare chicken coating by setting up three stations: flour, beaten eggs, and a seasoned breadcrumb mixture with Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  5. Coat chicken breasts by first dredging in flour, then dipping in eggs, and finally covering completely with seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
  6. Cook chicken using preferred method: pan-fry in olive oil over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy, or bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked.
  7. Grease a casserole dish and spread mashed potatoes evenly across the bottom, creating a creamy foundation.
  8. Arrange crispy chicken breasts on top of the potato layer, ensuring complete coverage.
  9. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and optional bacon bits over the chicken.
  10. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese melts and becomes bubbly, creating a golden, appetizing top.
  11. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant finishing touch before serving.

Notes

  • Opt for starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest, fluffiest mashed potatoes that hold their shape perfectly.
  • Avoid overworking the mashed potatoes to prevent them from becoming gluey; use a potato masher or ricer for the best texture.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or cornstarch, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs when coating the chicken.
  • Make this dish healthier by using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, baking the chicken instead of frying, and using reduced-fat cheese for a lighter casserole.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Mia Thompson

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
  • Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.​

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.


Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.

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