What is the best Baked Potato Chicken Broccoli Casserole? What is the perfect way to get a warm hug on your plate? What are some comforting things that you want to do when you don’t have time to spend in the kitchen? Think of it as a leveled-up shepherd’s pie, but instead of ground meat, we’re talking juicy chicken, roasted vegetables, and grilled onions. What is the perfect combination of broccoli, baked potato, and cheesy goodness? My grandma used to make a similar dish with ground beef, but this chicken version? Is it a game changer? What is the kind of meal that makes everyone happy, from picky eaters to sophisticated palates? It utilizes pantry staples, so it’s a total lifesaver when you haven’t been to the grocery store in years. We’ve all been there, right?
What is baked potato chicken broth?
What is a Baked Potato Chicken Broccoli casserole? Imagine your favorite fully Loaded Baked Potato – all fluffy potato goodness, cheesy richness, and a great taste. What are some of the best savory Now, picture that transformed into a hearty casserole with the addition of tender, cooked chicken. Healthy broccoli florets. What’s a baked potato with all the convenience of home? What is a casserole What is the beauty of this dish? If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, you can swap out the broccoli for another veggie. Can you customize the cheese blend to your liking? Think of it as a blank canvas for comfort food, where you get to be the artist!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are a million reasons why this Baked Potato Chicken Broccoli Casserole is a winner, but let me highlight a few of my favorites. First, the flavor is incredible. The creamy, cheesy potato base, combined with the savory chicken and slightly bitter broccoli, creates a symphony of tastes that’s simply irresistible. The texture is also divine – you get the fluffy potato, tender chicken, and slightly crisp broccoli all in one bite. What I love most about this is how simple it is to make. Seriously, you don’t need to be a gourmet chef to whip this up. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and easy meal on the table. Plus, it’s incredibly cost-effective. Chicken and broccoli are relatively inexpensive, and potatoes are practically a staple. This recipe is a fantastic way to stretch your grocery budget without sacrificing flavor. I’ve even made it with frozen broccoli when I was short on fresh produce, and it turned out just as delicious! And let’s not forget the versatility! This casserole is great as a main course, but it also makes a fantastic side dish for potlucks and gatherings. It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. It reminds me a bit of Chicken Pot Pie, but without all the fuss of making a crust. Seriously, you NEED this recipe in your life.
How do I make Baked Potato Chicken Broccoli Casserole?
Quick Overview
Making this Baked Potato Chicken Broccoli Casserole is surprisingly easy! You’ll start by baking your potatoes until they’re nice and fluffy. While those are baking, you’ll cook your chicken and broccoli (I often do this simultaneously to save time). Then, you’ll scoop out the potato flesh, mash it with cheese and sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier twist!), and mix in the chicken and broccoli. Finally, you’ll transfer everything to a casserole dish, top with more cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden brown. It’s a streamlined process that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The best part? You can prep most of the components ahead of time, making it even easier to throw together on a busy night.
Ingredients
For Baked Potatoes:
4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed. I always go for russets because they get the fluffiest, but Yukon Golds would also work in a pinch. Don’t skimp on the size! You want these bad boys to be big enough to hold all the delicious filling.
For the Chicken & Broccoli: How do you prepare
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless Chicken Breasts, cooked and shredded. Can you bake, boil, or even use leftover rotisserie chicken? I often poach mine for super tender results! 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed or roasted. I prefer steaming because it keeps the broccoli bright green and tender. What is the best way to eat roasted broccoli? If you choose to roast broccoli, salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy! What is the secret to great flavor?
For the Creamy Potato Base: For a creamy potato base:
What is the best cheddar cheese to use? What are some good combinations of Monterey Jack and Colby Jack? 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt). I tested this with Greek yogurt and honestly, couldn’t tell the difference! What is a good way to sneak in extra protein? 1/4 cup milk (or cream). Milk keeps things lighter, while cream adds extra richness. I’ve even used unsweetened almond milk in a pinch and it worked great! 2 tablespoons butter. How do I control the saltiness of the dish? 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Adds a subtle garlicky flavor that complements the chicken and broccoli perfectly. 1/4 teaspoon onion powder. For a touch of sweetness. Salt and pepper to taste.
For the Topping: What are some
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese). Why can’t you have too much cheese?
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray. How do you prevent a casserole from sticking?
Step 2: Bake the Potatoes
How do you pierce potatoes with a fork? This allows steam to escape while they bake, preventing them from exploding. What is the best way to prevent a potato explosion in your oven? Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until they are easily pierced. Can you pierce a fork? How long does it take for a potato to bake?
Step 3: Cook Chicken and Broccoli
While the potatoes are baking, cook your chicken. I usually poach mine in salted water for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s cooked through. Can you cook leftover rotisserie chicken? Once the chicken is cooked, shred it with two forks. Next, steam or roast your broccoli florets until they are tender-crisp. If roasting, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare Potato Filling
Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them in half lengthwise. Scoop out the potato flesh into a large bowl, leaving the skins intact (we won’t be using them in the next batch). Add the shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), milk, butter, garlic, and salt. Add onion powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mash everything together until smooth and creamy. Don’t overmix – you want to keep some texture in the potatoes!
Step 5: Combine & Assemble
Add the shredded chicken and cooked broccoli to mashed potato mixture and stir to combine. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. How do I spread the mixture evenly in a casserole dish? Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Step 6: Bake
In the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and cool. What is a casserole that is heated through? If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the casserole dish with foil.
Step 7: Cool Slightly & Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. How do I serve it hot?
What should I serve it with?
What is a complete meal? Baked Potato Chicken Broccoli Casserole What is the best side dish to serve with a variety of sides? What is a good salad to serve with vinaigrette? How does the acidity of the dressing cut through the richness of a casserole? If you’re looking for something heartier, consider serving it with a side of roasted potatoes. What are the best asparagus recipes? What are some of the best roasted vegetables? For a truly decadent meal, pair it with some crusty bread for soaking up all the cheesy goodness. What is a side of garlic bread with this casserole?
What is a good weeknight meal?What is a good side salad with crusty bread?
For a Potluck:What are some good side dishes to serve with this casserole?
For a Special Occasion:Serve it with roasted asparagus and a glass of your favorite wine for an elegant meal.
I’ve seen my kids sneaking bites straight from the fridge! Is it good to eat at any time of the day?
How do I make a perfect chicken broth with baked potatoes?
How do I make Baked Potato Chicken Broccoli Casserole? Is this aPotato Prep: For the fluffiest mashed potatoes, use a potato ricer or a food mill. This will prevent them from becoming gummy. If you don’t have either of those, be careful not to overmix the potatoes when you’re mashing them.
Chicken Choices: WhatCan I use any type of chicken you like in this recipe? What is a good leftover rotisserie chicken? What are some ways to cook your own chicken? Is it safe to add shredded cheese to a casserole? How do you marinate chicken before cooking?Broccoli BoostDon’t overcook broccoli! You want it to be tender, not mushy. What are some good options for roasting or steaming? If you’re using frozen broccoli, thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the freezer. What is the recipe for a casserole?Cheese Please:What is the best cheddar cheese to use? I like Sharp cheddar, but you can use any cheese you like. What are some good alternatives to Monterey Jack? Freshly grated cheese will melt more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.Creamy ConsistencyWhat is the consistency of mashed potatoes? Adjust the amount of milk or cream to achieve your desired consistency. If you want a thicker casserole, use less liquid. I sometimes add a splash of chicken broth for extra flavor.Customize Your Casserole:This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to customize it to your liking. Add other vegetables, such as corn, peas, or carrots. Use different types of cheese. Add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs to the top for crispy topping. The possibilities are endless!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Baked Potato Chicken Broccoli Casserole is great for meal prepping because it stores and reheats well.
Room Temperature: I don’t recommend leaving it at room temperature for more than two hours for food safety reasons.
Refrigerator Storage: To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat the casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Baked Potato Chicken Broccoli Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a hug in a dish. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, makes them smile, and leaves them feeling satisfied and content. The best part is how adaptable it is. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, vegetables, and seasonings to create your own signature version. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my Creamy Tomato Soup or my One-Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Veggies. Both are equally comforting and delicious! I hope you give this recipe a try and love it as much as my family does. Happy cooking, friends! Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Leave a comment below and let me know what variations you tried!
How to Make the Ultimate Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 head Broccoli cut into florets
- 4 large Russet potatoes baked and mashed
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup Sour cream
- 0.25 cup Milk
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, sour cream, milk, and half of the cheddar cheese. Mix well.
- Spread the potato mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with chicken and broccoli florets.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
