potato and chicken casserole Recipe

potato and chicken casserole Recipe

When it comes to comfort food that brings everyone to the table, nothing beats a Potato and Chicken Casserole.
It’s warm, creamy, and perfectly cheesy — the kind of dish that fills your home with that irresistible, homestyle aroma.
Tender chunks of chicken, thinly sliced potatoes, and a rich, cheesy sauce baked until bubbly… this is one meal that hits all the right notes.

Whether you’re feeding your family or planning a cozy dinner for two, this easy casserole delivers flavor, comfort, and a guaranteed clean plate every time.

🕓 Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 40 minutes

• Rest Time: 5 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

• Difficulty: Easy

• Servings: 6

🧄 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes

• 1 ½ lbs (700g) potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (Yukon Gold or Russet work best)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

For the Creamy Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup mozzarella cheese

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan

• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish

• Chopped parsley or green onions

• Extra cheese for topping (optional)

🔥 Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish or any medium-sized baking dish with olive oil or butter.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Peel and thinly slice the potatoes (about ⅛ inch thick).
You can use a mandoline slicer to make even slices — this helps them cook evenly.
Place the slices in a bowl of cold water for 10 minutes to remove excess starch, then pat them dry.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook for 2 minutes until soft.
Add the chicken pieces, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.

Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly golden on the edges and nearly cooked through (it will finish baking in the oven).
Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute to form a smooth paste (roux).
Slowly pour in the milk, whisking to avoid lumps.

Once smooth, stir in the heavy cream. Continue cooking until slightly thickened — about 3–4 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and creamy.

Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

This sauce should be rich and pourable — not too thick, but enough to coat the potatoes and chicken beautifully.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Now for the fun part — layering!

1. Spread half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of your greased casserole dish.

2. Add the cooked chicken mixture on top.

3. Pour half of the cheese sauce evenly over the chicken layer.

4. Top with the remaining potato slices.

5. Pour the rest of the sauce over the top and spread evenly.

If desired, sprinkle an extra handful of cheese on top for that golden crust.

Step 6: Bake

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until:

• The top is golden and bubbling,

• The potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, and

• The cheese is beautifully melted.

For a crispier top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end — just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Once baked, let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
This helps the sauce thicken and makes it easier to serve.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a touch of color and freshness.

🍽️ Serving Ideas

This Potato and Chicken Casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:

• Steamed green beans or broccoli for a fresh balance

• A crisp green salad with lemon dressing

• Garlic bread for soaking up that cheesy sauce

• Roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts for extra flavor

It’s also perfect for meal prep — reheats beautifully for lunch the next day!

🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze: Cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

• Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the full casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly.

💡 Tips for the Perfect Casserole

1. Even slices = even cooking: Slice your potatoes thin and uniform.

2. Don’t overcook chicken: It finishes cooking in the oven, so just brown it lightly on the stove.

3. Use sharp cheese: It gives better flavor and melt — aged cheddar or Gruyère are great choices.

4. Add veggies: You can sneak in spinach, mushrooms, or peas between layers for extra nutrition.

5. Make it lighter: Swap heavy cream with low-fat milk or Greek yogurt.

🧀 Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle hot sauce before serving.

• Bacon Twist: Mix in crumbled cooked bacon for smoky flavor.

• Veggie Boost: Add roasted cauliflower, zucchini, or bell peppers.

• Herb Lovers: Sprinkle in rosemary or Italian seasoning for more aroma.

💪 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

(Values are approximate and depend on ingredients used.)

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Potato and Chicken Casserole is the ultimate definition of homestyle comfort.
Every bite is packed with tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and gooey melted cheese — a simple combo that delivers pure satisfaction.

It’s easy to make, reheats like a dream, and tastes even better the next day.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, guests, or just yourself, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that never disappoints.

🧑‍🍳 Final Thoughts

If you love cozy, one-dish meals that feel like a hug in every bite, this Potato and Chicken Casserole deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

It’s wholesome, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or holiday dinners — this dish proves that simple ingredients can create truly comforting food.

So go ahead — layer those potatoes, add that cheese, and let your oven work its magic. You’ll end up with a bubbling, golden casserole that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.