What Kind of Chicken Goes Good with Scalloped Potatoes?

Scalloped potatoes are a classic comfort food that can be paired with all kinds of main dishes The creamy, cheesy potato casserole goes well with many types of chicken. When deciding what chicken to serve with scalloped potatoes, there are a few factors to consider

Type of Chicken

• Baked Chicken A simple baked chicken breast or leg is delicious with scalloped potatoes. The tender, juicy chicken contrasts nicely with the creamy potatoes

• Fried Chicken: Southern-style fried chicken is an ideal match for scalloped potatoes. The crispy exterior and juicy meat stands up well to the rich, decadent potatoes.

• Rotisserie Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken mixed into the scalloped potatoes adds flavor and texture. The potatoes soak up the chicken juices.

• Grilled Chicken: Grilled chicken breasts or kebabs pair nicely with scalloped potatoes. The charred, smoky flavor complements the creamy casserole.

• Chicken Casserole: Another chicken casserole like chicken divan or chicken tetrazzini made with a cream sauce is a perfect pairing with scalloped potatoes.

Preparation Method

• Baked: Baked chicken tends to be the most common preparation to serve with scalloped potatoes. The simple cooking method lets the flavors of both dishes shine.

• Fried: While fried chicken may sound too heavy with scalloped potatoes, the crunch and seasoning of fried chicken can balance well with the rich, creamy potatoes.

• Grilled: Grilled chicken adds a nice char and smokiness that pairs beautifully with scalloped potatoes. Opt for simply seasoned grilled chicken.

• Braised: Slow braised chicken legs or thighs in a sauce or gravy is another excellent match for scalloped potatoes. The tender, falling-off-the-bone chicken absorbs delicious flavors.

Seasoning and Flavors

• Herb Seasoned: Chicken seasoned with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme and sage makes a good pairing for scalloped potatoes. The herby flavors complement the creamy potatoes.

• Lemon: Bright, acidic lemon flavors contrast nicely with the rich scalloped potatoes. Try lemon pepper chicken or lemon herb baked chicken.

• Garlic: The punch of garlic seasoning on chicken is delicious with scalloped potatoes. Roasted garlic chicken thighs or drumsticks are a stellar choice.

• Spicy: If you want to cut the richness of the potatoes, spicy chicken is a great option. Try Nashville hot chicken or jerk chicken with the scalloped potatoes.

• Simple Salt and Pepper: You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper on baked or grilled chicken. The potatoes will be the star and the chicken provides a subtle, complementary flavor.

Cuts of Chicken

• Boneless Breasts: The most common choice is boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook quickly and pair well with creamy potatoes.

• Bone-In Breasts: Chicken breasts cooked on the bone tend to be juicier and more flavorful for pairing with potatoes.

• Thighs: Chicken thighs, bone-in or boneless, work nicely with scalloped potatoes. They stay juicy and have great flavor.

• Drumsticks: Chicken drumsticks offer the convenience of finger food to enjoy with the creamy potato dish.

• Wings: While not as common, chicken wings offer a fun finger food option to serve with scalloped potatoes for more casual meals.

• Mixed Pieces: Opt for a mix of chicken pieces like breasts, thighs and drumsticks to please a crowd when serving with scalloped potatoes.

Cooking Tips

• Bake chicken at the same time as the potatoes to have both dishes ready simultaneously.

• Sauté onions, garlic, and herbs before baking chicken to add lots of flavor.

• Pound chicken breasts thin so they cook as quickly as the potatoes.

• Brine chicken pieces in saltwater before cooking for extra moist, seasoned meat.

• Roast chicken pieces in the oven then toss them in buffalo sauce before serving with potatoes.

• Cook chicken in a skillet before finishing in the oven for crispy skin to contrast the creamy potatoes.

• Coat chicken in breadcrumbs or parmesan before baking for extra crunch and flavor.

• Stuff herbs and garlic under the skin of chicken pieces before roasting to infuse flavor all the way through.

Side Dishes and Veggies

Don’t forget vegetables and side dishes to create a well-rounded meal:

• Steamed broccoli, green beans or asparagus

• Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts or cauliflower

• Mixed greens salad with vinaigrette dressing

• Warm dinner rolls or biscuits

• Mashed potatoes, rice pilaf or pasta

• Corn on the cob, roasted, grilled or sautéed

Recipe Ideas

Here are some stellar recipe ideas for chicken paired with scalloped potatoes:

• Lemon Garlic Baked Chicken and Potatoes
• Nashville Hot Fried Chicken and Cheesy Potato Bake
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with Scalloped Potatoes
• Rosemary Ranch Chicken Thighs with Creamy Potatoes
• Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks and Potato Gratin
• Chicken Enchiladas and Southwestern Potato Casserole
• Herb Roasted Chicken with Classic Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes pair well with a variety of chicken preparations. Opt for baked, fried or grilled chicken in cuts like breasts, thighs or drumsticks. Season simply with lemon, herbs and garlic or go bold with spicy flavors. Bake chicken right alongside the scalloped potatoes so both dishes are ready at the same time. Serve with fresh veggie sides for a hearty and satisfying meal. With so many possibilities, you can experiment to find your favorite chicken and scalloped potato pairings.