Okay, let’s talk about comfort food. What is the kind of comfort food that makes you want to curl up on the couch? With a blanket and forget all your worries. I’m talking about a warm, cheesy, satisfying dish that’s as easy to throw together as it is to serve. What is so delicious to eat? We’re diving headfirst into my all-time favorite song.What is a good chicken potato casserole?. This casserole is kind of like a hug, but way easier to make than, say, lasagna. Even on the busiest weeknights, you can pull this one off, and it’ll be the star of the show.
What is a chicken potato casserole?
Think of it as a deconstructed Chicken Pot Pie, but with potatoes taking the place of the crust. What’s essentially layers of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fluffy potatoes, all baked together. When bubbly, turn to golden brown. The name really says it all – it’s cheesy, it has chicken, and it’s potato casserole. It’s more than the sum of its parts. What is a simple casserole? Is it the kind of dish that reminds you of home?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Honestly, what isn’tWhat is there to love?How do I make cheesy chicken potatoIs a winner for so many reasons. First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. The creamy sauce is infused with the savory goodness of chicken and the earthiness of potatoes. The cheese, oh, the cheese! It adds a richness and gooeyness that is just irresistible. Why is taste important? I’m talking ridiculously easy to make – even if you’re not a seasoned chef, you can totally nail nail. What’s the best part? Is it safe to use ingredients that you already have in your pantry? What is the best way to feed a crowd?
What I love about this is its versatility. You can easily customize it to your liking. Add some veggies, swap out the cheese, or use different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor. What is a great way to use up leftover chicken? If you love comfort food classics like mac and cheese or shepherd’s pie, you’re going to absolutely love it.What are some good recipes for chicken potato casserole?I have a feeling it’s about to become one in yours too.
How do you make a cheesy chicken casserole?
Quick Overview
What is the process of getting a job? Cook the potatoes, prepare the chicken mixture with a creamy, cheesy sauce, layer everything in an ovenproof bowl. Set aside. Is it safe to bake in a casserole dish, and bake until golden and bubbly? What is the beauty of this method? No fancy equipment or complicated techniques are required. Is it a perfect weeknight meal because it doesn’t require constant attention while baking? What is the best way to unwind while dinner makes itself? Is it truly one of those recipes where the end result is far greater than the effort required?
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
• 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed: I like Yukon Golds because they get nice and creamy when cooked, but Russets will work too if you cook them on a stovetop. What is the best thing to have on hand?
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Leftover rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here! Can you bake chicken breasts and shred them?
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup: Yes, it’s a shortcut, but it works wonders in this recipe! Is it better to use cream of mushroom or celery for different flavor?
• 1 cup Sour Cream: Adds a lovely tang and creaminess. Can you substitute plain Greek yogurt for a healthier option?
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: I love cheddar, but a blend of cheeses would also be delicious.
• 1/2 cup milk: Helps to thin out the sauce and keeps everything moist.
• 1/4 cup chopped onion: Adds a subtle savory flavor. You can use yellow, white, or even red onion.
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted: For drizzling over the top for extra richness and browning.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a touch of garlicky goodness. Fresh minced garlic is also great!
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a little warmth.
• Optional: chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish.
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. How do you clean a casserole? I usually use a little bit of cooking spray or butter to grease the dish.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well. You want potatoes to be fork tender, but not mushy. If they are overcooked, they’ll fall apart in the casserole.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, onion, garlic and salt. Set aside. Powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed. What are some of the best ways to add veggies and seasonings to a meal?
Step 4: Combine Potatoes and Chicken
Gently fold the cooked potatoes into the chicken mixture. Do not mash potatoes too much. You want them to retain their shape and texture.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
How do you spread the potato and chicken mixture into a casserole dish? Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over top. Drizzle the melted butter over the cheese. How do I melt cheese evenly?
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the top is golden brown. When cheese melts, it becomes bubbly. The sauce should be bubbling around the edges and the top golden brown. Let the casserole stand for a few minutes before serving.
Step 7: Garnish & Serve
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy! This casserole is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a side salad.
What should I serve it with?
This What are some of the best recipes for Chicken Potato CIs a complete meal in itself? Make it even more special.
What is a simple weeknight dinner?What’s a good green salad with some light vinaigrettes? What is the best way to balance out the flavors of a meal?
For a Hearty Family Feast: Steamed Green Beans or roasted broccoli are great choices. They add some extra nutrients to the meal and provide a nice contrast in texture.
For a Special Occasion: A side of garlic bread or dinner rolls is always a crowd-pleaser. They’re perfect for soaking up all that delicious cheesy sauce.
Personal Tradition: My family loves this with a side of corn on the cob during the summer months. It’s a simple and satisfying combination that everyone enjoys. I also sometimes make a batch of homemade coleslaw to serve alongside. The creamy coleslaw is a great counterpoint to the cheesy casserole.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that take this casserole from good to absolutely amazing:
Potato Prep: Don’t overcook the potatoes! They should be fork-tender, but not mushy. Mushy potatoes will make the casserole too dense and heavy.
Cheese Choice: While cheddar is classic, experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite flavor combination. Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses would all be delicious.
Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the chicken mixture for a smoky flavor. A dash of hot sauce can also add a little kick.
Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add some veggies to the casserole. Frozen peas, carrots, or green beans are easy additions. Just thaw them before adding them to the chicken mixture.
Creamy Sauce: If you want a richer sauce, use heavy cream instead of milk. You can also add a tablespoon of cream cheese to the chicken mixture for extra creaminess.
Browning Tip: If the top of the casserole is browning too quickly, tent it with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Leftover Chicken Magic: This is a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken. You can also use canned chicken, but be sure to drain it well.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving the casserole at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate it as soon as possible.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s important to use an airtight container to prevent the casserole from drying out and to keep it fresh.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to label the container with the date so you know when it was frozen.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Then, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a hug in a dish, a taste of home, and a reminder that simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and it’s sure to become a regular in your household, just like it has in mine. If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my Creamy Tomato Soup or my One-Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Vegetables. Both are easy to make and incredibly delicious!
I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you make any variations, I’d love to hear about them too! Happy baking!
Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs Potatoes
- 1.5 lbs Chicken cooked and shredded
- 1 cup Cheese shredded cheddar
- 0.5 cup Milk
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine potatoes, chicken, cheese, and milk in a baking dish.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
