Description
This Chicken Mashed Potato Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish featuring layers of creamy mashed potatoes, sweet corn, crispy popcorn chicken, and melted cheddar cheese, all topped with savory chicken gravy. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines simple ingredients into a satisfying baked casserole ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Mashed Potato Layer
- 32 oz mashed potatoes (about 3 cups)
Corn Layer
- 16 oz corn (about 2 cups), thawed if frozen
Chicken Layer
- 1.5 lb popcorn chicken (about 3 cups), cooked and crisped
Cheese Topping
- 16 oz shredded cheddar cheese
Additional Ingredients
- 8 oz chicken gravy, warmed
- 1 cup bread crumbs (optional, no mention in instructions but included in ingredients list)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Crisp Chicken: Cook the popcorn chicken according to package directions by baking or air frying until crispy and fully cooked. Set aside once done.
- Warm Mashed Potatoes: Heat the mashed potatoes in the microwave until just warmed through. Then spread them evenly in a 9x13-inch baking dish to form the base layer.
- Layer Corn: Evenly spread the thawed corn over the mashed potatoes to create the second layer.
- Add Chicken Layer: Place the cooked, crispy popcorn chicken evenly over the corn layer.
- Bake Casserole: Place the prepared casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes to meld flavors.
- Add Cheese: After baking for 15 minutes, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Warm Gravy and Serve: Warm the chicken gravy either on the stovetop or microwave. Remove the casserole from the oven and pour the warm gravy evenly over the top just before serving for a delicious finish.
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen corn; if using frozen, be sure to thaw before layering.
- Popcorn chicken can be baked or air fried depending on your preference for crispiness.
- The 1 cup bread crumbs listed in ingredients are optional as they are not specified in the instructions, but could be used for added texture if desired.
- For best results, serve the casserole immediately after adding the warm gravy to prevent sogginess.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, though the topping may be less crispy.
