If you’re craving a wholesome, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe. It brings together tender chicken, fluffy potatoes, and vibrant broccoli all smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce that bakes to golden perfection. Whether you’re feeding a family or want leftovers that taste even better the next day, this casserole hits all the right notes with comfort and flavor rolled into one irresistible dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the first step to creating this satisfying casserole. Each component plays an important role, lending texture, richness, or brightness to the finished dish.
- Chicken breasts: Use fresh, boneless for tender, juicy meat that’s the protein star of the casserole.
- Broccoli: Adds a pop of green color and a crisp-tender bite when lightly boiled.
- Potatoes: The base of the dish, these provide hearty, comforting chunks that soak up the creamy sauce.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully on top for a golden, bubbly crust.
- Milk: Gives your sauce a smooth, creamy texture without weighing it down.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and richness, balancing out the cheese and seasoning.
- Butter: For making a luscious roux that thickens the sauce perfectly.
- Flour: Works with butter to create the creamy base that holds all the flavors together.
- Garlic powder: Infuses subtle warmth and depth without overpowering the dish.
- Onion powder: Enhances savory notes and rounds out the taste.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the layered flavors.
How to Make Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Oven and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, wash and peel the potatoes, then cut them into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Next, separate the broccoli into small florets, ready to brighten the casserole with its fresh green color.
Step 2: Par-Cook Broccoli
Boil the broccoli florets for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn tender but still hold a bit of crunch. This helps maintain their vibrant texture and color during baking. Drain and set them aside so they’re ready to layer later.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken breasts until the center is no longer pink. This ensures they’re fully cooked but still juicy. Once cooled, chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces—it’ll distribute nicely through the casserole.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to form a roux, cooking it for about a minute while whisking continuously. This step builds the creamy foundation. Slowly whisk in the milk and continue stirring until the sauce thickens. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to develop the full flavor profile. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream until smoothly blended.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
Grease a baking dish to prevent sticking. Layer half of the potatoes evenly on the bottom, followed by half the broccoli florets, and then half the chicken pieces. Pour half of the creamy sauce over these layers to coat everything beautifully. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, broccoli, chicken, and sauce to build a harmonious stack of textures and flavors ready to bake.
Step 6: Bake and Finish with Cheese
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for one hour, allowing all the ingredients to meld and the potatoes to become tender. Afterward, remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top, and return the casserole to the oven for 15 to 20 minutes. This final step creates a mouthwatering, golden cheese crust that adds irresistible richness.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for a few minutes to set for easier serving and better flavor balance. Then, scoop out hearty portions and enjoy the comforting goodness of this Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe.
How to Serve Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate the presentation and add bursts of fresh flavor. Try sprinkling chopped parsley or chives over the top right before serving for a bright, herbal note that complements the creamy casserole. A dollop of sour cream or a dash of hot sauce can also add a fun twist if you want to customize each plate.
Side Dishes
This casserole stands strong on its own, but if you want to add sides, light and crisp salads work wonderfully to balance the richness. A simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a crunchy coleslaw bring a fresh contrast. For something heartier, warm crusty bread offers a perfect vessel to scoop up any saucy leftovers from the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family meal, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for personal portions, making it easier to customize with extra cheese or toppings. Alternatively, turning leftovers into loaded stuffed potatoes by scooping them into baked potato skins adds variety and keeps things exciting. You can also garnish with colorful bell peppers or sliced green onions for appealing presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any uneaten casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing its creamy texture or flavor. This makes it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole before baking for up to 2 months. Wrap it securely with foil and plastic wrap to protect against freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake as usual. Freezing after baking is possible but the cheese topping may lose some of its texture upon reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 30 minutes until warmed through. Cover loosely with foil to prevent the top from burning while allowing the inside to heat evenly. Microwaving is also an option if you’re in a rush; just be aware it might soften the crispiness of the cheese topping.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain the frozen broccoli well before adding it to avoid excess moisture in the casserole. It’s a convenient shortcut that still delivers great flavor.
Is there a way to make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the milk and sour cream with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk and dairy-free sour cream. Use dairy-free cheese as well to keep it creamy without lactose.
Can I prepare this casserole vegetarian?
Definitely! Replace the chicken with extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or even chickpeas for protein. The creamy sauce and potatoes will still make it hearty and delicious.
What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?
Cheddar is traditional for its meltability and sharp flavor, but you can also use mozzarella for a milder taste or a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for variety.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
After baking covered for an hour, the potatoes should be fork-tender and the sauce bubbling along the edges. Melting the cheese on top in the last 15-20 minutes is a good sign everything’s heated through perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and warmth with every bite. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you crave a dish that’s both cozy and packed with wholesome ingredients. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite in your meal rotation—you won’t regret filling your kitchen with this delicious aroma and your plate with such satisfying flavor.
Print
Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 1h 15m
- Total Time: 1h 35m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This hearty Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole combines tender chicken breasts, fresh broccoli florets, and hearty potatoes smothered in a creamy garlic-infused sauce, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. Baked to golden perfection, this comforting casserole is perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Protein & Vegetables
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1 head of broccoli
- 4 large potatoes
Dairy & Sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
Seasonings & Thickener
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the casserole later.
- Prepare Potatoes: Wash, peel, and cut the potatoes into 1-inch cubes to allow even cooking and layering in the casserole.
- Prepare Broccoli: Cut the broccoli head into small florets for easy incorporation into the dish.
- Blanch Broccoli: Boil the broccoli florets in water for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly tender, then drain and set aside to prevent overcooking during baking.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken breasts until they are no longer pink inside. Remove from heat, allow to cool, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Make Roux: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour continuously for about 1 minute to form a roux which will thicken the sauce.
- Prepare Sauce: Gradually add milk while whisking until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add Sour Cream: Remove the skillet from heat and whisk in the sour cream until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Layer in Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish and layer half of the potatoes, broccoli, and chicken, then pour half the sauce evenly over the layers.
- Repeat Layers: Add the remaining potatoes, broccoli, chicken, and pour over the remaining sauce to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour to allow the ingredients to cook through and flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after baking before serving to allow it to set and be easier to portion.
Notes
- Boiling the broccoli before baking prevents it from getting too soft or mushy in the casserole.
- Allow the chicken to cool before chopping to avoid shredding and ensure even pieces.
- You can substitute milk with a milk alternative for a lactose-free version.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Covering the casserole with foil during baking helps retain moisture so ingredients cook evenly.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain texture.
