Mashed Potato Casserole with Chicken (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the casserole

01 - 5-6 cups prepared mashed potatoes
02 - 1 cup corn kernels
03 - 1 cup cheddar cheese, freshly grated
04 - 8 chicken tenders (homemade or frozen)
05 - Brown gravy (homemade or from packet)

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. If using frozen chicken tenders, let them sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to soften slightly for easier slicing.
02 - Spread the mashed potatoes evenly on the bottom of a 9x13 inch casserole dish. If your mashed potatoes are cold, warm them first so they spread easily.
03 - Sprinkle the corn evenly over the mashed potatoes, then top with the grated cheddar cheese.
04 - Slice the chicken tenders into bite-sized pieces and arrange them evenly over the corn and cheese layer.
05 - Bake uncovered for 15 minutes if using homemade chicken tenders, or 20 minutes if using frozen ones, until heated through and cheese is melted.
06 - While the casserole bakes, prepare your brown gravy on the stovetop. Once the casserole is done, drizzle the desired amount of gravy over the top and serve hot.

# Notes:

01 - This casserole is perfect for meal prep - you can assemble it ahead of time and bake when ready to serve.
02 - If your mashed potatoes are cold from the fridge, warm them slightly first so they spread more easily in the dish.
03 - Use freshly grated cheddar cheese for the best melting and flavor - pre-shredded cheese doesn't melt as smoothly.
04 - You can customize this with different vegetables like peas or green beans instead of corn.