Mashed Potato Casserole

This mashed potato casserole combines creamy potatoes with crispy chicken strips, sweet corn, and melty cheese, all brought together with a savory brown gravy. It's the ultimate comfort food that transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday family dinners.

I created this recipe on a cold winter evening when my pantry was nearly empty, and it's since become our family's most requested comfort food. My kids actually cheer when they see me preparing the mashed potatoes because they know what's coming.

Ingredients

• 5 to 6 cups mashed potatoes: these form the creamy base of the casserole and you can use my homemade recipe which is perfectly portioned
• 1 cup corn: adds a touch of sweetness and color look for fresh or frozen rather than canned for better flavor
• 1 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese: creates that irresistible melty layer choose sharp cheddar for more flavor impact
• 8 chicken tenders: provides protein and crispy texture either homemade or frozen works well
• Brown gravy: ties everything together with rich savory flavor homemade is best but packets work in a pinch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it's fully heated when your casserole is assembled. This temperature creates the perfect balance between crisping the chicken while melting the cheese without drying out the potatoes.

Prepare Chicken:

If using frozen chicken tenders allow them to sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes. This slight thawing makes them easier to slice while still being firm enough to cut cleanly. Skip this step if using homemade tenders as they'll be easier to work with.

Layer Potatoes:

Spread your mashed potatoes evenly across the bottom of a 9x13 casserole dish creating a thick consistent layer. If your potatoes are cold from the refrigerator warm them slightly in the microwave first as cold potatoes won't heat through properly in the short baking time.

Add Toppings:

Sprinkle the corn evenly over the potato layer ensuring good distribution. Follow with an even layer of the freshly grated cheddar cheese covering the entire surface. The cheese forms a delicious barrier between the potatoes and chicken while adding rich flavor.

Add Chicken:

Slice your chicken tenders into bite sized pieces approximately 1 inch in size. Arrange them evenly across the top of the cheese layer. This size ensures they'll crisp nicely while being easy to eat with the rest of the casserole.

Bake Casserole:

Place the assembled casserole in your preheated oven uncovered. Bake for 15 minutes if using homemade chicken or 20 minutes if using frozen tenders. The casserole is done when the chicken is crispy and the cheese is completely melted with slight browning on the edges.

Prepare Gravy:

While the casserole bakes prepare your brown gravy on the stovetop. Whether using homemade or packet gravy ensure it reaches a smooth consistency and is hot when the casserole comes out of the oven.

Finish and Serve:

Remove the finished casserole from the oven and drizzle with hot brown gravy just before serving. The amount of gravy is personal preference some prefer just a light drizzle while others enjoy more gravy pooling into the layers.

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The chicken strips are truly what make this dish special in my home. My grandmother actually inspired this recipe with her holiday leftover casseroles. She always said crispy chicken was the secret to elevating simple potatoes into something company worthy.

Make Ahead Options

This casserole shines as a make ahead meal. You can assemble everything except the chicken up to two days in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake simply add the chicken tenders to the top and increase baking time by about 10 minutes to account for the cold start. The mashed potatoes actually benefit from the resting time as the flavors meld together beautifully.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating use an oven or toaster oven set to 350°F rather than microwave. This helps maintain some crispness in the chicken. If the casserole seems dry when reheating have extra gravy on hand to refresh the dish. Individual portions can be frozen for up to 2 months though the chicken won't maintain its original crispiness.

Customization Ideas

This recipe welcomes creativity. Try adding crumbled bacon or French fried onions on top for extra crunch. Swap the corn for peas broccoli or a vegetable medley. Replace cheddar with pepper jack for a spicy kick or use a combination of cheeses like mozzarella and parmesan. For a complete flavor transformation use mushroom gravy instead of brown gravy and add sautéed mushrooms between the potato and corn layers.

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Serving Suggestions

While this casserole works as a complete meal on its own a simple side salad with vinaigrette dressing provides a nice contrast to the richness. During autumn and winter pair it with roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed green beans. For gatherings consider serving smaller portions as a hearty side dish alongside roasted meats. A crusty bread roll is perfect for soaking up extra gravy.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this dish?

Yes, frozen chicken tenders work perfectly. Just let them soften for about 5 minutes to easily slice them before baking.

→ Can the casserole be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it when you're ready to serve.

→ What other toppings can I add?

You can add sautéed onions, bacon bits, or additional vegetables like peas or broccoli for extra flavor and texture.

→ How do I make sure the mashed potatoes stay creamy?

If your mashed potatoes are cold, warm them slightly before spreading them in the casserole dish to maintain their creaminess.

→ What type of gravy works best with this casserole?

You can use homemade brown gravy or a store-bought packet. Both add a savory touch to this dish.