If you’re searching for a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Chicken Mashed Potato Bowls with Cheddar, Corn, and Green Onions Recipe. It’s the perfect combination of creamy mashed potatoes, tender seasoned chicken, sweet corn, and sharp cheddar cheese topped with fresh green onions. Every bite is comforting and bursting with flavor, making it a cherished family dinner that’s both simple to prepare and irresistibly delicious. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend feast, this dish is sure to bring smiles to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this dish, and luckily, these are all everyday staples that work together to deliver incredible taste, texture, and color. Each element plays a crucial role—from the juicy chicken breast seasoned perfectly, to the velvety mashed potatoes, sweet corn, and sharp cheddar cheese that meld beautifully for a balanced and satisfying bowl.
- Chicken breasts (2 large): Provides the succulent protein base, seasoned to build flavor.
- Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika (1 tsp each): Classic spices that add depth and a smoky warmth to the chicken.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): For searing the chicken beautifully to a golden brown crust.
- Russet potatoes (4 large): The star for creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes with great texture.
- Milk (½ cup): Adds creaminess to the potatoes, adjusting to your preferred richness.
- Butter (4 tbsp): Adds silky smoothness and richness to the mash.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts perfectly over the bowls, giving a sharp and gooey contrast.
- Corn (1 cup, canned or frozen): Offers a sweet crunchiness and vibrant color to the dish.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Introduces tangy creaminess, blended into the potatoes or dolloped on top.
- Chopped green onions: A fresh, peppery garnish that brightens every bite.
How to Make Chicken Mashed Potato Bowls with Cheddar, Corn, and Green Onions Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat your chicken breasts dry to ensure they sear perfectly, then mix together garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this delicious seasoning all over each piece of chicken for that bold flavor. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet and sear the chicken on medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown—a fantastic way to lock in flavors and juices.
Step 2: Bake the Chicken
After searing, pop the skillet straight into your preheated oven. Bake the chicken for about 20-25 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for five minutes after baking; this step is key to keeping every bite tender and juicy when you slice it.
Step 3: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
While your chicken is baking, peel and cut those russet potatoes into evenly sized chunks. Boil them in salted water until fork-tender, which takes about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return the potatoes to the pot, adding butter and milk for irresistibly creamy mashed potatoes. Season with salt and pepper, and if you like, stir in sour cream for an extra smooth texture and tangy richness.
Step 4: Cook and Warm the Corn
Whether you’re using canned or frozen corn, warming it is simple. Drain and rinse canned corn or follow the package instructions for frozen. Heat gently in a saucepan with a little salt and pepper—this adds a subtle balance to the sweetness of the corn and brings it up to perfect temperature for serving.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Now for the fun part: scoop a generous serving of mashed potatoes into each bowl. Slice the rested chicken breasts and lay the pieces on top of the mash. Add a scoop of warmed corn beside the chicken, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the entire bowl. If you want a melty, gooey finish, zap the bowls in the microwave for a few seconds. Don’t forget to top everything with a dollop of sour cream and those fresh chopped green onions for a pop of bright flavor and color.
How to Serve Chicken Mashed Potato Bowls with Cheddar, Corn, and Green Onions Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions are a must for this dish—they add a delightful crunch and a gentle sharpness that balances the richness. A dollop of sour cream adds creamy tanginess, while extra shredded cheddar melted on top makes for that irresistible, golden cheesy crust everyone loves.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Mashed Potato Bowls with Cheddar, Corn, and Green Onions Recipe shines as a one-bowl wonder, but you can serve it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted veggies to lighten things up. Garlic bread or a warm dinner roll also pairs beautifully for soaking up any extra goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the components deconstructed so everyone can build their own bowls at the table. Or, place the mashed potatoes in hollowed-out bell peppers as edible “bowls”—adding a burst of color and a touch of sweetness that complements the hearty filling. The possibilities are endless when you want to impress or simply jazz up your family dinner!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Mashed Potato Bowls with Cheddar, Corn, and Green Onions Recipe can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the components separate if possible to maintain the best texture — mashed potatoes, chicken, and corn all reheat differently and taste best when warmed gently.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, especially if you store the mashed potatoes and cooked chicken separately in freezer-safe bags or containers. Use within 2-3 months for optimal freshness. Thaw safely in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the potatoes and chicken gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk or water to the mash if it seems dry. Warm the corn separately to keep it from becoming mushy. Melting some extra cheddar on top after reheating brings the dish right back to life.
FAQs
Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes give you that classic fluffy mash, Yukon Golds are a great alternative for a creamier, buttery texture. Just remember to adjust milk and butter levels to get your perfect consistency.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
You can definitely swap the chicken for roasted chickpeas, grilled tofu, or even a medley of roasted vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers. The mashed potatoes, corn, and cheese work beautifully with these plant-based proteins.
Can I prepare this dish in advance for a party?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and mash the potatoes ahead of time, then store everything separately until mealtime. Assemble and heat the bowls just before serving to preserve the best textures and flavors.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
No worries! You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt, cream cheese, or even a splash of buttermilk in the mashed potatoes for that creamy tanginess. Each gives a slightly different twist but works wonderfully.
How spicy is this dish?
This Chicken Mashed Potato Bowls with Cheddar, Corn, and Green Onions Recipe keeps things mild and comforting, making it great for all ages. If you want a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning or a drizzle of hot sauce when serving.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Mashed Potato Bowls with Cheddar, Corn, and Green Onions Recipe is a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as rewarding to make as it is to eat. Simple ingredients come together in effortless steps to create bowls full of savory, creamy, and colorful goodness. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food for gatherings, weeknights, or any time you crave a warm, satisfying meal.
Print
Chicken Mashed Potato Bowls with Cheddar, Corn, and Green Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Chicken Mashed Potato Bowls combine tender oven-baked seasoned chicken breasts with creamy mashed potatoes, topped with warm corn, shredded cheddar, and sour cream for a comforting, family-friendly dinner. This wholesome dish balances protein, starch, and veggies, perfect for a cozy meal any night of the week.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Mashed Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1/2 cup milk (or more for desired creaminess)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for creaminess)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- Chopped green onions for garnish
- Dollop of sour cream (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Season chicken: Combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly all over the chicken breasts.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each chicken breast for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Bake chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest and slice chicken: Remove chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
- Cook potatoes: Peel and cut russet potatoes into even chunks. Place in a large pot and cover with cold water, adding a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Mash potatoes: Drain potatoes well and return to the pot. Add butter and milk, mashing until creamy. Season with salt and pepper and stir in sour cream if desired for added creaminess.
- Prepare corn: If using frozen corn, cook according to package instructions. If canned, drain and rinse the corn. Warm corn in a small saucepan over medium heat, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Assemble bowls: Spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes into each bowl. Top with sliced chicken breasts, a scoop of warm corn, and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Melt cheese and garnish: Optionally microwave bowls for a few seconds to melt the cheese. Finish with a dollop of sour cream and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute milk with cream or a plant-based milk for dietary preferences.
- For extra flavor, add chives or crispy bacon bits as garnish.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, sear chicken in a regular pan and transfer the chicken to a baking dish for the oven step.
- For a lower-fat option, reduce butter or use a light sour cream.
- Use fresh corn kernels for a sweeter, fresher topping.
