Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Cozy Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Comfort arrives with this hearty baked potato chicken and broccoli casserole that promises warmth in every single bite.

Layers of creamy goodness meld perfectly inside a golden-crusted dish.

Cheesy textures intermingle with tender chicken chunks and vibrant green broccoli florets.

Weeknight dinners never looked so delightful or felt so satisfying.

Crisp edges hint at the delectable mixture waiting beneath the surface.

Minimal ingredients combine to create something magical and deeply nourishing.

You’ll want to savor each comforting spoonful slowly and appreciate the simple elegance of this home-style meal.

Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole for Meals

  • Combines kid-approved ingredients like chicken, potatoes, and cheese into one satisfying dish that pleases everyone at the table.
  • Packed with protein from chicken, vitamins from broccoli, and customizable with optional bacon for extra flavor, making it a balanced and flexible meal option.
  • Uses just one baking dish and a skillet, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time on busy evenings while delivering maximum taste and satisfaction.

Ingredients for Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Tender meat that adds protein and heartiness to the casserole.
  • Bacon Bits: Optional topping that provides extra crunch and savory flavor.
Dairy and Creamy Base:
  • Sour Cream, Cream Cheese: Creates rich and smooth sauce with tangy undertones.
  • Milk: Helps thin out the sauce and add creaminess.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Provides melty texture and sharp cheese flavor, best when freshly shredded.
Vegetables and Starch:
  • Baked Potatoes: Hearty base that adds substance and comforting texture, choose starchy varieties like Russet.
  • Broccoli: Adds green vegetable nutrition and slight crunch, fresh or frozen both work well.
Seasonings and Aromatics:
  • Garlic: Adds depth of flavor, fresh is best for most intense taste.
  • Onion Powder: Provides subtle onion flavor without chopping.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall dish flavor.
Cooking Fats:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Used for sautéing garlic, choose based on preference or dietary needs.

Serve Baked Potato Chicken Casserole with These

  • Chardonnay's buttery notes complement the creamy casserole's rich texture, balancing the chicken and cheese flavors with elegant smoothness.
  • Toss mixed greens with light vinaigrette to cut through the casserole's heaviness, adding fresh, zesty contrast and nutritional balance.
  • Create a crunchy side dish using shredded cabbage and carrots with a light mayo dressing, providing textural difference and palate-cleansing acidity.
  • Bake a warm, golden bread slice with herbs to soak up the casserole's delicious sauce, giving diners a delightful carbohydrate companion.

New Takes on Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular flour or thickeners with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free shredded cheese and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Swap chicken with firm tofu, roasted cauliflower, or plant-based chicken substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for added flavor.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Replace baked potatoes with cauliflower rice or roasted cauliflower florets. Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce carbohydrate content.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Substitute dairy ingredients with coconut milk, almond milk cream cheese, and nutritional yeast for cheese flavor. Use olive oil instead of butter and select dairy-free cheese alternatives.

All the FAQs for Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

  • Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Thaw and drain it completely before adding to the casserole to prevent excess moisture.

  • What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken are perfect. You can also use cooked chicken breast or thigh meat, shredded or diced.

  • How can I make this casserole healthier?

Use low-fat sour cream, reduced-fat cream cheese, and skim milk. You can also add more vegetables or use whole wheat potatoes for extra nutrients.

  • Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole keeps well in the refrigerator for 34 days. You can prepare it in advance and reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to eat.

Instructions for Baking This Chicken & Broccoli Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Awaken the Garlic

In a small skillet, drizzle some olive oil or drop a pat of butter. Heat over medium flame. Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around for 1-2 minutes until it releases its aromatic magic. Take it off the heat and set aside.

Step 3: Craft the Silky Sauce

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine:
  • Sautéed garlic
  • Sour cream
  • Milk
  • Cream cheese
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Build the Flavor Layers

Gently fold into the creamy sauce:
  • Cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
  • Baked potato chunks
  • Broccoli florets
  • Shredded cheddar cheese

Stir carefully to ensure everything gets a nice sauce coating.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese on top. If you’re feeling indulgent, add some crispy bacon bits.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns golden, cheese melts completely, and the casserole is bubbling with deliciousness.

Tips for Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

  • Boost Flavor Depth: Roast garlic and broccoli before adding to the casserole for enhanced, caramelized taste that elevates the entire dish.
  • Customize Protein Choices: Swap chicken with turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or plant-based alternatives to suit dietary preferences and keep the recipe versatile.
  • Prevent Soggy Texture: Pat baked potatoes and chicken dry before mixing to maintain a crisp, appetizing casserole consistency that doesn't become watery.
  • Cheese Melting Hack: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and create perfect, stretchy cheese pulls.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate before baking for convenient meal planning.

How to Store This Chicken & Broccoli Bake Like a Pro

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, lasting up to 2 months in the freezer.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for 20-25 minutes until heated through, preventing dryness.
  • Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming and maintain creamy texture.
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Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe


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4.7 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole, a one-dish wonder packed with creamy goodness. Cheesy layers of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and velvety potato create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein and Vegetables:

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
  • 3 cups baked potatoes, peeled and diced (about 23 medium potatoes)
  • 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed until just tender

Dairy and Creamy Components:

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup milk
  • ¼ cup cream cheese, softened

Seasonings and Cooking Ingredients:

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for sauteing garlic)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

  • Cooked bacon bits
  • Green onions
  • Extra cheese

Instructions

  1. Create a welcoming aromatic environment by warming the oven to 375F (190C) and preparing a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light protective coating.
  2. Infuse olive oil or butter in a compact skillet over medium temperature, introducing minced garlic and allowing it to release its fragrant essence for approximately 1-2 minutes until golden and aromatic.
  3. Craft a velvety foundation by whisking together the caramelized garlic, tangy sour cream, creamy milk, rich cream cheese, nuanced onion powder, and balanced seasoning until achieving a harmonious, smooth consistency.
  4. Integrate tender shredded chicken, rustic roasted potato cubes, verdant broccoli florets, and a generous portion of sharp cheddar cheese into the creamy mixture, gently folding to ensure every morsel receives a luxurious coating.
  5. Transfer the decadent ensemble into the prepared baking dish, adorning the surface with an additional lavish layer of melty cheddar cheese and optional crisp bacon fragments for enhanced texture and depth.
  6. Position the casserole in the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 20-25 minutes until the edges bubble enthusiastically and the cheese develops a golden, inviting complexion.
  7. Remove from oven and permit a brief resting period to allow flavors to meld and stabilize before serving this comforting, protein-packed culinary creation.

Notes

  • Dice potatoes evenly to ensure consistent cooking and prevent undercooked or mushy sections.
  • Use leftover rotisserie chicken or quickly grill fresh chicken breasts for added flavor complexity.
  • Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich alternative that maintains creamy texture.
  • Customize vegetable mix by adding cauliflower or carrots for extra nutrition and varied taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 800
  • Sugar: 90 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 110 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Ethan Miller

Ethan Miller

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Food Photography and Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Blogging
  • Ingredient Sourcing and Sustainability Practices

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and food safety protocols.

Culinary Institute of the Pacific

  • Program: Certificate in International Cuisine
  • Focus: Exploration of global culinary traditions, flavor profiles, and plating artistry.

Ethan’s culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where he first learned to play with flavors and ingredients. With formal training in culinary arts and a deep love for international cuisines, Ethan’s goal is to share the joy of cooking with others.

He believes food is all about creativity and bringing people together, one meal at a time. When he’s not experimenting with new dishes, he enjoys hiking in the Oregon wilderness and discovering fresh, local ingredients.

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