Okay, picture this: It’s a chilly evening, you’re craving something hearty and comforting, but you also want to sneak in some veggies without a battle. That’s where this **Baked Potato Chicken Broccoli Casserole** swoops in to save the day! It’s like a Loaded Baked Potato, but in casserole form – cheesy, creamy, and packed with all the good stuff. Think of it as the sophisticated, slightly healthier cousin of mac and cheese… but way more satisfying. My grandma used to make something similar with just potatoes and cheese, but trust me, the chicken and broccoli take it to a whole new level!
What is baked potato chicken broth?
This dish is basically everything you love about a fully loaded Baked Potato – creamy potatoes, savory chicken, tender broccoli, and lots and lots of cheddar cheese – all baked together in a comforting casserole. It’s essentially comfort food elevated. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly flexible. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, swap out the broccoli for other veggies, or even add a crispy topping for extra texture. It’s a fantastic way to use up ingredients you already have on hand and create something truly delicious. Think of it as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! It’s not fancy, but it’s utterly delicious.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Honestly, where do I even begin? This **Baked Potato Chicken Broccoli Casserole** is a total winner in my book for so many reasons. First and foremost, the flavor is incredible! The creamy potatoes, savory chicken, and slightly bitter broccoli create a perfect balance that’s both comforting and satisfying. Then, there’s the ease of preparation. This is one of those recipes that comes together quickly, especially if you use pre-cooked chicken. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious and wholesome meal on the table in under an hour. What I love most about this is that it’s also incredibly cost-effective. Potatoes, chicken, and broccoli are all relatively inexpensive ingredients, making this a budget-friendly option for feeding the whole family. Plus, it’s so versatile! You can easily customize the recipe to suit your preferences by adding different cheeses, vegetables, or spices.
I’ve tried similar recipes before, but this one just hits different. What cheese blend do you use? What is the taste of garlic powder? What is your favorite recipe for a crowd pleaser? What are some comforting recipes for Chicken Pot Pie?
How do you make Baked Potato Chicken Broccoli Casserole?
Quick Overview
How do I make a Baked Potato chicken broth? What is the best way to cook a potato with chicken, broccoli, and onions? What are some ways to make a creamy cheese sauce, and baking it all together until golden and bubbly? Is it possible to make a casserole ahead of time? What’s a great make-ahead meal for sexy people?
Ingredients
For Baked Potatoes:
4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed (Russets are the best because they get nice and fluffy! I always use the ones that are heavy for their size, that’s how you know they are good). You could even try Sweet Potatoes for a slightly different flavor!
For Chicken & Broccoli: For the Chicken and broccoli:
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here! Or, if you’re feeling ambitious, you can bake or poach your own.)
2 cups broccoli florets, steamed or roasted (I prefer steaming them because they stay nice and green, but roasting them adds a lovely nutty flavor.)
What is Creamy Cheese Sauce?
4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour. 1 cup wheat flour
3 cups milk (I use 2%, but whole milk will make it even richer). Is almond milk good for you?
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided (Sharp cheddar is my go-to, but you can mix it up with any cheese you like). What is a little bit of pepper jack?
1 teaspoon salt is a teaspoon.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (Don’t skip this! It adds a subtle but essential layer of flavor.)
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven’s heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use cooking spray, but you can also use butter or oil. Make sure to get all the corners and edges!
Step 2: Bake the Potatoes
Is it safe to pierce a potato several times in the oven? Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until they are soft and easily pierced with a fork. How long does it take to bake potatoes?
Step 3: Prepare Chicken and Broccoli
While the potatoes are baking, cook your chicken and broccoli. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, simply shred or dice it. If you’re cooking your own chicken, bake, poach, or sauté it until cooked through. I usually steam the broccoli for about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until smooth and golden. This is called a roux, and it’s what will thicken your cheese sauce. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to stir constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 3 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Reserve the remaining 1 cup of cheese for topping.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice them in half and scoop out the flesh into a large bowl. Be careful not to burn yourself! Mash the potatoes until smooth. Add the cooked chicken and broccoli to the mashed potatoes and stir to combine. In a bowl, pour the cheese sauce over the potato mixture and stir well. What is the best way to spread the mixture in a baking dish? Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted. Remove from the oven and let cool completely. If you want the cheese to be extra golden brown, you can broil it for the last minute or two, but be careful not to overcook it. How do you burn a candle?
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. How do I make cheese sauce easier to slice? What is the best way to serve warm and enjoy! What is a complete meal on its own? Serve with a side salad or crusty bread.
5. What to Serve It With
What is a complete meal in itself? What are some ideas to make it even more special?
For a family dinner: What is the best way A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect accompaniment. The acidity of the dressing will cut through the richness of the casserole.
For a Potluck: Bring along a basket of crusty bread or rolls for soaking up all that delicious cheese sauce.
For a Special Occasion: Serve with Roasted Asparagus or green beans for a more elegant touch. A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, would pair beautifully.
My family loves it when I serve this with a side of corn on the cob. Is it a classic combination that never fails to please? If you’re feeling fancy, you can garnish the casserole with some chopped green onions. How do you crumble bacon before serving?
What are some of the best ways to make Baked Potato Chicken Broccoli casserole?
How can I take my **Baked Potato Chicken Broccoli Casserole** from good to amazing? What are the top tips I should know?
Potato Prep:Don’t skip the step of piercing the potatoes with a fork before baking! How do you prevent a frying pan from exploding? If you want to save time, you can bake potatoes in the microwave.
Chicken Choice: What isIf you have the time, you can bake your own rotisserie chicken. What is the best flavor of chicken?
Broccoli Boosting: Don’t overcook the broccoli! It should be tender-crisp, not mushy. Steaming is my preferred method, but roasting it will add a lovely nutty flavor.
Cheese Sauce Secrets: Use good quality cheddar cheese for the best flavor. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheese combinations. A little bit of Monterey Jack or Colby will add a nice creamy texture.
Baking Brilliance: Keep an eye on the casserole while it’s baking to prevent the cheese from burning. If it starts to get too brown, you can tent it with foil.
Extra Flavor Boost: I sometimes add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to each serving for extra creaminess and tang. And a sprinkle of chopped green onions or crumbled bacon is always a welcome addition.
One time, I accidentally added a bit too much salt to the cheese sauce, and it almost ruined the whole casserole! But then I had the idea to add a squeeze of lemon juice, and it completely balanced out the flavors. So don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust the seasoning to your liking!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This **Baked Potato Chicken Broccoli Casserole** is even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make it ahead of time! Here’s how to store and reheat it:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t leave it out for more than 2 hours at room temperature, mainly because the dairy will spoil.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s cooled down before you put it in the fridge!
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you plan to freeze the casserole, it’s best to add the topping when you reheat it. Otherwise, it might get soggy.
To reheat the casserole, simply bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the texture might not be as good. When I reheat it in the oven, I usually cover it with foil for the first half of the baking time to prevent the cheese from burning, and then I remove the foil for the last half to let it get nice and bubbly.
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 perfect way to bring comfort and joy to your dinner table, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a potluck, or simply craving a satisfying meal, this casserole is sure to hit the spot. I hope you love it as much as my family does! If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other casserole recipes for more inspiration. And I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below with your thoughts, and don’t forget to rate the recipe. Happy baking!
Baked Potato Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Chicken breasts
- 2 cups Broccoli florets
- 3 large Russet potatoes Baked and mashed
- 1 cup Milk
- 0.5 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake potatoes until tender, then mash.
- Cook chicken and broccoli.
- Combine mashed potatoes, chicken, broccoli, milk, and cheese.
- Pour into a greased casserole dish and bake for 30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
