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Loaded Chicken and Mashed Potato Bowls are comfort food at its best! Picture creamy mashed potatoes topped with juicy chicken, cheese, and a sprinkle of goodies.
It’s like a warm hug in a bowl! I always make extra because my family can’t get enough of it. Plus, who doesn’t love cheesy bites packed with flavor?
On a busy day, these bowls are a lifesaver. I whip them up in no time, and they make a great dinner. Just grab a spoon and enjoy every tasty bite!
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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These potatoes are perfect for mashing because they’re starchy and fluffy. If you don’t have russets, you could use Yukon Gold potatoes, which are creamy and buttery.
Butter: I use unsalted butter to control the salt level. If you’re avoiding dairy, try substituting with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
Milk: Whole milk gives a rich flavor, but you can use skim milk or any non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk to make it lighter or dairy-free.
Chicken Tenders: I love using breaded chicken for that crispy texture. If you want something healthier, consider grilled chicken strips or even sautéed tofu for a vegetarian option.
Corn: Fresh corn adds a sweet crunch, but frozen or canned corn is a great alternative because it’s quick and easy. You could also use peas for a different flavor.
How Do I Make Creamy Mashed Potatoes?
Getting the right texture for mashed potatoes is key. Start by peeling and cubing your russet potatoes and boiling them in salted water until fork-tender. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Make sure to drain them well before mashing.
- Return the drained potatoes to the pot to let off steam, which helps them become fluffy.
- Add melted butter, warm milk, salt, and pepper. Mixing in warm ingredients helps keep them creamy, so they don’t cool down too quickly.
- Mash them with a potato masher or a fork until smooth. Avoid over-mixing, as that can make them gluey.
Hearty Loaded Chicken and Mashed Potato Bowls
What You’ll Need:
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 large russet potatoes
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound breaded chicken tenders (frozen or homemade)
For the Corn:
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
For the Gravy:
- 1 cup chicken gravy (store-bought or homemade)
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful meal comes together in about 30-40 minutes! You’ll spend around 15-20 minutes prepping the potatoes, plus some time cooking the chicken and corn. With everything heating up, it’ll all be ready for you to enjoy in no time!
Instructions:
Let’s kick things off by preparing those creamy mashed potatoes! Start by peeling and cubing the russet potatoes, then toss them into a pot filled with salted water. Bring it to a gentle boil and let them cook until they are tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes. Once they’re ready, drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Now, add in the butter, milk, and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Mash everything together until it’s nice and smooth! Set those delicious mashed potatoes aside for now; they’ll be the comforting base for your bowl.
Next, it’s time to tackle the chicken! If you’re using frozen breaded chicken tenders, just pop them in the oven and bake according to the package instructions until they’re crispy and golden. If you’re going the homemade route, you can fry or bake them until they reach that perfect golden brown. Either way, you’re in for a treat!
Now, let’s get the corn ready. If you’ve got frozen corn, follow the package instructions to cook it up. For canned corn, just drain it first and then heat it in a small pot over medium heat until it warms through. It’ll be such a nice pop of color and sweetness!
While the corn is heating up, it’s also a great time to warm up that chicken gravy. Grab a saucepan and heat it over medium heat until it’s nice and hot; it’ll add that deliciously savory touch to your bowls.
Now comes the fun part—assembling your bowls! In individual serving bowls, start with a generous scoop (or two) of those luscious mashed potatoes as the bottom layer. Next, pile on the sweet corn, followed by those crispy chicken tenders. Finally, pour that hot gravy all over the top, allowing it to seep into all those wonderful layers.
To finish, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for that lovely garnish. It adds a burst of color and freshness! Serve these hearty bowls immediately while they’re hot, and get ready to dig in!
Enjoy every comforting bite of your Loaded Chicken and Mashed Potato Bowls!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes are great for mashing, you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a creamier texture. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the type of potato you choose, so adjust accordingly!
How Can I Make This Dish Healthier?
To make it healthier, you can swap out half of the mashed potatoes for steamed cauliflower for a lower-carb option. Additionally, try using grilled or baked chicken instead of breaded for a lighter protein choice.
What If I Don’t Have Gravy?
No worries! If you’re out of gravy, you can create a quick sauce using chicken broth and a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken it. Just simmer chicken broth in a saucepan and whisk in the flour/cornstarch mixed with a little cold water until it reaches your desired consistency.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For reheating, simply warm in the microwave or on the stove. If the mashed potatoes seem dry, add a splash of milk or broth to bring back some creaminess!
