Chicken and Mushroom Potato Casserole

How to Make Chicken and Mushroom Potato Casserole

Making this casserole is easy, and the result is a dish that’s packed with flavor. Let’s break down the steps:

1. Prep the Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, peel and thinly slice the potatoes into uniform pieces. This helps them cook evenly and ensures a creamy, tender texture when baked.

Next, slice the mushrooms and chop the onion and garlic. Set these aside.

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. When the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until the chicken is browned on the outside but not fully cooked through. It will continue cooking in the casserole later. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.

3. Sauté the Mushrooms and Onions

In the same skillet, add the butter and melt over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and mushrooms and sauté for another 5-7 minutes, until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown. Season with salt, pepper, and dried rosemary.

4. Layer the Casserole

Now that the components are prepped, it’s time to assemble the casserole. In a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the following ingredients:

1. Sliced potatoes: Arrange the thin slices evenly along the bottom of the dish.
2. Sautéed mushrooms and onions: Spread the mushroom mixture evenly over the potatoes.
3. Chicken pieces: Add the sliced chicken over the mushrooms.

5. Make the Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, chicken broth, and salt and pepper to taste. Pour the creamy mixture over the layered ingredients in the casserole dish. Give the dish a gentle shake to help the liquid settle around the layers.

6. Add the Cheese

Top the casserole with an even layer of shredded cheese. The cheese will melt beautifully over the top, forming a golden, bubbly crust.

7. Bake the Casserole

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the chicken should be cooked through. In the last 10 minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the cheese to brown and become bubbly.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

Tips and Variations

• Use Different Meats: While this recipe calls for chicken, you can also use turkey, or even ground chicken or turkey for a different twist. Leftover cooked chicken works great here as well!
• Add Veggies: Feel free to incorporate additional vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers. Just sauté them along with the mushrooms and onions for a well-rounded dish.
• Cheese Variations: If you prefer a stronger cheese flavor, try adding Gruyère or parmesan in place of or alongside the cheddar. For a creamier texture, consider stirring in some cream cheese or sour cream to the creamy sauce mixture.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the mushroom mixture or sprinkle some paprika over the top of the casserole for a bit of heat.
• Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day ahead and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Why This Chicken and Mushroom Potato Casserole is a Must-Try

This Chicken and Mushroom Potato Casserole hits all the right notes: it’s creamy, flavorful, and hearty. The combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and creamy potatoes creates the perfect comfort food that’s both filling and satisfying. Plus, the generous layer of melted cheese adds a comforting richness to every bite.

Not only is it a hit with families, but it’s also a great option for meal prepping or feeding a crowd. The casserole can easily be doubled for larger gatherings, and leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this casserole will become your new favorite go-to recipe—quick to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and sure to impress. Get ready to dig in and enjoy a comforting, homey meal that everyone will love.