Chicken Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe

So you’re craving something cozy, cheesy, and ridiculously comforting, but you don’t want to spend forever cooking? Same. Enter chicken mashed potato casserole—the ultimate hug-in-a-dish. Seriously, it’s basically chicken, potatoes, and cheese having a party in your oven, and you’re invited.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

• Totally foolproof: Even if your cooking skills peak at boiling water, you’ll still nail this.
• One-dish magic: Chicken? Check. Mashed potatoes? Check. Cheesy goodness? Double check. Cleanup is minimal.
• Customizable AF: Switch up the veggies, cheese, or seasoning and suddenly it’s “gourmet.”
• Comfort overload: Honestly, it’s basically edible therapy for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie is a life-saver here)
• 4 cups mashed potatoes (store-bought totally works)
• 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt if you’re feeling healthy)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or whatever cheesy goodness you’ve got)
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions or chives
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Optional crunchy topping: 1/2 cup breadcrumbs + 2 tbsp melted butter

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & prep: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish because sticky casseroles are no one’s friend.
2. Mix it up: In a big bowl, combine shredded chicken, mashed potatoes, sour cream, milk, half the cheese, green onions, and seasonings. Mix until everything’s besties.
3. Layer it nicely: Dump your mixture into the greased dish. Spread it evenly—pretend you’re icing a cake if it helps.
4. Cheese party: Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Optional: mix breadcrumbs and butter and sprinkle that too for extra crunch.
5. Bake it: 25–30 minutes until golden, bubbly, and smelling like heaven.
6. Serve & devour: Let it sit 5 minutes (if you can wait) before digging in. Bonus points for taking a cute Instagram pic.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the preheat: Rookie mistake. Oven needs time to get its act together.
• Overmixing: You want everything combined, not whipped into a gluey mess.
• Under-seasoning: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper. Mashed potatoes are basically blank canvases.
• Neglecting the cheese: Why even bother? Cheese makes the world go round.

Alternatives & Substitutions

• Chicken: Leftover rotisserie, turkey, or even cooked sausage chunks.
• Mashed potatoes: Instant works in a pinch; sweet potato mash is a fun twist.
• Cheese: Mozzarella, pepper jack, or a combo—live your cheesy dream.
• Crunchy topping: Crushed crackers, fried onions, or panko breadcrumbs—choose your crunch adventure.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Totally. Mix everything and store in the fridge. Bake when ready. Just add a few extra minutes if it’s cold.

Can I freeze it?

Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Can I use leftover chicken?

Absolutely. Leftovers = free win. Bonus: less chopping required.

Is there a vegetarian version?

Yep! Swap chicken with roasted veggies, mushrooms, or even a plant-based chicken substitute.

Can I skip the sour cream?

You can, but the creamy vibe will be slightly weaker. Greek yogurt works too.

Can I make it spicier?

Throw in some smoked paprika, chili flakes, or hot sauce. Go wild.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—a cozy, cheesy, ridiculously comforting chicken mashed potato casserole that basically screams “you’re doing life right.” It’s simple, customizable, and perfect for impressing people—or just yourself. Now go on, grab that baking dish, turn up some tunes, and make yourself the ultimate comfort dinner. You’ve earned it.