Creamy Chicken Potato Casserole with Bechamel Sauce You’ll Love
Chicken potato casserole is a comforting dish that turns simple ingredients into a delicious meal.
Many people enjoy this recipe for its creamy texture and rich flavors.
The mix of tender chicken and soft potatoes creates a filling base for any dinner table.
Bechamel sauce, known from French cooking, adds a smooth and rich touch to the casserole.
Each layer is seasoned perfectly, ensuring every bite is warm and satisfying for everyone at the table.
Both new cooks and experienced ones will find joy in preparing this easy yet flavorful comfort food recipe.
Why Chicken Potato Casserole With Bechamel Sauce Is A Favorite
Quick Weeknight Dinner Champion: Whips up a delicious meal in under an hour, perfect for busy families craving home-cooked comfort food.
Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Combines kid-approved ingredients like chicken, potatoes, and cheese into one satisfying dish that everyone will love eating together.
Versatile Cooking Technique: Showcases classic French béchamel sauce method, allowing home cooks to learn a fundamental culinary skill while creating a tasty one-pan meal.
Nutritional Balance Booster: Packs protein from chicken, complex carbohydrates from potatoes, and calcium from cheese, delivering a well-rounded nutritional profile in every serving.
What You’ll Need For Chicken Potato Casserole With Bechamel Sauce
Main Ingredients:
Protein:
Chicken: Lean protein that gives hearty flavor and substance to the casserole, best with boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs.
Starch:
Potatoes: Creamy base that provides comforting texture, choose starchy varieties like Russet or Yukon Gold for best results.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
Onions, Garlic: Classic flavor builders that add depth and aroma to the dish, fresh is always better than pre-chopped.
Bell Pepper: Adds color and sweet crunch, red or green work perfectly.
Tomato: Provides moisture and tangy undertone, ripe and firm tomatoes are ideal.
Cilantro: Fresh herb that brings brightness and fresh flavor.
Sauce and Binding Ingredients:
Béchamel Components:
Butter, Flour: Classic roux base that thickens and enriches the sauce, unsalted butter recommended.
Bake until cheese melts and turns bubbly and golden
Step 5: Serve Warm Comfort
Allow casserole to rest for few minutes
Cut into hearty portions
Plate and garnish with fresh herbs
Dive into this comforting, cheesy delight
Tips That Help Chicken Potato Casserole With Bechamel Sauce
Potato Perfection: Par-bake potatoes before adding other ingredients to ensure they're crispy on the outside and tender inside.
Chicken Seasoning Secrets: Marinate chicken in spices beforehand to enhance flavor and create a more depth in the dish.
Sauce Smoothing Technique: Whisk béchamel sauce continuously to prevent lumps and achieve a silky, creamy texture.
Cheese Melting Magic: Use freshly grated mozzarella for better melting and more authentic flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap potatoes with cauliflower or zucchini for a lighter, low-carbohydrate version of the casserole.
Store Chicken Potato Casserole With Bechamel Sauce Safely
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freeze: Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Protect from freezer burn by wrapping in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.
Microwave Option: Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
What To Serve With Chicken Potato Casserole With Bechamel Sauce
Crisp White Wine Complement: Reach for a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the casserole's richness and refresh the palate with its bright, zesty notes.
Fresh Green Salad Sidekick: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy, hearty casserole with a tangy, peppery crunch that cleanses the taste buds.
Crusty Bread Booster: Serve warm, rustic sourdough or French baguette slices to soak up the delicious béchamel sauce and add a delightful textural contrast to each bite.
Herbal Iced Tea Refresher: Brew a cold mint or basil-infused iced tea to provide a cool, herbaceous counterpoint that lightens the dish's creamy and savory profile.
New Takes On Chicken Potato Casserole With Bechamel Sauce
Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version that cuts carbohydrates while maintaining the casserole's creamy texture.
Vegetarian Protein Alternative: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or plant-based chicken alternatives for a meat-free protein option that keeps the dish's flavor profile intact.
Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk for the béchamel sauce and swap mozzarella with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese to create a lactose-free meal.
Mediterranean Herb Remix: Incorporate Mediterranean herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary to transform the spice profile, adding a fresh and aromatic dimension to the classic recipe.
Your Questions On Chicken Potato Casserole With Bechamel Sauce
Can I use different types of meat in this casserole?
You can substitute chicken with ground beef, turkey, or even shredded pork. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked before adding to the casserole.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, lentils, or mixed vegetables. Adjust seasoning accordingly to maintain flavor profile.
How can I prevent the béchamel sauce from becoming lumpy?
Whisk constantly while adding milk gradually, and ensure the flour is cooked and golden before adding liquid. Use a wire whisk and steady, smooth movements to incorporate ingredients.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to baking time when cooking from cold.
Comforting Chicken Potato Casserole with Bechamel Sauce promises a hearty meal straight from French kitchens. Creamy layers of tender chicken, silky sauce, and golden potatoes blend into a delicious harmony that welcomes hungry diners to savor each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
1 pound chicken breast, cut into ½-inch pieces
Vegetables and Fresh Herbs:
23 medium potatoes, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
1 medium onion, diced
½ bell pepper, diced
1 roma tomato, diced
23 cloves garlic, minced
34 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup cilantro, minced
Seasonings and Sauces:
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 tablespoon oil of choice
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup tomato paste
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk or half & half
12 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Prepare the potato foundation by arranging sliced potatoes in a 9-inch casserole dish, drizzling with oil, and seasoning with salt and pepper. Roast in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 20 minutes until edges begin to crisp.
Create a vibrant chicken filling by sautéing onions in a pan until translucent, then adding garlic for a quick aromatic burst. Introduce chicken and cook until lightly browned, then incorporate bell pepper, tomato, cilantro, tomato paste, and selected spices. Simmer the mixture until flavors meld and chicken is fully cooked.
Craft a luxurious béchamel sauce by melting butter and briefly sautéing garlic. Introduce flour and cook until it develops a golden hue, then gradually whisk in milk, creating a smooth, creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the sauce’s depth.
Construct the casserole by layering the sautéed chicken mixture over the roasted potatoes. Generously pour the velvety béchamel sauce across the top, ensuring even coverage. Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese to create a golden, bubbling crust.
Complete the dish by returning the casserole to the oven and baking until the cheese transforms into a molten, golden blanket. Allow the casserole to rest briefly before serving, letting the flavors harmonize and settle into a comforting, creamy ensemble.
Notes
Potato Slicing Technique: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create uniform potato slices for even cooking and a professional-looking presentation.
Chicken Seasoning Boost: Marinate chicken in yogurt or buttermilk for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure extra tenderness and deeper flavor penetration.
Sauce Smoothness: Sift flour before adding to butter to prevent lumps and create a silky-smooth b
Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine
Education
Southwestern Oregon Community College
Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.
Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care.
After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.
Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.
Michael Thompson
Founder & Culinary Director
Expertise
Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine
Education
Southwestern Oregon Community College
Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care.
After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.
Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.