I find recipes like this that pair crispy fried chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, sweet corn and savory chicken gravy incredibly satisfying. I call it one of the best rated dinner recipes for its simple charm. A sprinkle of cheddar cheese with a touch of butter rounds off the blend perfectly for a unique meal.
I’ve always loved how simple ingredients can come together to create something pretty impressive. This Mashed Potato Casserole with Chicken is one of my go-to dinner recipes when I’m in need of a quick, man pleasing meal.
I started with 4 cups of creamy mashed potatoes, then tossed in 2 cups of crispy fried chicken chopped into bite-sized pieces. To add a little sweetness and crunch, I mixed in 1 cup corn kernels and even drizzled in 2 cups of warm chicken gravy.
Sometimes I stir in a generous cup of shredded cheddar cheese to bring a bit of extra flavor into the mix. A couple of tablespoons of butter and a splash of 1/2 cup milk help get the perfect consistency, with salt and pepper just right.
This dish is an ultimate Kfc casserole vibe that’s been topping best rated dinner recipes lists and works marvelously as a make ahead dinner idea for busy weeknights.
Why I Like this Recipe
I love this recipe because the crispy fried chicken mixed into the creamy mashed potatoes adds an awesome crunch and flavor that makes every bite exciting.
I also dig how the rich, savory gravy ties all the ingredients together, giving the dish a warm, comforting vibe that feels like home cooked dinner.
It’s a lifesaver on busy nights since I can prep it ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when I’m ready to eat.
Plus, the little touches of cheese and butter make it extra indulgent and fun to eat, even when I know it’s not the healthiest option.
Ingredients
- This chicken adds a crunch and high protein goodness making every bite delightful.
- Mashed potatoes offer hearty carbs and creamy texture giving comfort to the dish.
- Chicken gravy ties flavors together adding moisture and a savory herbal taste.
- Corn kernels bring a pop of sweetness and fiber to balance the hearty dish.
- Cheddar cheese adds richness and extra flavor; its melt makes every bite indulgent.
- Butter gives richness and smooth texture slightly enhancing the dish flavor.
- Milk helps adjust creaminess and ensures mashed potatoes remain soft.
- Salt and pepper bring balanced seasoning making all flavors pop brilliantly.
Ingredient Quantities
- 2 cups crispy fried chicken, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups prepared mashed potatoes (homemade or leftover)
- 1 cup corn kernels (drained if canned or thawed if frozen)
- 2 cups chicken gravy, warmed up
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional but adds great flavor)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for mixing in and topping)
- 1/2 cup milk (use as needed to adjust the mashed potato consistency)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make this
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a casserole dish with a bit of butter.
2. In a big bowl, mix together the mashed potatoes with 1/2 cup milk, salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of butter until smooth.
3. Gently fold in the crispy chicken and the corn kernels into the mashed potatoes.
4. Pour half of the mashed potato mixture into your greased dish and spread it out evenly.
5. Drizzle 1 cup of the warmed chicken gravy over the potato layer evenly.
6. Spoon the rest of the mashed potato mix on top and smooth that out with a spatula.
7. Pour the remaining 1 cup of gravy evenly over the top layer.
8. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over, if you are using it.
9. Dot the top with the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and the casserole looks hot and bubbling. Enjoy your dinner!
Equipment Needed
1. Oven preheated to 375°F
2. Casserole dish (make sure to have some butter ready to grease it)
3. Large mixing bowl for the mashed potatoes
4. Measuring cups and spoons for milk, butter and gravy
5. Spatula for smoothing the potato layers
6. Serving spoon to drizzle gravy and help with mixing
7. Knife and cutting board to chop the crispy chicken if needed
8. Oven mitts to safely take the dish out of the oven
FAQ
Mashed Potato Casserole With Chicken Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Instead of crispy fried chicken, try using torn-up rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time.
- If you don’t have mashed potatoes around, mashed sweet potatoes or even cauliflower mash can work.
- Not a fan of corn kernels? Give peas or diced carrots a go for a different twist.
- For chicken gravy, you can swap it out with turkey gravy or even a simple cream sauce.
- If cheddar cheese ain’t your thing, mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese could be a good substitute.
Pro Tips
1. Try adding a splash more milk if your mashed potatoes seem too thick, especially if you’re using leftovers so it mixes up smooth and creamy.
2. Warming the chicken gravy real good before pouring it in makes sure you get that extra rich flavor all throughout the dish.
3. Give a quick toast to some garlic in butter and stir it into the potatoes for a subtle flavor boost that really upgrades the meal.
4. If you like cheese, saving a bit to sprinkle on top right at the end and then cranking the oven on broil for a few minutes can give you a nice, crispy golden finish.
Mashed Potato Casserole With Chicken Recipe
My favorite Mashed Potato Casserole With Chicken Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven preheated to 375°F
2. Casserole dish (make sure to have some butter ready to grease it)
3. Large mixing bowl for the mashed potatoes
4. Measuring cups and spoons for milk, butter and gravy
5. Spatula for smoothing the potato layers
6. Serving spoon to drizzle gravy and help with mixing
7. Knife and cutting board to chop the crispy chicken if needed
8. Oven mitts to safely take the dish out of the oven
Ingredients:
- 2 cups crispy fried chicken, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups prepared mashed potatoes (homemade or leftover)
- 1 cup corn kernels (drained if canned or thawed if frozen)
- 2 cups chicken gravy, warmed up
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional but adds great flavor)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for mixing in and topping)
- 1/2 cup milk (use as needed to adjust the mashed potato consistency)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a casserole dish with a bit of butter.
2. In a big bowl, mix together the mashed potatoes with 1/2 cup milk, salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of butter until smooth.
3. Gently fold in the crispy chicken and the corn kernels into the mashed potatoes.
4. Pour half of the mashed potato mixture into your greased dish and spread it out evenly.
5. Drizzle 1 cup of the warmed chicken gravy over the potato layer evenly.
6. Spoon the rest of the mashed potato mix on top and smooth that out with a spatula.
7. Pour the remaining 1 cup of gravy evenly over the top layer.
8. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over, if you are using it.
9. Dot the top with the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and the casserole looks hot and bubbling. Enjoy your dinner!