The Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is the perfect comfort food for any weeknight dinner. It combines tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and nutritious broccoli topped with melted cheese for a deliciously satisfying dish. Easy to make, family-friendly, and packed with flavor, this casserole will become a favorite in no time.
In this post, I’ll guide you through step-by-step instructions, ingredient details, and tips to make the perfect casserole while ensuring it’s simple and stress-free.
Ingredients for Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
For the Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Crumbled bacon
- Green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make the Casserole
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray.
2. Cook the Potatoes
- Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a pot of salted water.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 10–12 minutes, or until the potatoes are slightly tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli
- If the chicken is not already cooked, season it with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sauté it in a skillet with olive oil over medium heat until fully cooked (about 6–8 minutes). Dice or shred it.
- Steam the broccoli florets for about 3–4 minutes until bright green and tender.
4. Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
5. Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Cooked chicken, cubed potatoes, steamed broccoli, sautéed onions, and garlic.
- Add the sour cream, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Mix gently to ensure all ingredients are coated evenly.
6. Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the mixture evenly into the greased baking dish.
- Top with additional shredded cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy layer.
7. Bake the Casserole
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole pairs perfectly with:
- A fresh green salad with vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls.
- Roasted vegetables like carrots or green beans.
For an extra twist, sprinkle crispy bacon bits or chopped green onions on top for added flavor and crunch!
Tips for Making the Perfect Casserole
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli and potatoes make a big difference in flavor and texture.
- Add More Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more cheese to the filling and topping.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover with foil, and refrigerate. Bake it when ready to serve.
- Mix Up the Protein: Replace chicken with turkey, ham, or even leftover rotisserie chicken for variety.
- Don’t Overcook: Avoid overcooking the broccoli to keep it slightly crisp and vibrant.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
- Simple to Make: This recipe comes together with basic ingredients and minimal steps.
- Family-Friendly: A balanced dish that even picky eaters will love.
- Great for Meal Prep: Perfect for leftovers and reheats beautifully for lunches.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein from chicken, vitamins from broccoli, and energy from potatoes.
- Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and filling, it’s everything you want in a comfort meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes! If using frozen broccoli, thaw it first and drain excess water before adding it to the casserole.
2. How can I store leftovers?
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or in the microwave.
3. Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as instructed.
4. What other vegetables can I add?
You can add carrots, bell peppers, spinach, or peas to make the casserole even more nutritious.
5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken any sauce, and ensure the cheese and other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
Conclusion
The Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is a simple, satisfying, and wholesome meal perfect for any occasion. It’s a great way to bring together the richness of cheese, tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and nutritious broccoli in one dish.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing meals ahead, this casserole delivers on flavor, texture, and convenience. Try it today and enjoy the ultimate comfort food that everyone will love!
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