Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for this casserole?

Absolutely! Using leftover mashed potatoes is a fantastic way to use up extras. Just warm them slightly before assembling to ensure smooth layering and even baking.

What kind of chicken tenders work best?

Homemade crispy tenders offer the best texture and flavor, but good-quality frozen tenders are a convenient alternative. Just make sure they're fully cooked before assembling.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free gravy, and ensure your chicken tenders are gluten-free or make your own with gluten-free breadcrumbs. Mashed potatoes are naturally gluten free, so it’s an easy swap.

What’s the best way to keep the chicken crispy?

If you want extra crispiness, add the chicken tenders on top during the last 10 minutes of baking or bake them separately and just place on top before serving. This prevents sogginess from moisture in the casserole.

Crispy Chicken Mashed Potato Casserole

Description

A comforting Mashed Potato Casserole layered with sweet corn, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy chicken tenders, all topped with savory brown gravy. Perfect for a hearty family dinner with easy preparation and baking time.

Ingredients

Scale

Casserole

5-6 cups mashed potatoes, homemade or store-bought
1 cup corn
1 cup cheddar cheese, freshly grated
8 chicken tenders, homemade or frozen
1 cup brown gravy, homemade or packet

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
Prepare Chicken: If using frozen chicken tenders, let them sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to soften slightly, especially if you plan to slice them before adding.
Layer Mashed Potatoes: Spread the mashed potatoes evenly on the bottom of a 9x13 inch casserole dish. If your mashed potatoes are cold, warm them first for easier spreading.
Add Corn and Cheese: Sprinkle the corn evenly over the mashed potato layer, then top with the freshly grated cheddar cheese.
Top with Chicken: Slice the chicken tenders into your desired size pieces and arrange them on top of the cheese layer in the casserole dish.
Bake Casserole: Place the casserole uncovered in the oven and bake for 20 minutes if using frozen chicken tenders, or 15 minutes if using homemade chicken tenders, until heated through and chicken is cooked.
Prepare Gravy: While the casserole bakes, prepare the brown gravy on the stovetop according to package or homemade recipe instructions.
Serve: Once baked, drizzle the desired amount of warm gravy over the casserole and serve immediately.

Notes

Homemade popcorn chicken works wonderfully as a substitute for chicken tenders in this recipe.
If using cold mashed potatoes, warming them before assembly helps with spreading and baking.
Adjust the amount of gravy to your liking for extra moisture and flavor.
For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken tenders with a plant-based protein and use vegetable gravy.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 480 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 650 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0.2 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg