Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken and Gravy: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Introduction

There’s nothing more satisfying than a warm, creamy, cheesy casserole that brings together your favorite comfort foods in one dish. This Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken and Gravy is a family-friendly meal that’s perfect for weeknights, potlucks, holidays, or just when you need a feel-good dinner that hits all the right spots.

With layers of buttery mashed potatoes, sweet corn, melted cheese, and golden crispy chicken—topped with rich brown gravy—this dish is a crowd-pleaser and incredibly easy to make. In this long-form guide, we’ll walk you through every step to ensure perfect results, plus tips to customize and upgrade it further.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
Perfect for leftovers (mashed potatoes or rotisserie chicken!)
A hearty one-pan meal for the whole family
Customizable: add veggies, swap cheeses, or make it spicy
Kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and budget-friendly

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this comforting casserole:

🔸 Mashed Potato Layer:

5–6 cups prepared mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought)
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup sour cream (for creaminess)
Salt and pepper to taste

🔸 Casserole Fillings:

1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon chopped chives or parsley (optional)

🔸 Crispy Chicken:

2–3 cups breaded chicken tenders or crispy chicken pieces, cooked and chopped
(Use frozen chicken strips, homemade fried chicken, or leftover rotisserie chicken coated in breadcrumbs)

🔸 Topping:

1 cup brown gravy (store-bought or homemade)
Extra cheese for topping (optional)
Crispy onions or crushed crackers (optional for crunch)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

2. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

If using leftover mashed potatoes, warm them slightly in the microwave to make them easier to spread. Mix with butter and sour cream for a creamy base. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

3. Assemble the First Layer

Spread the mashed potato mixture evenly into the bottom of the casserole dish. Use a spatula to smooth it out.

4. Add the Corn and Cheese

Sprinkle a layer of sweet corn kernels over the potatoes, then add shredded cheese. This adds sweetness, crunch, and gooey deliciousness.

5. Top with Crispy Chicken

Distribute the chopped crispy chicken evenly over the corn and cheese. If using frozen chicken, make sure it’s fully cooked and golden brown before layering.

6. Final Toppings

Pour the brown gravy generously over the top. You can sprinkle more cheese or crushed fried onions for an extra layer of texture and flavor.

7. Bake to Perfection

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, the edges are golden, and the top is slightly crisp.

Variations and Tips

Add vegetables: Peas, carrots, green beans, or sautéed spinach work great.
Go spicy: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the mashed potato layer.
Make it low-carb: Use cauliflower mash instead of potatoes.
Use gravy mix: If short on time, packet gravy works just fine.
Cheese swap: Try pepper jack, gouda, or provolone for a unique twist.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or in the microwave.
This casserole also freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

What to Serve With It

This casserole is hearty on its own, but you can serve it with:

A side salad or steamed broccoli
Garlic bread or dinner rolls
Pickles or coleslaw for a tangy contrast

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for a comforting family dinner, a quick weeknight meal, or a dish to impress guests—this mashed potato casserole with crispy chicken and gravy is your go-to recipe. Rich, creamy, crunchy, and cheesy, it hits all the right textures and flavors. Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies