Chicken Potato Broccoli Casserole

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Creamy mashed potatoes, tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and melted cheese—comfort food at its finest.

A Cozy, Flavor-Packed Family Favorite

When the weather cools or your comfort-food cravings kick in, few dishes deliver like a bubbling hot casserole straight out of the oven. This Chicken Potato Broccoli Casserole is the definition of cozy. It combines creamy mashed red potatoes with juicy cooked chicken, just-crisp broccoli florets, crispy bacon, and gooey, melty cheese to deliver a weeknight-friendly recipe that’s both hearty and nourishing.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping meals for the week ahead, this dish is a dependable go-to. Not only is it packed with flavor, but it also sneaks in some veggies, uses up leftover ingredients, and can be prepped ahead. Keep reading for a complete breakdown of the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips, and nutritional details.

 Ingredients (US Measurements)

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this satisfying casserole:

  • 3 pounds red potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces

  • 4 tablespoons butter, room temperature

  • 1 cup sour cream

  • ½–1 teaspoon kosher salt, to taste

  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • ½ teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon paprika

  • 2–3 cups broccoli florets, bite-sized (from 1 medium broccoli crown)

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded

  • 4 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled

  • 2 cups shredded cheese, divided (e.g., Monterey Jack, Cheddar, or Mexican blend)

 Instructions

Stage 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 10-inch square baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray.

Stage 2: Cook the Potatoes

  1. Place the red potatoes in a large stockpot.

  2. Cover them with water and bring to a boil.

  3. Boil for 10–15 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.

  4. Drain the water and return the potatoes to the hot pot to keep them warm.

Stage 3: Prepare the Broccoli & Bacon

While the potatoes are cooking:

  1. Steam or roast the broccoli florets just until tender-crisp. They should retain a slight bite and vibrant color.

  2. Cook the bacon until crispy. Crumble or chop it into bits and set aside.

Stage 4: Mash the Potatoes

  1. Using a potato masher, mash the hot potatoes directly in the pot.

  2. Add:

    • 4 tablespoons butter

    • 1 cup sour cream

    • Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika

  3. Stir until fully combined and creamy.

Stage 5: Combine the Casserole Ingredients

  1. Fold in the cooked chicken, broccoli, bacon, and 1 cup of shredded cheese.

  2. Mix everything thoroughly so all elements are evenly distributed.

Stage 6: Assemble the Casserole

  1. Transfer the potato mixture into your prepared baking dish.

  2. Smooth the top and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese evenly over the surface.

Stage 7: Bake

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is warmed through.

  2. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

 Preparation & Cooking Time

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes

  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

  • Total Time: 45 minutes

 Calorie Information

Each serving of this casserole (when divided into 8 servings) contains approximately:
Calories: 400 kcal

This estimate includes all the cheese, sour cream, and bacon, which contribute to both flavor and calorie content.

 Pro Tips for Success

1. Make It Ahead
Assemble the entire casserole in advance, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake it until warmed through. Add 10–15 minutes to baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.

2. Choose Your Chicken Wisely
Rotisserie chicken is a perfect shortcut for this recipe. You can also use leftover grilled, roasted, or even poached chicken. Be sure it’s well-seasoned for maximum flavor.

3. Cheese Swaps
Not a fan of Cheddar? Try Pepper Jack for a kick or Mozzarella for a super-gooey melt. A Mexican cheese blend also works beautifully.

4. Don’t Overcook the Broccoli
The broccoli will cook slightly more during baking, so avoid overcooking it when you first steam or roast it.

5. Add More Veggies
You can easily boost the nutrition by mixing in sautéed mushrooms, peas, or even bell peppers.

6. Make It Vegetarian
Omit the chicken and bacon, and load up on hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a comforting vegetarian alternative.

7. Make It Extra Creamy
If you like your casserole richer, stir in a splash of warm milk or heavy cream into the mashed potatoes before combining everything.

8. Use a Different Potato
Red potatoes are creamy and flavorful, but Yukon Golds also work well for a buttery finish.

9. Top With Crunch
For added texture, top your casserole with crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs before baking.

10. Freeze It
You can freeze the casserole either before baking or after it’s baked and cooled. Just wrap tightly and label. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake until heated through.

 Why This Dish Works So Well

This dish checks all the boxes:

  • Comforting: Creamy mashed potatoes and gooey cheese make for the ultimate comfort food.

  • Balanced: Includes protein, carbs, dairy, and vegetables in one dish.

  • Versatile: Easily adapted to your preferences—switch meats, cheeses, or veggies to suit your taste.

  • Meal Prep-Friendly: Make in bulk and portion for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

  • Kid-Approved: Mild flavors and cheese make this a hit with picky eaters.

 How to Serve It

Serve this casserole with:

  • A simple green salad with vinaigrette

  • Steamed green beans or asparagus

  • A warm dinner roll or crusty bread

 Perfect For:

  • Busy weeknights

  • Potlucks

  • Sunday meal prep

  • Leftover makeover dinners

  • Family gatherings or casual entertaining

 Storage & Reheating

To Store:

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

To Reheat:

  • Microwave single servings for 1–2 minutes.

  • Reheat larger portions in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 15–20 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Potato Broccoli Casserole is more than just a recipe—it’s a weeknight hero and a comfort food champion. It brings all the elements you want in a single dish: creamy, cheesy, savory, and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, cleaning out your fridge, or just craving something cozy, this casserole delivers every time.

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