Cheesy Baked Chicken and Potato Casserole
A hearty casserole combining crispy baked chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, and melted cheese. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 65 minutes pairs chicken thighs, medium russet potatoes, sour cream for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb chicken thighs
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil 4 medium russet potatoes in their skins for 15 minutes until tender. Mash with 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup milk, 2 tbsp butter, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp dried parsley until smooth.
- Step 2: Season 1.5 lb chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place in a greased baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes over the chicken, then top with 1 cup grated cheddar cheese.
- Step 3: Bake for 30-35 minutes until chicken is golden and cheese is bubbly. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cheesy Baked Chicken and Potato Casserole take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (30 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cheesy Baked Chicken and Potato Casserole?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cheesy Baked Chicken and Potato Casserole?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cheesy Baked Chicken and Potato Casserole for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Cheesy Baked Chicken and Potato Casserole?
American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★★
My partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to chicken dish. We make it weekly.
