Baked Potato Chicken Broccoli Casserole
A warm, hearty, and cheesy casserole combining tender chicken, fluffy baked potatoes, and vibrant broccoli in a creamy cheese sauce. This one-dish meal is easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights, and great for feeding the whole family with minimal cleanup.
- Author: Judy
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (boneless, skinless)
- 2 cups baked potatoes, diced (day-old preferred)
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed or blanched (fresh or frozen)
Cheese Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 2 cups milk
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping (Optional)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs / crushed crackers / fried onions)
- Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli: Cook and shred or dice the chicken breasts. Steam or blanch broccoli florets until just tender but still vibrant and slightly crisp to retain texture.
- Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes without browning. Gradually whisk in milk, adding a little at a time, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Mix the Casserole Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked broccoli, and diced baked potatoes. Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and gently fold until all ingredients are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Assemble and Bake: Grease a baking dish and transfer the mixture into it, spreading evenly. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly on top for a crunchy crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is golden and bubbly around the edges.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes to let it set and make serving easier. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives and freshly ground black pepper if desired.
Notes
- Use day-old baked potatoes for better texture to prevent mushiness during baking.
- Don’t overcook broccoli to maintain its vibrant color and crunch.
- Shred the chicken finely for even distribution throughout the casserole.
- Make the cheese sauce slowly by adding milk gradually while whisking to avoid lumps.
- Customize the topping by swapping breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or fried onions for varied textures.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: baked potato casserole, chicken broccoli casserole, cheesy chicken casserole, family dinner, one-dish meal, gluten-free casserole, comfort food