Chicken And Potato Casserole Recipe

When comfort food calls your name, chicken and potato casserole answers with a warm, hearty embrace. You'll want to discover why this classic dish has been a family favorite for generations. From busy weeknights to weekend gatherings, this one-pan wonder transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal that'll have everyone asking for seconds. Curious about creating your own culinary masterpiece that balances creamy textures with savory flavors? Stay tuned, and we'll walk you through every delicious step.

Recipe Highlights

• A classic casserole featuring sliced potatoes, chicken breasts, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, and onion soup mix, layered and baked until golden and bubbling.
• Begin by greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish, then layer uniform potato slices as the base, topped with evenly spaced chicken breasts.
• Pour cream of chicken soup over the ingredients, sprinkle onion soup mix uniformly, and cover with shredded cheddar cheese for maximum flavor.
• Bake at a recommended temperature (typically 375°F) for approximately 45-60 minutes, ensuring chicken is fully cooked and potatoes are tender.
• Customize the recipe by adding vegetables, experimenting with different cheese varieties, and adjusting seasonings to suit personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

History

Casseroles have been a beloved staple in American home cooking for nearly a century, with the chicken and potato casserole emerging as a classic mid-20th century comfort food.

You'll find its roots deeply embedded in post-World War II cuisine, when convenience and hearty meals became kitchen priorities. During the 1950s and 1960s, home cooks embraced one-dish meals that could feed large families quickly and economically.

These dishes often incorporated canned soups, pre-packaged mixes, and affordable proteins like chicken, reflecting the era's culinary innovations. The chicken and potato casserole specifically gained popularity through community cookbooks, church potlucks, and family gatherings, becoming a symbol of communal dining.

Its simplicity and adaptability made it a go-to recipe for generations of home chefs seeking nutritious, satisfying meals.

Recipe

Indulge in a comforting classic that brings warmth to any dinner table with this delectable chicken and potato casserole. Combining tender sliced potatoes, juicy chicken breasts, and a rich, creamy sauce, this dish promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters while providing a hearty, filling meal.

This one-pan wonder transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dinner that requires minimal prep time and delivers maximum flavor. With its golden, melted cheese topping and perfectly cooked chicken, the casserole becomes an instant family favorite that's both easy to prepare and incredibly delicious.

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced
• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 packet onion soup mix

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer the uniformly sliced potatoes across the bottom of the dish, creating an even base. Place the chicken breasts directly on top of the potato layer, ensuring they're spread out evenly.

Pour the cream of chicken soup over the chicken and potatoes, making sure to cover the entire surface. Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly across the top, then cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 60 minutes, allowing the potatoes to become tender and the chicken to cook through completely.

For the final touch, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese melts and turns a beautiful golden brown. Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

To ensure the best results, slice potatoes to a consistent thickness for even cooking and consider preparing the casserole in advance. The dish can be assembled and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking, making it perfect for meal planning.

If the top begins to brown too quickly during cooking, simply keep the foil on until the final cheese-melting stage.

Cooking Steps

You'll want to start by carefully preparing your baking dish with a light grease to prevent sticking, ensuring an easy cleanup later.

Next, layer your uniformly sliced potatoes across the bottom of the dish, creating an even, consistent base that will absorb the rich, savory flavors of the soup and chicken.

Once your potato foundation is set, place the chicken breasts on top, then pour the cream of chicken soup evenly over the ingredients and sprinkle the onion soup mix across the surface, setting the stage for a delicious, comforting casserole.

Step 1. Prepare Baking Dish Carefully

When preparing your baking dish for this chicken and potato casserole, you'll want to set yourself up for success with careful, methodical steps. Start by selecting a sturdy 9×13 inch glass or ceramic baking dish that'll distribute heat evenly.

Thoroughly grease the dish with butter or cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking. Use a pastry brush or paper towel to spread the lubricant into every corner and up the sides. Pay special attention to creating a uniform coating that'll help your potatoes and chicken release smoothly after baking.

Consider lightly dusting the greased surface with flour for extra non-stick protection. A well-prepared baking dish isn't just about preventing mess—it's about creating the perfect foundation for a delicious, hassle-free meal that'll impress your family.

Step 2. Layer Sliced Potatoes Evenly

Because uniform potato slicing is crucial for even cooking, you'll want to approach this step with precision and care. Use a sharp chef's knife or mandoline slicer to create consistent 1/4-inch thick potato rounds. This ensures each slice will:

• Cook at the same rate
• Absorb seasonings evenly
• Create a uniform layer in your casserole

Start by peeling potatoes completely, removing any dark spots or eyes. Slice methodically, keeping your fingers safely away from the blade. Aim for pieces approximately the same size, which prevents some slices from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.

As you layer the potatoes in your greased 9×13 inch baking dish, overlap them slightly to create a solid, compact base that will support the chicken and enhance the casserole's overall texture and presentation.

Step 3. Place Chicken Breasts

Four perfectly trimmed chicken breasts will serve as the protein centerpiece of this hearty casserole, transforming simple ingredients into a comforting meal.

Position each chicken breast carefully on top of the layered potato slices, ensuring they're evenly spaced and not overcrowded in the baking dish.

When placing the chicken, consider these key points:

• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for consistent cooking
• Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture
• Season each breast lightly with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor
• Arrange breasts so they don't overlap, allowing uniform heat distribution

Select chicken breasts of similar size and thickness to guarantee even cooking.

The breasts will nestle perfectly atop the potato layer, absorbing the creamy soup and onion mix flavors while maintaining their juicy, tender texture during baking.

Step 4. Pour Cream of Chicken Soup

One classic technique for elevating your chicken and potato casserole's flavor profile involves carefully pouring the cream of chicken soup across the layered ingredients.

You'll want to distribute the soup evenly, ensuring each potato slice and chicken breast gets a nice, creamy coating. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the soup, creating a uniform layer that'll help keep the dish moist and flavorful.

• Pour slowly to prevent splashing
• Tilt the dish to help spread the soup
• Cover every surface for maximum flavor absorption

The cream of chicken soup acts as a binding agent, adding richness and depth to your casserole. Its velvety texture will help create a cohesive, comforting dish that'll have everyone asking for seconds.

Step 5. Sprinkle Onion Soup Mix

After layering the potatoes and chicken, you'll want to sprinkle the onion soup mix strategically across the casserole's surface, ensuring even distribution for maximum flavor infusion. Use the entire packet, spreading the dry mix with gentle, sweeping motions to cover the dish uniformly.

The onion soup mix acts as a powerful seasoning blend, introducing depth and savory notes to your casserole.

• Focus on creating a thin, consistent layer
• Avoid clumping by using your fingers to break up any dense clusters
• Aim to distribute the mix evenly between potato and chicken layers

The mix's dehydrated onion pieces and seasoning salts will penetrate the ingredients during baking, transforming your simple casserole into a rich, aromatic dinner that'll have your family asking for seconds.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're a busy parent or a home cook looking for a comforting meal, this chicken and potato casserole will become a staple in your recipe rotation.

You'll appreciate how easily it transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dinner. The dish offers incredible flexibility – swap cheeses, experiment with seasonings, or add vegetables to make it your own.

Its one-pan convenience means minimal cleanup, and the recipe scales beautifully for larger families or meal prep. You can confidently serve this casserole knowing it'll satisfy hungry appetites while providing a balanced, hearty meal.

The combination of tender potatoes, juicy chicken, and melted cheese creates a timeless comfort food that'll have everyone asking for seconds.

Trust in this foolproof recipe to deliver deliciousness every single time.