We can’t resist the comforting allure of Chicken Scalloped Potatoes a classic dish that layers tender potatoes with juicy chicken in a creamy cheese sauce. It’s the ultimate family favorite blending simple ingredients into a hearty meal we turn to on chilly evenings.
Originating from American comfort food traditions we’ve given this recipe a fresh twist to make it even more irresistible. Whether you’re hosting dinner or craving something cozy our version promises bold flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For our Chicken Scalloped Potatoes recipe, we gather fresh, high-quality ingredients that blend seamlessly to create a creamy, comforting dish. Below, we list them in the order they are typically used, with precise measurements and any necessary prep notes to ensure your cooking experience is straightforward and successful.
- Potatoes: 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8-inch thick) – These form the hearty base, providing a tender texture that absorbs the flavors.
- Chicken: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed into 1-inch pieces – We opt for fresh chicken to add juicy protein; pat dry for even browning.
- Onion: 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped – This adds a subtle sweetness and depth; use a sharp knife for uniform pieces.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced – Fresh garlic infuses aromatic notes; mince just before use to preserve potency.
- Cheese: 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese – We recommend a high-quality cheddar for its melty consistency and bold taste.
- Heavy cream: 1 ½ cups – This creates the rich, creamy sauce that ties everything together; use full-fat for the best results.
- Milk: 1 cup whole milk – Combined with cream, it ensures a smooth sauce; warm it slightly if needed for easier mixing.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – We use this for sautéing and thickening; melt it fresh for optimal flavor.
- All-purpose flour: 2 tablespoons – Acts as a roux base for the sauce; sift if clumpy to avoid lumps.
- Seasonings: 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon dried thyme – These enhance the dish’s savory profile; adjust to taste for personalized flair.
Required Tools and Equipment
To bring our Chicken Scalloped Potatoes to life after gathering the ingredients, we rely on a few essential tools and equipment that make preparation efficient and precise. These items help us layer the tender potatoes, juicy chicken, and creamy cheese sauce with ease, ensuring a perfectly baked dish every time.
Essential Tools List
We recommend the following tools, organized by their role in the recipe. Bold text highlights key equipment for emphasis, and italics denote specific features or tips.
- Baking Dish: A 9×13 inch glass or metal baking dish is crucial for assembling and baking the layers of potatoes, chicken, and sauce. We prefer one with high sides to prevent overflow during cooking.
- Mixing Bowls: At least two medium-sized stainless steel mixing bowls for combining ingredients like sliced potatoes and cheese mixture. Opt for ones with non-slip bases for stability while whisking.
- Saucepan: A 2-quart heavy-bottom saucepan for creating the creamy sauce by melting butter and whisking in flour, milk, and cream. This ensures even heating without scorching.
- Knife and Cutting Board: A sharp chef’s knife paired with a sturdy wooden or plastic cutting board for slicing potatoes and dicing onions and garlic. We suggest a knife with a 8-inch blade for precise, even cuts.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: A set of standard measuring cups (1 cup, 1/2 cup, etc.) and spoons for accurate measurements of ingredients like milk, cheese, and seasonings, which is key to achieving the dish’s bold flavors.
- Box Grater: A four-sided box grater for shredding sharp cheddar cheese into fine or medium shreds, allowing it to melt smoothly into the sauce.
- Whisk: A medium-sized wire whisk for blending the roux and sauce ingredients in the saucepan, preventing lumps and ensuring a velvety texture.
- Oven: A conventional or convection oven preheated to 375°F for baking the assembled dish to golden perfection.
By using these tools, we streamline the process of making Chicken Scalloped Potatoes, turning a simple recipe into a comforting masterpiece with minimal effort.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our high-quality ingredients and essential tools, let’s walk through the steps to create our irresistible Chicken Scalloped Potatoes. We’ll ensure each phase is straightforward and yields a dish bursting with creamy, cheesy flavors and tender textures.
Prep
First, we prepare our ingredients to build the foundation of this comforting dish. Start by preheating the oven to 375°F as mentioned in our tools section. Peel and thinly slice 4 medium russet potatoes into 1/8-inch rounds using a sharp knife and cutting board—aim for uniform slices to ensure even cooking and a melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
Next, cube 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces, seasoning them generously with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper for a juicy, flavorful bite. Finely chop 1 medium yellow onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic to release their aromatic essence, which will infuse the sauce with a savory depth.
In a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, then whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to form a roux. Gradually pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of whole milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a smooth, velvety sauce—about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted, creating a rich, gooey base that promises to coat every layer perfectly.
Assemble
With our prepped elements ready, we now layer the components in a 9×13 inch baking dish for optimal flavor distribution. Begin by spreading half of the sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the dish, followed by half of the cubed chicken, chopped onion, and minced garlic for a hearty base.
Drizzle half of the creamy cheese sauce over this layer, ensuring it seeps into the nooks for a luscious, unified blend. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, chicken, onion, garlic, and sauce, finishing with an extra sprinkle of 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top for a golden, bubbly crust. This assembly technique guarantees each bite delivers tender potatoes intertwined with juicy chicken and a decadent, cheese-laden sauce.
Bake
Finally, we bake our assembled dish to perfection, transforming it into a warm, aromatic masterpiece. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are fork-tender with a creamy interior.
To check for doneness, insert a knife into the center—it should glide through effortlessly, signaling the potatoes have absorbed the flavors while the chicken remains moist and succulent. Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the layers to set, enhancing the dish’s comforting, hearty appeal.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the best features of our Chicken Scalloped Potatoes recipe is its flexibility for make-ahead preparation, allowing us to streamline busy weeknights while keeping that creamy, comforting goodness intact. By planning ahead, we ensure the dish retains its bold flavors and tender texture, making it a go-to option for family dinners or gatherings.
Preparing the Dish in Advance
We can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours before baking. Follow these steps to get started:
- Prep and Layer Ingredients: After slicing the potatoes and cubing the chicken as outlined in our step-by-step instructions, layer them in the baking dish with the onions, garlic, and cheese sauce. This mirrors the assembly process but stops before baking.
- Cover and Refrigerate: Once assembled, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator at 40°F or below to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
- Thaw if Freezing: For longer storage, we recommend freezing the assembled dish for up to 2 months. Wrap it securely in freezer-safe material to avoid freezer burn.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
To help us manage make-ahead options effectively, here’s a quick reference for storage times and methods in a markdown table:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 24 hours | Keep covered; bake directly from fridge, adding 10-15 minutes to bake time for even heating. |
| Freezing | Up to 2 months | Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking; this ensures the potatoes remain tender and the chicken juicy. |
When it’s time to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F as specified in the original instructions. Remove any coverings, add a fresh sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese on top for that golden crust, and bake until the dish is bubbling and golden brown. In our experience, this approach delivers the same warm, aromatic masterpiece with minimal extra effort, enhancing the overall convenience of Chicken Scalloped Potatoes.
Conclusion
We’ve shared our favorite take on Chicken Scalloped Potatoes, turning it into a go-to comfort dish that’s easy yet impressive. It’s perfect for family nights or casual get-togethers, offering that creamy, hearty satisfaction we all crave.
This recipe lets us enjoy bold flavors without the fuss, making every bite a reminder of simple joys. Give it a try and see how it becomes a staple in your kitchen—we’re confident it’ll warm your home just as it does ours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chicken Scalloped Potatoes?
Chicken Scalloped Potatoes is a classic American comfort food dish featuring tender sliced potatoes and juicy chicken baked in a creamy cheese sauce. It’s a hearty, family-friendly meal with a fresh twist on the traditional recipe, perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings, delivering bold flavors with minimal effort.
What ingredients are needed for Chicken Scalloped Potatoes?
You’ll need medium russet potatoes, boneless skinless chicken breasts, yellow onion, garlic, sharp cheddar cheese, heavy cream, whole milk, unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, and seasonings like salt and pepper. Each ingredient plays a key role: potatoes provide the base, chicken adds protein, and the cheese sauce creates a rich, creamy texture for a straightforward, delicious result.
What tools are required to make Chicken Scalloped Potatoes?
Essential tools include a 9×13 inch baking dish for assembly, mixing bowls for prep, a heavy-bottom saucepan for sauce, a sharp knife and cutting board for slicing, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a box grater for cheese, and a whisk for mixing. Preheat your oven to 375°F to ensure efficient preparation and a perfect bake.
How do I prepare Chicken Scalloped Potatoes?
Start by slicing potatoes and cubing chicken. Make a creamy cheese sauce by melting butter, adding flour, then mixing in milk, cream, and cheese. Layer potatoes, chicken, onions, and sauce in a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F for about 1 hour until golden and tender. It’s a simple process yielding a comforting meal.
Can I make Chicken Scalloped Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate to keep it fresh. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2 months. When ready, bake from refrigerated (add a few minutes) or thaw frozen overnight before baking, then top with fresh cheese for that golden crust and maintain its creamy goodness.
How should I store and reheat Chicken Scalloped Potatoes?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven for 20-30 minutes until heated through, or use the microwave for smaller portions. Add a splash of milk if it seems dry to restore creaminess and enjoy a fresh-tasting meal.