Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken: The Ultimate Comfort Food Delight

Admin
29 Jan, 2025

If you're looking for the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy mashed potatoes and crispy, golden-brown chicken, then this Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken is your perfect dish! This hearty casserole is loaded with flavors, textures, and a touch of indulgence—perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or simply satisfying your cravings.

Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken

In this article, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of making this crowd-pleasing dish, along with some FAQs to ensure you get the best results. Let's dive in!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Creamy and Crunchy: The contrast between smooth mashed potatoes and crispy chicken creates an unbeatable texture.

  • Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, using common pantry staples.

  • Perfect for Meal Prep: You can prepare it in advance and bake it when needed.

  • Family Favorite: Both kids and adults will love the comforting flavors of this casserole.

Ingredients

For the Mashed Potatoes:

  • 4 large Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

  • 4 tbsp butter

  • 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)

  • 1/2 cup sour cream

  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

  • 1/2 tsp onion powder

  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Crispy Chicken:

  • 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless

  • 1 cup buttermilk

  • 1 cup flour

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

  • 1/2 tsp paprika

  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying

For Assembling the Casserole:

  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

  • 1/2 cup crispy bacon, crumbled

  • 2 tbsp green onions, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

  1. Boil the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water for about 15 minutes, or until fork-tender.

  2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.

  3. Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or electric mixer.

  4. Add butter, milk, sour cream, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy and well combined.

  5. Set aside while you prepare the chicken.

Step 2: Make the Crispy Chicken

  1. Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.

  2. Place the chicken in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour for extra tenderness).

  3. In a separate bowl, mix flour, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

  4. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.

  5. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, then coat each piece in the breadcrumb mixture.

  6. Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

  3. Arrange the crispy chicken pieces on top.

  4. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese, crispy bacon, and green onions over the chicken.

  5. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

  • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

  • Pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

  • Enjoy the creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes with the satisfying crunch of crispy chicken!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use store-bought mashed potatoes?

Yes! If you're short on time, you can use pre-made mashed potatoes, but homemade always tastes better.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the mashed potatoes and crispy chicken in advance, then assemble the casserole and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. Just increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes if it's coming straight from the fridge.

3. What can I use instead of buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

4. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes! For a healthier option, bake the coated chicken pieces at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

5. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

6. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes! Assemble the casserole without baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

7. What toppings can I add for extra flavor?

You can customize this dish with toppings like:

  • Extra cheese (Parmesan, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack)

  • Sautéed mushrooms

  • Caramelized onions

  • A drizzle of ranch or buffalo sauce

Final Thoughts

Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken is the ultimate combination of comfort food classics. Whether you're making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. The creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes paired with the crispy, seasoned chicken create a texture and flavor explosion that everyone will love.

Give this recipe a try, and let us know how it turned out in the comments below! Happy cooking! 🍽️

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