Let’s talk comfort food, y’all! When I’m making a hearty dinner for my family, scalloped potatoes are often my go-to side dish. The creamy, cheesy goodness just hits different, especially on cold evenings. But I always struggled with figuring out what kind of chicken would complement those delicious layers of potato perfection.
After much experimentation (and many happy dinner guests), I’ve discovered that certain chicken preparations pair wonderfully with scalloped potatoes while others. not so much. Today, I’m sharing my findings to help you create that perfect comfort food combo!
Why Chicken and Scalloped Potatoes Make a Great Pair
Before diving into specific chicken options, let’s understand why this combo works so well. Scalloped potatoes are creamy, rich, and have a soft texture. The ideal chicken pairing should provide:
- Textural contrast – Since scalloped potatoes are soft, crispy chicken options work particularly well
- Complementary flavors – Chicken with herbs or light seasonings pairs nicely without overwhelming the potatoes
- Balance – The lean protein of chicken balances the richness of cheesy potatoes
The Best Chicken Options for Scalloped Potatoes
1. Roast Chicken
A classic roast chicken is perhaps the most traditional and foolproof pairing with scalloped potatoes The crispy skin and juicy meat create that perfect textural contrast to the creamy potatoes
How to prepare Season a whole chicken with salt, pepper, and herbs like rosemary and thyme Roast at 375°F until the skin is golden and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let it rest before carving
I love making this on Sundays – the chicken roasts while the scalloped potatoes bake, and the house smells amazing!
2. Chicken Schnitzel
This is one of my personal favorites! Chicken schnitzel provides a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, creamy texture of scalloped potatoes.
How to prepare: Pound chicken breasts thin, dredge in flour, dip in beaten eggs, coat with breadcrumbs, and pan-fry until golden and crispy. Season with a little lemon juice before serving.
My kids absolutely devour this combo – they love the contrast between the crunchy chicken and the soft potatoes!
3. Roasted Chicken Legs
Chicken legs offer rich, flavorful dark meat and crispy skin that pairs wonderfully with scalloped potatoes. They’re also budget-friendly!
How to prepare: Season chicken legs with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
This is my go-to when I’m cooking for a crowd on a budget. The flavors are amazing, and everybody leaves satisfied!
4. Chicken Cutlets
Thinly sliced chicken cutlets cook quickly and develop a nice golden crust, making them ideal for pairing with scalloped potatoes.
How to prepare: Season chicken cutlets with salt and pepper, dust lightly with flour, and pan-fry in butter and olive oil until golden on both sides.
I make this on busy weeknights when I don’t have a ton of time but still want something delicious and comforting.
5. Chicken Meatballs
For something a bit different, chicken meatballs offer bite-sized protein that complements scalloped potatoes beautifully.
How to prepare: Mix ground chicken with breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Form into balls and bake at 375°F until cooked through.
These are perfect for serving at gatherings where people might be eating while standing or sitting on the couch!
6. Chicken Wings
For a more casual meal, chicken wings can be a fun and flavorful pairing with scalloped potatoes.
How to prepare: Season wings with your favorite spices (garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper work well). Bake or air fry until crispy, then toss in sauce if desired.
My husband requests this combo for game days – the wings and potatoes make for perfect comfort food while watching sports!
7. Chicken Meatloaf
Chicken meatloaf offers a leaner alternative to traditional meatloaf and pairs wonderfully with the creamy richness of scalloped potatoes.
How to prepare: Mix ground chicken with sautéed onions, breadcrumbs, eggs, herbs, salt, and pepper. Form into a loaf and bake until cooked through.
This is comfort food at its finest – perfect for those days when you need something hearty and satisfying!
8. Roasted Chicken Breast
When prepared correctly, roasted chicken breast stays moist and flavorful, creating an elegant pairing with scalloped potatoes.
How to prepare: Season chicken breasts with herbs, salt, and pepper. Roast at 375°F until just cooked through (don’t overcook!).
This is my go-to for when I want something a bit lighter but still satisfying alongside my scalloped potatoes.
Tips for Creating the Perfect Meal
To make your chicken and scalloped potatoes meal even better, consider these tips:
- Add a vegetable side – Roasted broccoli, green beans, or a simple salad adds color and balances the richness
- Think about timing – Coordinate your cooking so both dishes finish around the same time
- Season thoughtfully – If your scalloped potatoes are very cheesy and rich, consider a chicken preparation with bright, acidic notes to balance the flavors
- Don’t forget the garnish – Fresh herbs sprinkled over both dishes bring everything together
Complete Your Meal with These Sides
While chicken and scalloped potatoes make a fantastic duo, adding one more element can create a truly memorable meal. Here are some suggestions:
- Roasted Brussels sprouts – Their slight bitterness cuts through the richness of the potatoes
- Simple green salad – A light, vinaigrette-dressed salad adds freshness
- Steamed broccoli – Simple and nutritious
- Green peas – Their sweetness complements both chicken and potatoes
- Cranberry sauce – Particularly good with roast chicken and scalloped potatoes!
Final Thoughts
The beauty of pairing chicken with scalloped potatoes is that you have so many options to suit your taste preferences and cooking style. Whether you prefer crispy schnitzel, juicy roast chicken, or something completely different, there’s a chicken dish that’ll complement your creamy, cheesy potatoes perfectly.
I’ve tried all these combinations in my kitchen, and they’re all winners! My personal favorite might be the chicken schnitzel – that crunch against the creamy potatoes just can’t be beat. But I’d love to hear which pairing becomes YOUR favorite!
Remember, cooking should be fun and delicious. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and preparations to find your perfect chicken and scalloped potatoes pairing.
FAQ About Chicken and Scalloped Potatoes
Q: Can I prepare chicken and scalloped potatoes ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble scalloped potatoes up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking. Some chicken preparations, like meatballs or meatloaf, can also be made ahead and reheated.
Q: What herbs work best with both chicken and scalloped potatoes?
A: Thyme, rosemary, and parsley complement both dishes beautifully.
Q: How do I ensure my chicken stays moist when serving with scalloped potatoes?
A: Don’t overcook your chicken, and let it rest before slicing. For chicken breasts, consider brining them before cooking.
Q: Can I use leftover chicken with scalloped potatoes?
A: Absolutely! Leftover chicken can be reheated and served alongside freshly made scalloped potatoes for a quick meal.
Q: What’s the difference between scalloped potatoes and potatoes au gratin?
A: Traditionally, scalloped potatoes are made with cream, while potatoes au gratin include cheese. However, many modern scalloped potato recipes include cheese too!
Next time you’re craving a comforting, satisfying meal, try one of these chicken options with your favorite scalloped potato recipe. Your taste buds (and dinner guests) will thank you!
Ingredients4 cups thinly sliced potatoes4 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded3 tbs butter3 tbs flour1 1/2 cups milk2 tsp salt1 tsp chili powder1 cup shredded gouda cheese1 cup shredded cheddar cheese2 tsp smoked paprika 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese2 tsp garlic powder2 tsp oregano
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Using a mandoline, slice your potatoes into thin slices.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter and then stir in the flour.
- Whisk in the milk and season with salt and chili powder.
- Once it begins to boil, reduce the heat stirring occasionally until it begins to thicken.
- Stir in the 2 cups grated gouda and 2 cups grated cheddar cheese. Slowly stir until all of the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Using an 8×8 or 9×9 casserole dish, place a layer of potatoes on the bottom of the pan.
- Add 2 cups shredded chicken on top of the potatoes.
- Sprinkle 1 tsp garlic powder and 1 tsp oregano.
- Add half of the cheese mixture over the top.
- Sprinkle 1 tsp smoked paprika and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
- Repeat those layers one more time.
- Bake in the oven at 350 for 50 minutes. Remove from oven and serve immediately.
The weather hit 70 degrees the other night and naturally, I craved fall food. I wanted potatoes, but needed a protein. I had a rotisserie chicken in the fridge that needed to be used so I shredded that and decided to make a scalloped potatoes dish and incorporate the shredded chicken. Working under pressure for a weeknight meal. That’s how it’s done! Get creative!
A homemade cheese sauce always makes it a little more like comfort food. I added some chili powder and a mix of gouda and cheddar cheese for some extra flavor.