Perfect Chicken Potato Broccoli Casserole with 2 Sides!

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Chicken Potato Broccoli Casserole

Chicken Potato Broccoli Casserole has been my go-to weeknight meal for years, a true comfort food that always hits the spot. I remember my mom making a simplified version when I was a kid, and the aroma of baked chicken, tender potatoes, and cheesy goodness filling the kitchen instantly made me feel cozy. Now, I’ve perfected my own version, an easy chicken potato broccoli casserole that’s incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple to whip up, even on busy nights. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, eager for a hearty slice. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Potato Broccoli Casserole

  • It’s packed with incredible flavor, a truly cheesy chicken potato broccoli casserole dream.
  • Minimal prep time means you can have dinner on the table fast.
  • It’s a surprisingly healthy chicken potato broccoli casserole, loaded with protein and veggies.
  • This dish is incredibly budget-friendly, using common pantry staples.
  • It’s the ultimate family-friendly meal that even picky eaters will devour.
  • The texture is wonderfully balanced, offering a satisfyingly creamy chicken potato broccoli casserole experience.
  • Cleanup is a breeze, often requiring just one pan!

Ingredients for Chicken Potato Broccoli Casserole

Gathering these chicken potato broccoli casserole ingredients is the first step to a delicious meal. This recipe is designed for simplicity and flavor, perfect for a busy weeknight or a comforting Sunday dinner. You can even swap in chicken potato broccoli bake with cream of mushroom soup if you prefer a slightly different flavor profile!

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced – rotisserie chicken works great here!
  • 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced – Yukon Golds or Russets are excellent choices for their creamy texture when baked.
  • 2 cups broccoli florets – fresh is best, but frozen and thawed works too.
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded – sharp cheddar adds a nice tang.
  • 1 cup cream of chicken soup – this is the base for our creamy sauce.
  • 1/2 cup milk – whole milk makes it extra rich.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil – for greasing the dish and optional topping.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder – adds a savory depth.
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder – complements the garlic nicely.
  • Salt and pepper to taste – essential for balancing flavors.
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping) – for a delightful crunchy finish.

How to Make This Easy Chicken Potato Broccoli Casserole

Let’s walk through exactly how to make chicken potato broccoli casserole that’s bursting with flavor and oh-so-satisfying. This simple recipe comes together quickly, making it a perfect weeknight dinner solution that tastes like a labor of love.

  1. Step 1: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch casserole dish and give it a light coating with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Step 2: Get your potatoes ready by cooking the 4 cups diced potatoes in boiling salted water for about 10-15 minutes. You want them tender enough to easily pierce with a fork, but not mushy. Drain them well and set aside.
  3. Step 3: While the potatoes cook, prepare your chicken. You’ll need 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced. Using pre-cooked chicken like rotisserie chicken makes this step super fast!
  4. Step 4: Next, prepare the broccoli. Take your 2 cups broccoli florets and steam or blanch them for just 3-5 minutes until they’re bright green and slightly tender-crisp. Drain off any excess moisture; we don’t want a watery casserole!
  5. Step 5: Now for the magic! In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, tender potatoes, and vibrant broccoli. Add the 1 cup cream of chicken soup, 1/2 cup milk, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything gently until it’s all beautifully coated.
  6. Step 6: Pour this delicious mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. The aroma at this stage is already amazing!
  7. Step 7: Sprinkle the 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded all over the top. For an extra layer of texture, you can mix the 1/2 cup breadcrumbs with another tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle that over the cheese.
  8. Step 8: Place the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 30 minutes. You’re looking for that glorious moment when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and has a lovely golden-brown hue.
  9. Step 9: Once it’s perfectly baked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to slice into neat portions of this fantastic easy chicken potato broccoli casserole. Enjoy every bite!

Chicken Potato Broccoli Casserole - cheesy and creamy texture

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Potato Broccoli Bake Recipe

Want to elevate your chicken, potato, and broccoli bake? Follow these simple tips for a truly outstanding dish that your family will rave about. These tricks ensure a perfect texture and flavor every time you make this comforting meal.

  • Use pre-cooked chicken like rotisserie chicken for ultimate convenience and added flavor.
  • Don’t overcook the potatoes or broccoli; they should be tender-crisp before baking to avoid mushiness.
  • For an extra creamy casserole, use whole milk and ensure your cream of chicken soup is good quality.
  • If you like a crunchy topping, mix breadcrumbs with a little melted butter or olive oil before sprinkling over the cheese.

What’s the secret to a perfect Chicken Potato Broccoli Casserole?

The secret to the best chicken potato broccoli casserole lies in balancing the moisture and textures. Using tender-crisp vegetables and ensuring the sauce isn’t too thin prevents a watery outcome, while the cheese and optional breadcrumbs add that irresistible golden finish. For more tips on achieving perfect textures in your cooking, you can explore resources on cooking potatoes for casseroles.

Can I make Chicken Potato Broccoli Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish is fantastic for meal prep. Assemble the entire chicken potato broccoli casserole for family gatherings or busy weeks up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the fridge.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Chicken Potato Broccoli Casserole?

To make a simple chicken potato broccoli casserole without pitfalls, avoid overcooking your vegetables beforehand. Also, ensure you drain any excess liquid from steamed broccoli or cooked potatoes. Using a good quality cream of chicken soup is also key to a rich, non-watery sauce. If you’re interested in learning more about common cooking mistakes and how to avoid them, check out these common cooking mistakes.

Best Ways to Serve Chicken Potato Broccoli Casserole

This hearty chicken potato broccoli casserole is so versatile, it’s practically a meal in itself! It’s a complete chicken broccoli potato casserole dinner idea with the protein, veggies, and carbs all in one. For a truly satisfying meal, consider serving it with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The crisp greens offer a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy casserole. Another great option is a side of crusty bread for soaking up any delicious sauce left on the plate. You could also pair it with a bowl of hearty tomato soup for an extra layer of comfort on a chilly evening. For more side dish inspiration, explore these recipe ideas.

Chicken Potato Broccoli Casserole - close-up of cheesy topping

Nutrition Facts for Chicken Potato Broccoli Casserole

This chicken potato broccoli casserole is a hearty and satisfying meal. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving, giving you a good idea of what you’re enjoying.

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Fat: 12g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: N/A

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially if you opt for a cheesy chicken potato broccoli casserole or a creamy chicken potato broccoli casserole variation.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Potato Broccoli Casserole

This hearty chicken potato broccoli casserole is fantastic for meal prep, and lucky for you, it stores and reheats beautifully! After baking, let the casserole cool completely on the counter for about 1-2 hours. This is crucial to prevent condensation, which can make leftovers soggy. Once cooled, portion it into airtight containers. You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, this chicken broccoli potato bake recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place them in freezer-safe containers. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. If you’re looking for more meal prep ideas, consider checking out these weight loss recipes that can be prepped ahead.

To reheat, the best method depends on how much you’re warming up. For single servings, pop a portion in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through. If you’re reheating a larger portion or a frozen piece, your oven is your friend. Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, covered, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Potato Broccoli Casserole

What is chicken potato broccoli casserole?

A chicken potato broccoli casserole is a baked dish that combines tender pieces of chicken, soft potatoes, and vibrant broccoli florets, all bound together with a creamy sauce and often topped with cheese. It’s a classic comfort food meal, perfect for a family dinner, and can be made as a chicken potato broccoli casserole recipe easy enough for any weeknight. For other comforting family meals, you might enjoy our turkey meatloaf recipe.

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Yes, absolutely! If you’re using fresh broccoli for your chicken, potato, and broccoli bake, simply cut it into bite-sized florets and steam or blanch them for about 3-5 minutes until they’re tender-crisp. Make sure to drain any excess moisture before adding them to the casserole mixture to prevent a watery result.

What are the best potatoes for this casserole?

For the creamiest texture in your chicken potato broccoli casserole, I recommend using starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds. These potatoes break down slightly when cooked, creating a wonderfully smooth and comforting base for the entire dish. Just make sure they’re peeled and diced into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.

How do I make a chicken potato broccoli casserole without cream of mushroom soup?

If you’re looking for a chicken potato broccoli casserole no cream soup option, you can create a delicious sauce from scratch! Whisk together 1 cup of milk or chicken broth with 2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch until smooth. Then, heat it in a saucepan until thickened before adding it to your chicken, potato, and broccoli mixture. You’ll still get that creamy consistency essential for a great casserole.

Variations of Chicken Potato Broccoli Casserole You Can Try

This classic dish is wonderfully adaptable! If you’re looking for a chicken potato broccoli casserole no cream soup option, you can easily create a creamy sauce from scratch by whisking together milk or broth with a little flour or cornstarch and thickening it on the stovetop before adding it to the mix. For a lighter take, try using Greek yogurt or a lighter soup base, and swap some of the cheese for nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version. You can also experiment with different vegetables like cauliflower or peas, or add some smoky paprika for an extra flavor kick. If you want to simplify cleanup even further, consider making it a true one pan chicken potato broccoli casserole by cooking the potatoes and chicken directly in the baking dish (though this might require slightly different cooking times). For another easy and delicious one-pan meal, check out our Korean BBQ Meatballs.

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Chicken Potato Broccoli Casserole

Perfect Chicken Potato Broccoli Casserole with 2 Sides!


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  • Author: Fenna Saul
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Chicken Potato Broccoli Casserole is a comforting and delicious one-pan meal. It combines tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and vibrant broccoli in a flavorful bake, perfect for family dinners.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the diced potatoes in boiling salted water for 10-15 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
  3. Prepare the chicken by cooking and then shredding or dicing it into bite-sized pieces.
  4. Steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 3-5 minutes. Drain excess moisture.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, potatoes, steamed broccoli, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly coated.
  6. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with olive oil. Pour the mixture into the dish and spread evenly.
  7. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
  8. Optional: Combine breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle over the cheese for crunch.
  9. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  10. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • This casserole can be prepared in advance and refrigerated or frozen.
  • For a gluten-free version, ensure the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free and skip the breadcrumbs or use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • Frozen broccoli can be used; thaw and drain excess moisture first.
  • Cream of mushroom soup can be substituted for cream of chicken soup.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of casserole)
  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Sugar: N/A
  • Sodium: N/A
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: N/A
  • Unsaturated Fat: N/A
  • Trans Fat: N/A
  • Carbohydrates: N/A
  • Fiber: N/A
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: N/A

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