The Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Baked Potato Casserole is the epitome of cozy, comforting food. Packed with tender chicken, fluffy potatoes, and steamed broccoli, all wrapped in a luscious cheesy sauce, this dish brings all your favorite comfort food elements into one creamy, bubbling bake.
It’s the kind of recipe that’s perfect for chilly nights, family dinners, or when you need a delicious, one-pan meal that makes everyone happy. The cheesy top gets perfectly golden in the oven, while the hearty filling delivers flavor in every bite. Plus, it’s super easy to prep ahead and reheat for the next day!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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3 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
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4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
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2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
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1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup sour cream
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1 cup milk
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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½ teaspoon paprika
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
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2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cubed potatoes and cook for 10-12 minutes until tender but not falling apart. Drain and set aside.
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In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
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In a large bowl, mix sour cream, milk, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Fold in the cooked chicken, potatoes, broccoli, and half the cheese.
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Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining cheese and bacon, if using.
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Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Garnish with green onions before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 490 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
### Introduction to Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Baked Potato Casserole
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Baked Potato Casserole is a beloved, heartwarming comfort dish that combines three classic ingredients—chicken, broccoli, and potatoes—with rich, melty cheese in a single, satisfying bake. This casserole is more than just a recipe—it’s a symbol of home-cooked goodness, ideal for feeding families, impressing guests, or just indulging in a cozy night in. It brings together all the nostalgic flavors of a homey chicken dinner with the modern convenience of a one-pan meal.
This dish has grown in popularity not just because of how tasty and satisfying it is, but also because it suits so many meal situations. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, bringing something to a potluck, or preparing dinner for picky eaters, this casserole is a reliable favorite. It’s the perfect fusion of protein, veggies, and starch, covered in cheese—that’s what we call a triple threat.
### A Comfort Food Classic
The concept of a casserole is nothing new—it dates back decades as a go-to for efficient, hearty cooking. What makes this one special is how it elevates simple ingredients like potatoes and broccoli with the richness of cheese and the savory bite of seasoned chicken. The baked potatoes add a rustic base that’s both filling and full of texture, while the broccoli provides color, fiber, and a mild earthiness that balances the dish’s creamy elements. Shredded chicken adds lean protein and soaks up the flavors of the sauce, creating that “stick-to-your-ribs” kind of comfort food experience.
There’s also something truly magical about the smell of a cheesy casserole baking in the oven. It triggers instant anticipation, filling your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas that make people ask, “What’s cooking?” before they even walk through the door.
### Why This Dish Works So Well
One of the major appeals of this dish is how adaptable it is. Got leftover rotisserie chicken? Toss it in. Prefer turkey or even a vegetarian substitute? Totally fine. Want to use a sharper cheese or mix in mozzarella for extra stretch? Go for it. You can change up the spices, add in crispy bacon for more crunch, or even use cauliflower instead of potatoes for a low-carb twist.
Another reason for its success is its balanced flavor profile. The potatoes offer a soft, comforting texture that contrasts beautifully with the slight crunch of the broccoli. The chicken, usually seasoned and shredded, brings a satisfying bite to the mix, and the cheese acts as the creamy glue that ties everything together. Add a dollop of sour cream or a splash of milk, and you’ve got yourself a decadent casserole that’s easy on the effort but big on payoff.
Nutrition and Family-Friendly Benefits
While this casserole is definitely on the indulgent side, it doesn’t mean it can’t be nutritious with a few mindful tweaks. Broccoli is rich in vitamins C and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants. Chicken provides lean protein, which is essential for muscle health, energy, and overall well-being. Potatoes, while sometimes underrated, are also a good source of potassium and vitamin B6.
Parents love this dish because it’s one of those rare recipes that can sneak vegetables into a kid-approved meal without much resistance. Cover something in cheese, and you’ve got a winning strategy for even the pickiest eaters. It’s also a fantastic way to batch-cook—make a big pan on Sunday night, and you’ll have lunch or dinner ready to reheat for a few days.
The History Behind the Ingredients
The combination of chicken and broccoli has long been a favorite in everything from casseroles to stir-fries. It’s a pairing that balances lean meat with nutrient-dense vegetables, and it’s been a staple in many cultures, especially in American and European home cooking. The cheesy element of this dish nods to American culinary comfort traditions, where melty, golden cheese often signals warmth, indulgence, and satisfaction.
Potatoes, on the other hand, are one of the world’s most versatile and widely consumed vegetables. Their hearty texture makes them the perfect canvas for sauces, cheese, and other toppings. When baked, they offer a fluffy interior and crisp edges—exactly what you want in a casserole.
Ideal for Every Occasion
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Baked Potato Casserole is one of those recipes that feels just as appropriate for a weeknight dinner as it does for a special occasion. It holds up well for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or meal trains for friends and family going through big life events. You can dress it up with garnishes like crispy onions or herbs or keep it rustic and simple.
Its simplicity is its superpower—you don’t need advanced kitchen skills to make it. In fact, it’s the kind of dish that beginners often feel proud of after making because it turns out so well. You can even prep the ingredients ahead of time and assemble when ready to bake.
Storage and Leftover Ideas
Another perk? It keeps and reheats beautifully. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze individual portions for future meals. When reheating, just pop it in the oven or microwave until hot and bubbly again. If you’re into meal prepping, this casserole is a must-have in your rotation.
You can also get creative with leftovers. Turn them into a hearty wrap, stuff them into baked sweet potatoes, or even use them as a filling for savory hand pies. There’s no limit to how you can stretch one batch of this cheesy masterpiece into multiple meals.
Crowd-Pleasing and Customizable
This casserole is a true crowd-pleaser because it checks so many boxes. It’s warm, creamy, cheesy, hearty, and totally satisfying. It’s also flexible—perfect for those who want to add more spice, sub in different veggies, or use dairy-free cheese options. The recipe is easy to adapt to gluten-free or keto preferences by switching up the ingredients slightly.
If you’re feeding a large group, just double the recipe and bake it in a larger dish. The result is always a bubbling, golden-topped beauty that will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Baked Potato Casserole is everything you want in a comfort meal: simple, flavorful, filling, and endlessly customizable. It’s a casserole that brings people together—around the dinner table, at a potluck, or during a family gathering. With its rich, cheesy goodness and a balanced mix of wholesome ingredients, it’s a recipe that you’ll keep coming back to time and time again.
Whether you’re a busy parent looking for quick meal options, a college student who needs leftovers that last, or someone who just loves a satisfying casserole, this dish delivers on all fronts. It’s the kind of meal that brings joy, comfort, and flavor to your kitchen—and that’s what great cooking is all about.
Warm, cheesy, and loaded with love—this casserole truly has it all.