Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole – Creamy, Comforting, and Delicious

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and a generous amount of melted cheese in one hearty dish. It’s simple to make, but the flavors are rich and indulgent. This casserole is perfect for a family dinner, meal prep, or serving a crowd at gatherings. The best part? You can prepare it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to eat, making it a convenient dish for busy weeknights. I tried it with a combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and it created the perfect balance of gooey, cheesy goodness. Whether you’re craving something cozy on a cold day or need an easy crowd-pleaser, this casserole is sure to be a hit.

Print

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken Breast

Chicken breast is the star protein of this dish. It’s lean, tender, and absorbs all the wonderful flavors from the creamy sauce and melted cheese. I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease of preparation, but you can also use chicken thighs for a slightly richer taste.

Potatoes

Potatoes form the hearty base of the casserole. They provide a creamy, comforting texture when baked in the casserole. Russet potatoes are a great choice because they become soft and fluffy after baking. You can peel them or leave the skins on for added texture and nutrition.

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese adds a sharp, tangy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. I use shredded cheddar for even melting and distribution throughout the casserole, ensuring every bite is cheesy and delicious.

Mozzarella Cheese

Mozzarella cheese provides that perfect meltiness that everyone loves in a casserole. It creates a stretchy, gooey layer that binds everything together, making each serving wonderfully cheesy.

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream is key for creating a rich, creamy sauce. It coats the chicken and potatoes perfectly, giving the casserole its luscious texture. You can substitute it with half-and-half if you prefer a lighter version, but heavy cream creates the best consistency.

Milk

Milk helps thin out the sauce without compromising the creaminess. I used whole milk for its richness, but you can opt for skim or almond milk for a lighter version.

Garlic Powder

Garlic powder adds a savory depth to the casserole, giving it that familiar and comforting garlic flavor without being overpowering. It pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce and cheese.

Onion Powder

Onion powder enhances the flavor profile of the casserole. It adds a subtle sweetness that balances out the richness of the cheese and cream.

Salt and Pepper

Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning the dish. The right amount of seasoning helps to bring all the ingredients together and elevate the flavors.

Parsley

Parsley is optional, but it adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished casserole. A sprinkle of chopped parsley right before serving gives the dish a nice contrast to the golden brown cheese.

Directions

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken and Potatoes:
   Start by cooking the chicken breast. You can either bake, grill, or pan-fry the chicken until it’s fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes per side depending on thickness). Once cooked, shred or cube the chicken into bite-sized pieces. While the chicken is cooking, peel and slice the potatoes into thin rounds, about 1/8-inch thick.
2. Make the Sauce:
   In a large bowl, combine heavy cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well-mixed. Add half of the cheddar cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese to the mixture, stirring until the cheese is melted into the sauce.
3. Layer the Casserole:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the sliced potatoes evenly at the bottom. Then, add a layer of shredded chicken breast. Pour the creamy sauce mixture evenly over the potatoes and chicken.
4. Add the Remaining Cheese:
   Top the casserole with the remaining cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese. This will form a bubbly, golden cheese crust as it bakes.
5. Bake:
   Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   Once the casserole is done, let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with parsley before serving for a fresh touch.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, cooking time is 1 hour, and total time is about 1 hour 20 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or microwave in a covered dish until heated through.

Variations and Customizations

Add Vegetables
Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or peas to the casserole. They can be layered between the chicken and potatoes or mixed into the creamy sauce for extra nutrition and color.

Use Different Cheeses
If you’re not a fan of mozzarella or cheddar, you can easily swap in other cheeses like gouda, provolone, or a three-cheese blend. Just make sure the cheese melts well to maintain the creamy, gooey texture.

Add Spices
For a little extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce. It’ll give the casserole a subtle kick without overwhelming the other flavors.

Make it Gluten-Free
If you’re following a gluten-free diet, simply ensure that all of your ingredients are gluten-free, such as using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for thickening the sauce or checking that your cheeses are certified gluten-free.

Creamy Sauce Alternatives
For a lighter version of the casserole, you can replace the heavy cream with a combination of low-fat milk and Greek yogurt, which still provides creaminess but with fewer calories.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

Approximate values per serving:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	420 kcal
Protein	29 g
Carbohydrates	29 g
Fat	23 g
Saturated Fat	13 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	4 g
Sodium	680 mg

Expert Tips & Customizations

Adjust the Potato Thickness
The thickness of your potato slices impacts the cooking time. For faster cooking, slice the potatoes thinner, but be careful not to make them too thin, or they may turn out mushy.

Do Not Overcook the Chicken
Ensure the chicken is just cooked through before adding it to the casserole. Overcooked chicken can become dry, which won’t give you the tender bite you’re looking for.

Cheese Control
Feel free to add more cheese if you love a gooey, cheesy casserole. I always suggest using a mix of cheeses for more complexity, but you can use whatever you prefer.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and shred it before adding it to the casserole.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I make this casserole without cheese?

While the cheese adds flavor and texture, you could make a non-cheese version using a dairy-free alternative or just opt for a creamy, cheesy-free sauce.

What can I serve this casserole with?

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

You can add a dash of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chili flakes to the sauce for a little kick.

Can I use different potatoes?

Yes, other potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes can be used instead of russet potatoes, though they might have a slightly different texture when baked.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Conclusion

Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole is a perfect dish for family dinners, meal prep, or special occasions. The creamy, cheesy layers of chicken and potatoes make for a comforting and filling meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the

Hungry for more?  Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!