Easy Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe: Wholesome Family Meal in 35 Minutes

If you're looking for the ultimate comfort food that brings together tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy potatoes, this Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is the perfect choice! It's rich, hearty, and brimming with flavors that your whole family will love. Not only is it easy to make, but the combination of wholesome ingredients also makes it a nourishing meal for everyone at the table.

Photo byRecipes By Lisa

I first stumbled upon this gem of a recipe at the Facebook page "Recipes by Lisa" here, and I just had to share it with all of you. The moment I tasted the combination of cheesy goodness with soft, baked potatoes and the perfect bite of broccoli and chicken, I knew it would become a family favorite. Now, it's my go-to for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners!

The History of Casseroles

The casserole has long been a beloved dish in American households, known for its versatility and ability to bring people together. This dish has its roots in the French term "casserole," meaning a deep, ovenproof dish. Over time, it evolved in the U.S. into a method of baking hearty ingredients in one dish, making it both convenient and delicious. This baked potato chicken and broccoli casserole is a modern twist on that classic tradition—combining the creamy, rich flavors with the freshness of vegetables and the protein punch of chicken.

Recipe: Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 4 large baked potatoes, cubed
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup cooked bacon bits (optional)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
• 2 tbsp melted butter (for topping)

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and hot.
2. Prepare the Casserole Dish: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli, and cubed baked potatoes. This ensures every bite will have a delicious balance of meat, veggies, and potatoes.
3. Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour this creamy sauce over the chicken, broccoli, and potatoes, and stir until everything is evenly coated.
4. Add Cheese and Bacon: If you're opting for the bacon bits, fold them in now along with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. This adds a smoky, savory touch to the dish.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish, making sure it's nicely packed but not too pressed.
6. Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and the breadcrumb mixture over the casserole for that perfectly crispy, cheesy topping.
7. Bake: Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
8. Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is best enjoyed warm, and it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables on the side.

Pro Tip:

If you want to make this dish even more flavorful, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra layer of richness. For a gluten-free version, you can swap out the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs, and this dish still tastes amazing!

Customization:

For a vegetarian twist, simply omit the chicken and bacon, and increase the broccoli amount, or add cauliflower for variety. You could even mix in a plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas for extra texture and protein.

I hope you enjoy this comforting and delicious Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole as much as I do! If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to follow me for more easy and family-friendly meals like this. Make sure to try it out and let me know how it turns out by leaving a comment below! Don’t forget to share it with friends and family who love hearty casseroles.