Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Imagine sinking your fork into a creamy, cheesy Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole that combines crispy potato edges with tender chicken and vibrant broccoli florets. This hearty one-dish wonder transforms simple ingredients into a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing. The magic happens when these everyday ingredients meld together under a blanket of melted cheese, creating irresistible flavors your family will request again and again. You’ll learn how to layer these ingredients perfectly for maximum flavor and discover simple techniques to ensure this Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole turns out perfectly every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that doesn’t sacrifice nutrition for flavor. The combination of tender chicken breast pieces nestled among creamy potato chunks creates a satisfying textural contrast that keeps every bite interesting. The broccoli adds vibrant color and a slight crunch, while absorbing the rich, savory flavors of the sauce.

What makes this casserole truly special is its versatility—it’s elegant enough for Sunday dinner but simple enough for weeknight meals. The cheesy top layer forms a golden, slightly crispy crust that gives way to the creamy, herb-infused interior. Even picky eaters will be drawn to the familiar, comforting aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes.

The beauty of this potato broccoli chicken bake lies in its complete meal status—protein, vegetables, and carbs all in one dish, meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying dinner with loved ones. The make-ahead potential makes this dish perfect for busy families who need reliable, delicious meals without last-minute stress.

Ingredients

For this hearty Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole, you’ll need:

• 2 lbs (900g) russet potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes (Yukon golds work beautifully too for a buttery flavor)
• 1½ lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 cups (340g) fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups (200g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

The cream creates the luxurious base for this chicken potato casserole, while the combination of fresh garlic and garlic powder provides depth of flavor. Choose high-quality sharp cheddar for the best melting properties and flavor concentration.

Pro Tips

Master the Pre-Cook: Partially cooking the potatoes before assembling the casserole ensures they’ll be perfectly tender when the rest of the ingredients are done. Boil the potato cubes for just 5-7 minutes until they’re slightly softened but still firm in the center. This head start prevents the common problem of undercooked potatoes in the finished casserole.

Perfect the Sauce Consistency: The secret to a non-watery Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole lies in the roux. When combining butter and flour, cook the mixture for at least 1 minute before slowly adding liquids. This eliminates the raw flour taste and creates the proper thickness. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon—if it’s too thin, your casserole will be soggy; too thick, and it won’t properly distribute among the ingredients.

Maximize Flavor Layering: Season each component individually rather than relying solely on the sauce for flavor. This means lightly seasoning the potatoes during their pre-cook, seasoning the chicken before browning, and even tossing the broccoli with a pinch of salt. This builds a depth of flavor that makes every bite of your chicken broccoli potato bake more satisfying and complex.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place your cubed potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, add 1 teaspoon salt, and bring to a boil. Cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly tender but still firm. Drain well and set aside. During this time, cut your chicken into even pieces and chop your broccoli into bite-sized florets.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half the paprika. Brown the chicken in batches for about 3-4 minutes until golden (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked). Remove and set aside. This partial cooking ensures your chicken stays juicy in the final dish.

Step 3: Create the Flavorful Base

In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and butter. Add diced onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux, being careful not to burn it.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Gradually whisk in chicken broth, ensuring no lumps remain. Slowly add the heavy cream while continuing to whisk. Add dried thyme, remaining paprika, and garlic powder. Bring to a gentle simmer until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheese until melted. Taste and adjust seasonings.

Step 5: Assemble Your Casserole

Spread half the potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Top with half the chicken pieces and half the broccoli florets. Pour half the sauce over this layer. Repeat with remaining potatoes, chicken, and broccoli, then top with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese evenly over the top.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown, the cheese is bubbly, and the broccoli is tender. Let your Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set up slightly.

Variations

Loaded Baked Potato Version: Transform this Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole into a loaded baked potato experience by adding 6 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon to the layers. Top the finished casserole with a dollop of sour cream, sliced green onions, and extra bacon crumbles for that classic loaded potato flavor. The smoky bacon adds another dimension that works beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Mediterranean Twist: Create a Mediterranean-inspired variation by substituting the cheddar with feta cheese, adding 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, and incorporating 1/2 cup of chopped kalamata olives. Season with oregano and basil instead of thyme, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh dill before serving. This bright, tangy version of the chicken potato broccoli bake offers a lighter flavor profile perfect for summer dinners.

Dairy-Free Option: Make this casserole dairy-free by replacing the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and the cheese with your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative. The coconut milk adds a subtle sweetness that complements the savory elements, while modern plant-based cheeses provide the melty texture needed for that classic casserole experience.

Storage and Serving

Store leftover Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making this an excellent make-ahead meal. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

When reheating, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth if it seems dry. For quicker reheating, microwave individual portions, but the texture will be better maintained in the oven.

Serve this hearty casserole alongside a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness. For a beautiful presentation, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of paprika. This potato chicken casserole also pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread for soaking up the creamy sauce, creating a complete, satisfying meal that needs little else.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli florets in this Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole. There’s no need to thaw them first—add them frozen to the casserole layers. Just be aware that frozen broccoli releases more moisture, so you might want to reduce the chicken broth by 2-3 tablespoons.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time since you’re starting with a cold dish.

What can I substitute for heavy cream to make it lighter?
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or a combination of whole milk and Greek yogurt for the heavy cream. The sauce won’t be quite as rich but will still provide creaminess to your broccoli potato chicken bake.

Why is my casserole watery?
Excess moisture usually comes from not draining the potatoes well enough or using vegetables with high water content. Make sure to drain the par-boiled potatoes thoroughly and if using frozen broccoli, account for the extra moisture by reducing liquid elsewhere in the recipe.

Can I use rotisserie chicken to save time?
Yes! Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this recipe and is a great time-saver. Simply shred or cube about 3-4 cups of rotisserie chicken and add it directly to the casserole layers, skipping the chicken browning step.

Conclusion

This Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is comfort food at its finest — a perfect harmony of creamy, cheesy goodness with hearty, nutritious ingredients that satisfy both body and soul. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a special family dinner, bringing everyone together around the table with its irresistible aroma and flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, preparing a meal for friends, or simply wanting something delicious that provides leftovers for busy days ahead, this casserole delivers comfort in every bite.

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