\u003cstrong\u003eCan I make this Crispy Chicken Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe vegetarian?\u003c/strong\u003e

Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken tenders with crispy fried tofu or breaded vegetable patties. Just make sure they’re well-seasoned and crisp to retain the texture contrast.

\u003cstrong\u003eWhat’s the best way to keep the chicken crispy in the casserole?\u003c/strong\u003e

To keep chicken crispy, use homemade breaded chicken tenders baked separately and add them to the casserole right before baking. Avoid covering the dish with foil—baking uncovered helps maintain crispiness. Reheating in the oven rather than the microwave also helps.

\u003cstrong\u003eCan I use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe?\u003c/strong\u003e

Yes, leftover mashed potatoes work wonderfully in this casserole. Make sure to warm them slightly before assembling your dish so that the casserole bakes evenly and comes out creamy.

Crispy Chicken Casserole with Mashed Potatoes

Description

A comforting and hearty mashed potato casserole topped with crispy chicken tenders, sweet corn, cheddar cheese, and brown gravy. This easy-to-make dish combines creamy mashed potatoes with flavorful toppings baked to perfection for a satisfying family meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

5-6 cups mashed potatoes, homemade
1 cup corn
1 cup cheddar cheese, freshly grated
8 chicken tenders (homemade or frozen)
Brown gravy (homemade or packet)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the casserole.
Prepare Chicken Tenders: If using frozen chicken tenders, let them sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to slightly soften if you plan to slice them first; this will make slicing easier and ensure even cooking.
Layer Mashed Potatoes: Spread the mashed potatoes evenly on the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish. If your mashed potatoes are cold, warm them before spreading to avoid cooling the dish.
Add Corn and Cheese: Sprinkle the corn evenly over the mashed potatoes, then top with the freshly grated cheddar cheese for a gooey, cheesy layer.
Add Chicken Tenders: Carefully slice the chicken tenders into your preferred size and distribute them over the cheese layer, covering the casserole evenly.
Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered. Bake for 20 minutes if using frozen chicken tenders and 15 minutes if using homemade chicken tenders, until chicken is heated through and cheese is melted.
Prepare Gravy: While the casserole bakes, prepare the brown gravy on the stovetop according to your recipe or package instructions.
Serve: Once baked, drizzle the desired amount of warm brown gravy over the casserole and serve immediately for a delicious, comforting meal.

Notes

Using homemade popcorn chicken is an excellent alternative to chicken tenders in this casserole for added flavor and texture.
If your mashed potatoes are cold, warming them before assembling the casserole helps achieve even cooking and better texture.
You can substitute frozen corn with fresh or canned corn if preferred; just drain canned corn well.
Use fresh grated cheese for better melting compared to pre-shredded options.
Adjust the amount of gravy based on your taste preference — it adds moisture and flavor to the casserole.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 650 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg