Baked Potato Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe
If you’re searching for a comforting, hearty dish that satisfies everyone at the dinner table, this Baked Potato Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe is a top contender. It’s a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful casserole featuring tender chicken, fluffy baked potatoes, and nutrient-packed broccoli. Easy to prepare and loaded with wholesome ingredients, this recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep for the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food at Its Best: A warm, cheesy casserole that’s sure to please.
- One-Dish Meal: Combines protein, veggies, and carbs in a single dish.
- Customizable: Adapt the recipe with your favorite ingredients or spices.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day!
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Boil the Potatoes: Place cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Boil for 10-12 minutes, or until just fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Cook and Shred: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Shred the chicken using two forks. Alternatively, use a rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Step 3: Steam the Broccoli
- Steam Broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets until tender but still bright green. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Create a Roux: Whisk in the flour, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a paste.
- Add Liquids: Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Season: Stir in salt, pepper, paprika, and Dijon mustard. Simmer until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Incorporate Sour Cream: Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
- Layer the Ingredients: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the boiled potatoes, shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, and crumbled bacon.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the layers.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil (Optional): For a golden, crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Sprinkle with green onions or additional cheese, if desired.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Pair with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
- Evenly Cook Potatoes: Cut the potatoes into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Avoid Overcooking Broccoli: Steam the broccoli until just tender to prevent it from becoming mushy in the casserole.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10 minutes to the baking time if chilled.
- Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
Recipe Variations
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour for the roux and ensure other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a meal on its own but pairs well with:
- Salads: A crisp Caesar or spinach salad.
- Bread: Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls.
- Soup: A light tomato or chicken soup as a starter.
Why This Recipe Works
This Baked Potato Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe combines the heartiness of potatoes, the savory taste of chicken, and the freshness of broccoli with a luscious creamy sauce. It’s an all-in-one meal that delivers comforting flavors and textures while offering plenty of nutrition. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a meal-prep idea, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Baked Potato Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Casserole:
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk (or heavy cream for a richer taste)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Topping:
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Place the diced potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 10-12 minutes, until just tender. Drain well and set aside.
2. Prepare the Broccoli:
- While the potatoes cook, blanch the broccoli by boiling in water for 1-2 minutes, then transferring to an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the cooked potatoes, chicken, and broccoli to the bowl, stirring gently to coat everything in the creamy mixture.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the potato, chicken, and broccoli mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top.
5. Add the Crunchy Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
6. Bake:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.