Description
A comforting and hearty casserole combining tender baked potatoes, succulent chicken, and fresh broccoli in a creamy, cheesy dish perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. This one-dish meal balances protein, vegetables, and carbs with family-friendly flavors and easy customization options.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 medium baked potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 2 cups broccoli florets, lightly steamed
- 1 cup cheese blend (cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda), shredded
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 small onion, sautéed and diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced and sautéed
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Your choice of herbs (e.g., thyme or rosemary), chopped
Optional Extras
- ½ cup bacon bits
- 1 tsp paprika
- Dash of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños (for spice)
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes and chicken: Bake the potatoes until tender, allow them to cool slightly, then peel and dice into bite-size pieces. If chicken is not pre-cooked, poach or roast chicken breasts until juicy, then shred or cube for the casserole.
- Steam the broccoli: Lightly steam broccoli florets so they remain crisp but cooked through, preserving their vibrant color and texture.
- Mix the casserole base: In a large bowl, combine baked potato chunks, cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, sour cream, sautéed onions, and garlic. Add the shredded cheese and season well with salt, pepper, and your chosen herbs. Stir thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble and bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with extra cheese for a golden crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Rest and serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes to let flavors meld and facilitate portioning. Garnish with chopped chives, parsley, or a sprinkle of paprika before serving.
Notes
- Use day-old potatoes to help absorb flavors better and prevent sogginess.
- Do not overcook broccoli; keep it firm to maintain texture and color.
- Choose a sharp cheese like sharp cheddar or tangy cheese to add flavor depth.
- For added texture, scatter crispy bacon bits or breadcrumbs on top before baking.
- If mixture is too thick, add a splash of milk or cream before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg