Introduction

Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is an easy-to-make, wholesome comfort food perfect for busy evenings or family gatherings. It combines the heartiness of tender chicken, the richness of creamy potatoes, and the nutrition of broccoli. You can prepare it in approximately 1 hour, including prep and baking time. The key steps are boiling potatoes, steaming broccoli, making a creamy sauce, and baking it all together. This casserole will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients

2 large chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 cup broccoli florets, steamed
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 onion, finely chopped (optional)
1 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

If you’re looking to complete the meal, a simple, fresh Chick-fil-A Cobb Salad pairs wonderfully with this dish for a balanced dinner.

Steps

Preheat the Oven and Prepare Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Peel and dice the potatoes, then boil them in salted water for about 10-12 minutes until they’re fork-tender. Drain and set them aside. While the potatoes are boiling, steam the broccoli florets for 5-7 minutes, just until they’re tender but still vibrant green. For the chicken, you can use pre-cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook chicken breasts and shred them yourself.
Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, milk, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until it forms a smooth and creamy consistency. This sauce will coat the ingredients and make the casserole irresistibly creamy. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for an extra kick if you like some heat.
Assemble the Casserole
In a large mixing bowl, combine the boiled potatoes, steamed broccoli, and shredded chicken. Pour the creamy sauce over this mixture and gently stir until everything is well-coated. Add in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and mix it through. This will ensure that every bite of the casserole is cheesy and creamy.
Transfer to a Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil. Pour the assembled casserole mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top for a rich, golden crust. If you want a crunchy topping, you can add breadcrumbs here as well.
Bake the Casserole
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The cheese should be fully melted, and the casserole should be bubbling around the edges. If you added breadcrumbs, you may want to turn the broiler on for an additional 2-3 minutes to get a crispy, golden top. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to serve. You can pair it with a side salad or your favorite vegetable dish for a complete meal.

What to Serve with Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole?

This casserole is filling and hearty on its own, but you can enhance the meal with a fresh and crisp side dish like Chick-fil-A Waffle Fries. Alternatively, you can serve it alongside a light and refreshing Greek Yogurt Parfait for a delightful balance between the richness of the casserole and the freshness of the salad.

Tips for Perfection

Vegetable Variations: Broccoli is a great vegetable for this casserole, but feel free to experiment with others. Cauliflower, spinach, or even a mix of vegetables can be used to customize the casserole to your liking.
Make it Lighter: If you want to reduce the fat content, you can use low-fat sour cream and milk. You can also opt for a reduced-fat cheese or use less cheese if you prefer a lighter version.
For Extra Flavor: Add finely chopped onions or garlic to the creamy sauce for more flavor depth. You can also sprinkle some freshly chopped herbs like parsley or thyme before serving.
Leftovers: This casserole keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days, and it can be reheated in the oven to maintain its texture. For easier storage, try dividing it into individual portions.

Health Benefits

This casserole offers a great balance of nutrients. The chicken provides lean protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. The potatoes are an excellent source of carbohydrates, providing energy, and they also offer a good dose of potassium, which is important for heart health. Broccoli, rich in fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants, is great for immune function and overall health. The cheese adds calcium, important for bone health, and the milk provides a good source of vitamins and minerals. While this dish is indulgent, it’s also packed with nutrients that support a balanced diet.

Conclusion

Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is a warm, comforting meal that combines simple ingredients into a delicious, satisfying dish. With its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and nutritious ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or bringing it to a gathering, this casserole is always a hit. Pair it with a Chocolate Milkshake for a sweet finish to your meal!