There's something so comforting about a hearty casserole on a chilly evening. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy baked potatoes, and roasted broccoli smothered in a creamy cheese sauce is pure comfort in every bite. This Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is the ultimate one-dish meal that's as satisfying as it is easy to prepare.

I discovered this recipe on a busy weeknight when I needed to use up some leftover roasted chicken. After experimenting with pantry staples, this dish quickly became a family favorite. It's simple, budget-friendly, and perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep. Let’s dive into what makes this casserole so irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Get ready to fall head over heels for this casserole. Whether you're feeding a crowd or prepping meals for the week, this dish delivers on flavor, convenience, and heartiness.

First, it's a time-saver. With pre-cooked chicken and simple pantry ingredients, you can have this casserole ready for the oven in no time. Perfect for those evenings when every minute counts.

Next, it’s budget-friendly. Using ingredients like russet potatoes, broccoli, and shredded cheese keeps the cost low while packing in tons of flavor and nutrition. It’s a great way to stretch your ingredients without compromising taste.

The versatility of this recipe is unmatched. Have leftover turkey? Swap it for the chicken. Prefer sweet potatoes? They work beautifully too! You can even customize the vegetables to suit your family’s tastes.

Lastly, it's a meal in itself. With protein, carbs, and veggies baked together in a cheesy sauce, there's no need to fuss with sides. Just serve, enjoy, and let the compliments roll in.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this casserole comes from its carefully selected, simple ingredients that deliver maximum flavor and satisfaction.

Russet potatoes form the hearty base of this casserole. Their fluffy texture when baked makes them the perfect canvas for the creamy cheese sauce. If you’re short on time, you can substitute with pre-cooked diced potatoes or even frozen hash browns.

Cooked chicken is the star protein. Whether you use rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or even grilled chicken breast, it’s important to shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces for even distribution.

Fresh broccoli florets add a pop of color and a boost of nutrition. Lightly steaming or roasting them beforehand ensures they stay tender-crisp, not mushy, during baking.

Cheddar cheese is the key to that irresistible cheesy topping. For the best flavor and melt, shred your cheese fresh instead of using pre-shredded.

Cream sauce ingredients like sour cream, milk, and a touch of cream cheese create a luscious base. Combined with chicken broth, it adds richness without overwhelming the dish.

No special equipment is needed beyond a sharp knife, a large mixing bowl, and a 9x13-inch casserole dish.

How to Make This Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Creating this casserole is straightforward, even for beginner cooks. Follow these steps for a delicious, golden-brown casserole that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.

Start by prepping your potatoes. Wash and scrub russet potatoes, then dice them into bite-sized cubes. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast in a 400°F oven for 20 minutes until golden and tender. This step enhances their flavor and ensures they hold up well in the casserole.

While the potatoes roast, lightly steam your broccoli florets. You want them tender-crisp to prevent overcooking in the casserole. If you prefer a roasted flavor, you can toss them in olive oil and roast alongside the potatoes for the last 10 minutes.

In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken with sour cream, milk, softened cream cheese, chicken broth, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy, then season with garlic powder, paprika, and a touch of salt and pepper.

Layer the roasted potatoes into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish, followed by the steamed broccoli. Pour the chicken and cheese mixture evenly over the top, spreading it out to cover all the ingredients. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar over the surface for that gooey, melty topping.

Bake the casserole at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

From start to finish, this casserole takes about an hour, making it an excellent weeknight or weekend dinner option.

Storage Options

This casserole is perfect for meal prep or leftovers, as it reheats beautifully.

Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.

Freezer: You can freeze this casserole before or after baking. To freeze unbaked, assemble the casserole, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. If freezing baked, allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a 375°F oven until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

This casserole is endlessly adaptable, making it easy to tweak to your preferences or ingredient availability.

Swap the protein: Try ground turkey, diced ham, or even cooked sausage instead of chicken for a fun twist.

Change up the veggies: Cauliflower, zucchini, or spinach are great substitutes for broccoli. You can even use a medley of your favorite frozen vegetables.

Try a different cheese: While cheddar is classic, Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or a Mexican cheese blend would be delicious alternatives.

Lighten it up: Use low-fat sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and skim milk for a lighter version. The flavors will still be rich and satisfying.

Add a crispy topping: Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers or seasoned breadcrumbs over the top before baking for a crunchy finish.

Don’t be afraid to experiment – this recipe is as flexible as it is delicious! Whether you stick to the classic version or try something new, you’re guaranteed a crowd-pleasing meal that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy.