Chicken Broccoli Potato Casserole

Chicken Broccoli Potato Casserole is one of those meals that just feels like a hug on a plate. It’s warm, comforting, and filled with a trio of classic ingredients that simply work together like old friends. Imagine tender pieces of chicken mingling with vibrant broccoli and creamy, luscious potatoes, all coated in a cheesy, savory sauce. Ah, what’s not to love? This dish shines on busy weeknights when you want something easy, nourishing, and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Jump to:

• Why This Recipe Works
• Why You’ll Love This Chicken Broccoli Potato Casserole
• Ingredients
• Preparing the Vegetables
• Cook the Potatoes
• Blanch the Broccoli
• Making the Sauce
• Sauté the Onions
• Create the Roux
• Combine Liquid Ingredients
• Assembling the Casserole
• Mix in Chicken and Vegetables
• Add Cheese
• Baking the Casserole
• Prepare for Baking
• Transfer Mixture to Dish
• Top with Breadcrumbs and Cheese
• Bake the Casserole
• Serving Suggestions
• Tips for Success
• Variations
• Storage Tips
• Pairing Ideas
• FAQs
• More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:
• 📖 Recipe Card

As you whip it up, you’ll not only savor the delightful aroma wafting through your home, but you’ll also love how quickly it comes together. Plus, it’s a breeze to customize with whatever cheese or spices your family enjoys. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or whipping up a simple dinner for two, Chicken Broccoli Potato Casserole fits the bill perfectly. So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!

Why This Recipe Works

Chicken Broccoli Potato Casserole is an all-in-one dish that beautifully combines tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and creamy potatoes, resulting in a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. The balance of flavors and textures creates a delightful experience for your taste buds, while the ease of preparation makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious dinner ready that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Broccoli Potato Casserole

This casserole is perfect for feeding a family or for meal prepping for the week. It’s rich in protein, vegetables, and hearty carbs, making it a complete meal in itself. You’ll appreciate the simple ingredients, and the leftovers (if there are any) taste even better the next day. It can be customized with your favorite cheeses or additional seasonings, creating a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

To make your Chicken Broccoli Potato Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound cooked chicken breast – chopped or shredded
• 4 cups peeled and chopped (into cubes) white potatoes
• 2 large heads of broccoli – chopped, florets only
• 4 tablespoons salted butter
• ½ cup minced white onion
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth/stock
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (white or orange) – divided
• 1 teaspoon smooth Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs

Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a warming casserole perfect for any occasion.

Preparing the Vegetables

Cook the Potatoes

Begin by boiling the chopped potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, which takes about 10-15 minutes. Once they’re fork-tender, drain and set them aside.

Blanch the Broccoli

In the same pot, add the broccoli florets. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and immediately plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process; this preserves their beautiful color and crunch.

Making the Sauce

Sauté the Onions

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. As it melts, add the minced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes. The onions should become translucent and fragrant.

Create the Roux

Now it’s time to sprinkle the flour over the cooked onions. Stir for about 2 minutes, allowing the mixture to turn slightly golden. This roux will help thicken your delicious sauce.

Combine Liquid Ingredients

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and whole milk. Take your time to ensure no lumps form. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, which usually takes around 5 minutes. The aroma will be incredible!

Assembling the Casserole

Mix in Chicken and Vegetables

Next, stir in the cooked chicken, blanched broccoli, and boiled potatoes. Add the Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix everything well until combined; you’re creating a harmonious flavor profile here.

Add Cheese

Now comes the cheesy goodness! Fold in 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, reserving the remaining ½ cup for topping later. The cheese melts throughout the mixture, adding richness and depth.

Baking the Casserole

Prepare for Baking

With everything mixed, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This ensures your casserole won’t stick while baking.

Transfer Mixture to Dish

Carefully pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, making sure each corner is filled with that delicious goodness.

Top with Breadcrumbs and Cheese

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and the reserved cheese. Toss them nicely to mingle and then sprinkle this mixture over the casserole. This adds a delightful crunch on top.

Bake the Casserole

Slide your casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You want to wait until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown. It’s so tempting to peek inside, but trust in the baking magic happening!

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Broccoli Potato Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. A simple vinaigrette can brighten the flavors of your plate, and you can even consider serving it with some crusty bread for soaking up all that cheesy sauce.

Tips for Success

• Make sure the potatoes are cut into even cubes. This ensures they cook uniformly and complement the other ingredients perfectly.
• Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set, making serving much easier and ensuring that each slice holds together beautifully.

Variations

Feel free to get creative! You can swap broccoli for your favorite veggies like cauliflower, spinach, or even bell peppers. If you want a zing, add spices such as paprika or chili flakes for a bit of heat. The possibilities are endless, so make this casserole your own!

Storage Tips

If you happen to have leftovers (which might not happen if you’re feeding a hungry family), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply bake in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. This casserole tastes almost as good the next day!

Pairing Ideas

Enjoy your Chicken Broccoli Potato Casserole with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, pair it with sparkling water and a slice of lemon for a refreshing twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly! Just thaw and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the casserole, ensuring it doesn’t water down your dish.

2. How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare and assemble the casserole ahead of time, then cover and refrigerate it. When it’s time to bake, just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

3. Is this casserole gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free flour for the roux and substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs.

4. Can I use raw chicken?
Yes, you can use raw chicken. Just cook it through in the skillet before adding it to the mixture, ensuring it’s safe to eat.

5. How long does it take to cook?
Preparation takes about 20 minutes, and baking time is around 30 minutes, bringing your total to about 50 minutes from start to finish.

Chicken Broccoli Potato Casserole is a delightful and nourishing dish that encapsulates comfort in every bite. With its combination of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy potatoes, it’s easy to see why this recipe has become a family favorite. Plus, it’s versatile and allows for creative variations, ensuring that every family member can enjoy a personal touch. Whether shared at the dinner table or enjoyed as leftovers, this casserole brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal.

More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:

• Apple Fritter Bites
• Egg Salad
• Butter Stuffed Dates
• Grilled Pineapple Chicken

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