Looking for an easy, hearty meal that’s full of flavor and perfect for any night of the week? This Chicken and Potato Casserole is exactly what you need! It combines tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese, all baked together in a flavorful sauce. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is a great go-to recipe. It’s a satisfying, budget-friendly dish that can be customized with your favorite vegetables and seasonings. Keep reading for the full recipe, tips, and more!

What is Chicken and Potato Casserole?

Chicken and Potato Casserole is a warm, comforting dish made with layers of diced or sliced potatoes, cooked chicken, and a creamy sauce. The casserole is typically topped with cheese and baked until everything is tender and golden. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, as it’s easy to assemble and requires minimal prep work. You can also make it ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later. The combination of hearty potatoes, juicy chicken, and melted cheese makes this casserole a satisfying and complete meal.

Ingredients List for Chicken and Potato Casserole

To make this delicious Chicken and Potato Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Cut into bite-sized pieces.
4 large potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best. Peel and dice into cubes or slice into thin rounds.
1 medium onion: Diced for flavor.
2 cloves garlic: Minced for extra flavor.
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: This adds creaminess and flavor to the casserole.
½ cup sour cream: For extra richness and creaminess.
½ cup milk: Helps thin out the sauce and makes it creamier.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar works great for a rich, cheesy topping.
6 slices cooked bacon: Crumbled (optional, for extra flavor and crunch).
1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the chicken.
1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a smoky flavor and a bit of color.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: Optional, for an herbal note.
Salt and black pepper: To taste.
Chopped fresh parsley: Optional, for garnish.

Substitutions and Variations

This Chicken and Potato Casserole is highly customizable, so feel free to make substitutions or add ingredients based on your preferences:

Chicken thighs: If you prefer dark meat, you can substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for added juiciness and flavor.
Sweet potatoes: For a healthier twist or a touch of sweetness, swap regular potatoes with sweet potatoes.
Vegetables: Add extra vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, peas, or bell peppers for a more nutrient-packed meal.
Cream of mushroom soup: If you’re not a fan of cream of chicken, cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup can be used instead.
Greek yogurt: You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version of the dish.
Spicy kick: Add a dash of hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or chopped jalapeños for a spicier version.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make this easy and delicious Chicken and Potato Casserole:

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Sauté the onions and garlic: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Set aside with the chicken.
Prepare the potatoes: While the chicken is cooking, peel and dice the potatoes into bite-sized cubes or thinly slice them. You can parboil them for about 5-7 minutes to soften them slightly if you prefer faster baking.
Mix the creamy sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth. Stir in half of the shredded cheese, the cooked chicken, onions, and garlic. If you’re adding bacon or other vegetables, fold them in at this stage.
Assemble the casserole: Layer the potatoes evenly in the bottom of the greased baking dish. Pour the chicken mixture over the potatoes, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
Bake the casserole: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and turn golden brown.
Garnish and serve: Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not cooking the potatoes long enough: If your potatoes are diced too thick or not cooked through, they may end up undercooked in the casserole. Make sure they are thinly sliced or parboiled for even cooking.
Overcooking the chicken: The chicken will continue to cook in the oven, so avoid overcooking it in the skillet. Just cook it until it's no longer pink to avoid drying it out.
Not seasoning properly: Be sure to season both the chicken and potatoes with enough salt, pepper, and spices. Potatoes can be bland if under-seasoned, so taste and adjust as needed.
Skipping the foil: Covering the casserole with foil for the first part of baking ensures that the potatoes cook evenly without drying out. Don’t skip this step!

Serving and Presentation Tips

Make your Chicken and Potato Casserole even more delicious and visually appealing with these presentation ideas:

Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, thyme, or chives over the top for a fresh and colorful finish.
Pair with a side salad: Serve the casserole with a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
Offer extra toppings: Set out bowls of sour cream, hot sauce, or extra bacon crumbles for added flavor customization.

How to Serve Chicken and Potato Casserole

Serve hot: This casserole is best served piping hot, straight from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes to allow the flavors to settle before scooping it onto plates.
Pair with vegetables: While the casserole is a meal on its own, you can pair it with a simple side of steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
Perfect for meal prep: This casserole stores well, making it great for meal prepping. Portion out servings into containers for easy reheating throughout the week.

Recipe Tips for Chicken and Potato Casserole

Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just cover it with plastic wrap and pop it in the oven when you're ready to eat.
Freezing instructions: This casserole freezes well. Assemble it, but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed.
Leftover storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Using cooked rotisserie chicken can save time. Just shred the chicken and mix it with the other ingredients, skipping the cooking step.

Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, you can use red potatoes or even baby potatoes. Just be sure to cut them into small pieces so they cook evenly.

Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely! You can add broccoli, carrots, green beans, or any other vegetables you like to the casserole. Just make sure they are partially cooked before adding them in to ensure they become tender during baking.

What’s the best way to reheat this casserole?
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the whole dish with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and melty cheese into one delicious dish. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or prepping for the week ahead, this casserole is sure to become a favorite. It’s simple to make, versatile, and packed with flavor. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a warm, hearty meal that everyone will love!