A Cheesy Baked Potato, Chicken, and Broccoli Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Here’s a recipe you can try:
Ingredients:
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups broccoli florets, lightly steamed or blanched
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheeses, like mozzarella and cheddar)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup milk (you can use whole or 2%)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a bit of flavor and color)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for a crunchy topping)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for the breadcrumbs, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similarly sized casserole dish.
- Cook the Potatoes: Boil the cubed potatoes in salted water for about 10 minutes, until they are fork-tender. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still bright green. If your chicken isn’t cooked, you can pan-sear it or use a pre-cooked option like rotisserie chicken.
- Make the Cheese Mixture: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Stir in the cream cheese, sour cream, and milk, whisking until smooth. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked potatoes, chicken, and broccoli.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Optional Breadcrumb Topping: If you want a crunchy topping, toss the breadcrumbs with olive oil, then sprinkle them over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this cheesy, hearty, and delicious dish!
You can adjust the recipe with different cheeses or add-ins like bacon for extra flavor.
