Introduction
This Easy Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is a comforting, hearty, and simple dish that combines tender chicken, fluffy baked potatoes, and fresh broccoli, all smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or even a potluck dish that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Uses easy-to-find ingredients and requires minimal prep.
- Balanced Meal: Includes protein, veggies, and carbs in one dish.
- Kid-Friendly: Cheesy, creamy, and packed with flavor—perfect for picky eaters.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to different cheeses, proteins, or added seasonings.
Ingredients
- 2 large baking potatoes, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen (thawed)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little spice)
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional, for extra flavor)
- ¼ cup chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
Place the diced potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl with a bit of water. Cover and microwave for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly softened but not fully cooked. Drain any excess water.
Alternatively, if you prefer, you can boil the potatoes for about 8-10 minutes until fork-tender, then drain.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Cooked potatoes
- Cooked chicken
- Broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- Milk
- Melted butter
- Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper
Stir everything until well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and add crumbled bacon if using.
Step 5: Bake
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you want a golden, crispy top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for extra flavor. Enjoy!
Variations & Substitutions
- Swap the Protein: Use turkey, ham, or rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken.
- Different Cheese: Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Pepper Jack for a twist.
- Make it Healthier: Use low-fat cheese, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and add extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach.
- Spicy Version: Add chopped jalapeños or increase red pepper flakes.
- Creamier Texture: Stir in a can of condensed cream of chicken soup for an even richer sauce.
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Storage & Reheating
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes for a crispier texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Yes! If using raw chicken, dice it into small pieces and bake the casserole covered for 45-50 minutes to ensure it cooks through.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, add 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and pat it dry before mixing it in to prevent excess moisture.
What can I serve with this casserole?
A simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make great pairings.
How do I make it vegetarian?
Skip the chicken and bacon, and add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes! Sweet potatoes add a slightly sweeter flavor and work well in this dish.
How do I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese, coconut milk or almond milk, and dairy-free butter alternatives.
Why is my casserole watery?
Excess moisture from broccoli or potatoes can make the dish watery. Drain and pat ingredients dry before mixing.
Can I add eggs to this casserole?
Yes! Whisk 2 eggs into the mixture before baking for a more quiche-like texture.
What’s the best way to reheat without drying it out?
Cover with foil when reheating in the oven or add a splash of milk before microwaving to keep it creamy.
Conclusion
This Easy Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is a fantastic all-in-one meal that’s filling, flavorful, and easy to customize. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal-prep favorite, this dish is sure to become a go-to in your recipe rotation. Try it tonight and enjoy a delicious, cheesy comfort meal!
PrintEasy Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is a cheesy, comforting, and hearty dish made with tender chicken, fluffy potatoes, and fresh broccoli. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or potlucks, this family-friendly casserole is quick to make and full of flavor!
Ingredients
- 2 large baking potatoes, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
-
Cook the Potatoes:
- Microwave diced potatoes in a bowl with water for 5-7 minutes until slightly softened, then drain.
- Alternative: Boil potatoes for 8-10 minutes until fork-tender, then drain.
-
Mix Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine cooked potatoes, chicken, broccoli, 1 cup cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), milk, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
-
Assemble the Casserole:
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle extra cheese and add crumbled bacon if using.
-
Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Optional: Broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden, crispy top.
-
Garnish & Serve:
- Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions or parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
- Protein Swap: Use turkey, ham, or rotisserie chicken.
- Cheese Options: Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Pepper Jack.
- Healthier Version: Use low-fat cheese and Greek yogurt, and add extra veggies.
- Spicy Version: Add chopped jalapeños or increase red pepper flakes.
- Creamier Texture: Mix in a can of condensed cream of chicken soup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: baked potato casserole, chicken and broccoli bake, cheesy chicken casserole, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food casserole