Classic Chicken and Potato Casserole: A Hearty Comfort Food

Classic Chicken and Potato Casserole: A Hearty Comfort Food

There’s something timeless about a well-made casserole. This classic chicken and potato casserole is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and a crispy, golden breadcrumb topping. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy family dinner or a potluck, offering layers of flavor and texture that everyone will love. Here’s how to create this delicious dish at home.

Ingredients:

For the Casserole:

• 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 cups diced potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 1 cup carrots, diced (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or milk
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

For the Topping:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
   • In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
   • Stir in the diced potatoes, carrots, and peas (if using). Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
2. Make the Sauce:
   • Sprinkle the flour over the vegetable mixture and stir well to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
   • Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook until the mixture begins to thicken.
   • Stir in the heavy cream or milk and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens further.
   • If you are using cheese, stir in the shredded cheddar until melted and well combined.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the cooked chicken evenly across the bottom of the dish.
   • Pour the potato and vegetable mixture over the chicken, spreading it out evenly.
4. Prepare the Topping:
   • In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley if using. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter.
   • Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the casserole.
5. Bake the Casserole:
   • Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.
   • If the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover the casserole loosely with aluminum foil.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to serve.
   • Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Tips for Success:

• Chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor. If you prefer, leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken can be used to save time.
• Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well in this recipe. Make sure to cut the potatoes into even-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
• Vegetables: This casserole is versatile, so feel free to add or substitute other vegetables such as green beans, corn, or broccoli.
• Topping: For extra crunch, try adding some chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts to the breadcrumb mixture. You can also experiment with different types of cheese for the topping.

This classic chicken and potato casserole is the epitome of comfort food, offering a warm and hearty meal that’s perfect for sharing. The combination of tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and a crispy topping makes it a dish that will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this casserole is sure to satisfy and delight. Enjoy!