Craving a comfort food masterpiece that'll make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds? Look no further than this mouthwatering Mashed Potato Chicken Casserole – the ultimate one-dish wonder that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary magic show! Imagine layers of creamy mashed potatoes, tender shredded chicken, and melted cheese coming together in a dish so irresistible, it'll become your new go-to meal for busy weeknights or weekend family gatherings. Get ready to unlock the secret to the most comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole that promises to become an instant classic in your recipe collection!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Spread the prepared mashed potatoes evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish, creating a smooth base layer about 1-inch thick.
- Carefully spread the chicken and soup mixture over the mashed potato layer, ensuring an even distribution.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese uniformly across the top of the chicken layer, covering the entire surface.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden brown, and the edges are bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the layers to set and cool slightly.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Cut into squares and serve hot as a complete, comforting meal.
Tips
- For extra flavor, use homemade mashed potatoes or season your store-bought potatoes with additional butter and herbs.
- Ensure your chicken is thoroughly cooked and shredded before mixing with other ingredients for the best texture.
- For a crispy top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Make this dish ahead of time by preparing and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking – perfect for meal prep!
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or a blend for unique flavor profiles.
- If the casserole seems too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to the chicken mixture for a creamier consistency.
- Let the casserole rest after baking to allow the layers to set and make serving easier.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat cream of chicken soup and reduced-fat cheese without compromising on taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 211kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 40mg
