Can I use frozen chicken tenders in this casserole?

Yes! Frozen chicken tenders work perfectly for this recipe. Just let them sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before slicing so they’re easier to handle. Increase the baking time to about 20 minutes to ensure they get crispy and heated through.

What type of mashed potatoes work best?

Homemade mashed potatoes are ideal because you control the creaminess and seasoning, but good-quality store-bought mashed potatoes also do the trick. Just make sure they’re warmed up before assembling the casserole for easier layering.

Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?

Absolutely! Vegetables like peas, green beans, or diced bell peppers complement the flavors well and add extra nutrition. Just be sure to adjust the layering so the casserole bakes evenly.

Crispy Chicken Mashed Potato Casserole

Name: Delicious Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5-6 cups mashed potatoes (preferably homemade); 1 cup corn; 1 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese; 8 chicken tenders (homemade or frozen); Brown gravy (prepared from scratch or packet)

Description

This Mashed Potato Casserole with Crispy Chicken combines creamy homemade mashed potatoes, sweet corn, and melted cheddar cheese, topped with crispy chicken tenders and a rich brown gravy drizzle. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this casserole is easy to assemble and bake, delivering a delightful mix of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Casserole

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it's ready for baking the casserole.
Prepare chicken tenders: If using frozen chicken tenders, let them sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to soften slightly if you plan to slice them before baking.
Spread mashed potatoes: Evenly spread the mashed potatoes on the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish. If your potatoes are cold, warm them up first for easier spreading.
Add toppings: Sprinkle the corn evenly over the mashed potatoes, followed by the freshly grated cheddar cheese.
Slice and add chicken: Slice the chicken tenders into pieces of your desired size and carefully layer them on top of the casserole.
Bake casserole: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes if using frozen chicken tenders, or 15 minutes for homemade chicken tenders, until the chicken is cooked and the cheese is melted.
Prepare gravy: While the casserole is baking, prepare the brown gravy on the stovetop according to your preferred method or package instructions.
Serve: Once baked, drizzle the desired amount of warm brown gravy over the casserole and serve immediately.

Notes

Using homemade popcorn chicken works wonderfully as a substitute for chicken tenders in this recipe.
Warm cold mashed potatoes before assembling for easier spreading and better texture.
You can use frozen corn if fresh or canned is unavailable—just drain well before adding.
Adjust the amount of gravy drizzled according to your preference for moisture and flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 650 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg