This Cheesy Chicken & Mashed Potato Bake is the kind of comforting, satisfying meal that instantly earns a permanent place in your dinner rotation. Juicy, seasoned chicken layered over creamy mashed potatoes, smothered in rich gravy, and finished with golden, melty cheese — it’s hearty, nourishing, and deeply comforting without being complicated.
Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or those evenings when cravings hit but you still want a protein-first, balanced meal. It’s classic comfort food with a high-protein twist.
Servings & Timing
Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: ~55 minutes
Ingredients
For the Mashed Potato Base
3–4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 tbsp butter
¼ cup milk (or Greek yogurt for extra protein)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Chicken Layer
4 large chicken breasts, lightly flattened
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp black pepper
Salt, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
For the Gravy & Cheese Topping
1½ cups prepared chicken gravy (store-bought or homemade)
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheddar-mozzarella blend)
Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan for extra richness
Tools You’ll Need
9×13-inch baking dish
Large pot (for potatoes)
Skillet or grill pan
Potato masher or hand mixer
Spatula
Knife and cutting board
How to Make Cheesy Chicken & Mashed Potato Bake
1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the cubed potatoes and cook for 15–18 minutes, until fork-tender.
Drain well, then mash with butter and milk (or Greek yogurt).
Season generously with salt and black pepper.
Mash until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
2. Season and Cook the Chicken
Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with:
garlic powder
onion powder
paprika
black pepper
salt
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
Remove from heat and slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
3. Assemble the Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread mashed potatoes evenly across the bottom of a greased baking dish.
Layer sliced chicken evenly over the potatoes.
Pour the chicken gravy over the chicken layer, spreading gently to cover.
Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
4. Bake
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until:
cheese is fully melted
edges are bubbling
top is lightly golden
For extra browning, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
5. Rest & Serve
Let the bake rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
This helps it set and makes slicing easier.
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
• Swap mashed potatoes for mashed cauliflower for lower carbs
• Use rotisserie chicken to save time
• Add steamed broccoli, peas, or corn between layers
• Use light cheese to reduce calories
• Replace gravy with cream of chicken soup for extra creaminess
Serving Suggestions
• Serve with a simple green salad
• Pair with roasted vegetables
• Add a side of steamed green beans
• Perfect as a standalone comfort meal
Tips for Best Results
• Use well-seasoned potatoes — they flavor the entire dish
• Let chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy
• Don’t overbake or the chicken may dry out
• For extra protein, mix Greek yogurt into the mashed potatoes
• Shred cheese fresh for best melting
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator:
Store covered for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze fully cooled portions for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
Reheat in oven at 350°F or microwave until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble fully, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
Absolutely — this is a great leftover makeover recipe.
Can I make it spicier?
Add cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or hot sauce to the chicken seasoning.
Can I make it lighter?
Use low-fat cheese, Greek yogurt in potatoes, and light gravy.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Chicken & Mashed Potato Bake is the ultimate high-protein comfort meal — rich, cozy, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day, while still supporting your protein goals.
Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something comforting and filling, this bake delivers every time.
