This Cheesy Chicken and Potato Casserole is the perfect comfort food. It’s made with tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and a cheesy topping that bakes to golden perfection. This hearty dish is easy to prepare and great for feeding the whole family. Perfect for weeknights or when you need a cozy meal.
History of Chicken and Potato Casserole
Chicken and potato casseroles have been a go-to dish for families for generations. This classic combination of ingredients likely originated as a practical way to use affordable staples like chicken, potatoes, and cheese. Over time, the recipe has been adapted with different seasonings and add-ins, becoming a favorite in many households.
Why Chicken and Potato Casserole?
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry and fridge staples.
- One-Pan Meal: Everything bakes together for less cleanup.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by both kids and adults.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or switch up the cheeses.
What is Chicken and Potato Casserole Made of?
This casserole includes:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Diced potatoes (russet, red, or Yukon Gold)
- Cream of chicken soup or a homemade version
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Milk or cream for creaminess
- Seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper
- Optional: bacon bits, green onions, or vegetables
What to Have with Chicken and Potato Casserole
Serve this casserole with:
- A crisp green salad
- Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans
- Crusty bread or dinner rolls
Is Chicken and Potato Casserole Healthy?
While this casserole is hearty and satisfying, it can be made healthier by using skinless chicken, light cheese, low-sodium soup, and minimal cream. Adding vegetables like broccoli or spinach can also boost the nutritional value.
Kitchen Equipment
- Large baking dish (9×13 recommended)
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or spoon for mixing
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits, 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Directions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Potatoes: Peel and dice the potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Parboil them for 5 minutes if you want them extra tender.
- Mix Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Assemble Casserole: In a greased baking dish, layer the diced potatoes and chicken cubes. Pour the sauce over the top and stir to coat evenly.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Add bacon bits if desired.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions if using.
Tips
- Cut potatoes into even pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
- Parboiling the potatoes can help them cook faster and prevent undercooked spots.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Chicken and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining simple ingredients into a deliciously hearty dish. It’s perfect for any night of the week and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Give it a try and enjoy an easy, satisfying meal!
Cheesy Chicken and Potato Casserole Recipe
This Cheesy Chicken and Potato Casserole is the perfect comfort food. It’s made with tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and a cheesy topping that bakes to golden perfection. This hearty dish is easy to prepare and great for feeding the whole family. Perfect for weeknights or when you need a cozy meal.
-
Large baking dish (9×13 recommended)
-
Mixing bowl
-
Measuring cups and spoons
-
Whisk or spoon for mixing
-
Aluminum foil
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits, 1/4 cup chopped green onions
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Peel and dice the potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Parboil them for 5 minutes if you want them extra tender.
-
In a mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
-
In a greased baking dish, layer the diced potatoes and chicken cubes. Pour the sauce over the top and stir to coat evenly.
-
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Add bacon bits if desired.
-
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender.
-
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions if using.