Cheesy Baked Potato Chicken And Broccoli Casserole

If you’re searching for a comforting, delicious, and surprisingly easy weeknight meal, look no further than this Cheesy Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole. This recipe is designed to be a go-to solution for busy families, delivering a balanced and satisfying dish that everyone will love.

Key Ingredients for Cheesy Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 ½ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about ⅛-inch thick)
• 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make Cheesy Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

This Cheesy Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is a dream to make, combining simple ingredients into a flavor-packed masterpiece. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and hearty potatoes, it’s a dish that truly warms the soul. The preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, and the baking time is about 45-55 minutes, making it perfectly manageable for a weeknight.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven and prepare the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This will prevent the casserole from sticking.
2. Cook the chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bite-sized chicken pieces with a tablespoon of oil (if not using an oil-free method) until they are browned and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder as they cook. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Blanch the broccoli (if using fresh): If you are using fresh broccoli, it’s a good idea to blanch it briefly to ensure it’s tender. Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil, add the broccoli florets, and cook for 2-3 minutes. Immediately drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. If using frozen broccoli, you can skip this step.
4. Prepare the creamy sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, and melted butter until smooth. Stir in ½ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and ¼ cup of the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with additional salt and pepper to your liking.
5. Assemble the casserole: Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes in a single layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. If some slices overlap slightly, that’s perfectly fine.
6. Add the chicken and broccoli: Evenly distribute the cooked chicken pieces over the layer of potatoes. Then, scatter the blanched (or frozen) broccoli florets over the chicken.
7. Pour the sauce: Pour the prepared creamy sauce evenly over the chicken, broccoli, and potatoes, ensuring all ingredients are well-coated.
8. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole.
9. Bake the casserole: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
10. Uncover and finish baking: Remove the aluminum foil and bake for an additional 15-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the cheese topping is golden brown and bubbly. The exact baking time will depend on the thickness of your potato slices and your oven.
11. Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

This Cheesy Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is an absolute triumph of comfort food, characterized by its unbelievably creamy sauce that beautifully binds together tender chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, and hearty, savory potatoes. It’s a meal that feels incredibly indulgent yet is astonishingly budget-friendly to create at home, saving you a significant amount compared to dining out or ordering pre-made meals. The simple seasoning and classic cheese topping are elevated by the fresh ingredients, creating a symphony of flavors that rivals any gourmet dish, making it a steadfast favorite similar to a classic chicken pot pie but with a delightful potato twist. Prepare to be amazed by the satisfying textures and robust taste that this casserole delivers, and we encourage you to whip up this culinary hug for your next family dinner – you won’t regret it!

Storing and Reheating Tips

• Refrigeration: Once the Cheesy Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole has cooled completely, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze portions of the casserole. Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating from Refrigerator: To reheat, transfer a portion of the casserole to an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, covered, until hot.
• Reheating from Freezer: To reheat from frozen, it’s best to thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight first. Once thawed, follow the reheating instructions for refrigerated leftovers. Alternatively, you can bake directly from frozen, but it will take significantly longer (approximately 45-60 minutes), covered, at 350°F (175°C), until heated through.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is the ultimate comfort meal that delivers on flavor, simplicity, and value. It’s a testament to how wholesome ingredients can create something truly extraordinary, and we can’t wait for you to experience its deliciousness in your own kitchen.