Chicken Potato Broccoli Casserole: One Cozy Dish for the Whole Table
Samantha
This chicken potato broccoli casserole is a creamy, cheesy, all-in-one dinner solution! Packed with tender chicken, crispy potatoes, and nutritious broccoli, this comforting casserole is perfect for weeknight meals, freezer prep, or potluck sharing. It’s hearty, flexible, and loved by kids and adults alike.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 45 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins
Course Dinner
Cuisine American, Comfort Food
Servings 6 servings
Calories 460 kcal
- 4 medium potatoes peeled and diced
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or cubed
- 2 cups chopped broccoli fresh or thawed from frozen
- 2 cups shredded cheese cheddar or a blend
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk whole preferred
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: paprika bacon crumbles, hot sauce
Preheat and PrepPreheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish. Boil the PotatoesBoil diced potatoes in salted water for 8–10 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and set aside. Make the Cheese SauceIn a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk, stirring until thickened (about 5 minutes). Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix in 1 1/2 cups of cheese until melted. Assemble the CasseroleLayer the cooked potatoes, chicken, and broccoli in your baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over everything. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake and ServeCover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake 10–15 more minutes until golden and bubbly. Garnish with paprika or bacon bits if desired.
Secret Tips for Chicken Potato Broccoli Casserole
1. Parboil the Potatoes for the Perfect Texture: Raw potatoes can take longer to cook than the rest of your ingredients. To avoid undercooked chunks, parboil baby potatoes for about 5–7 minutes before mixing them into the casserole. This ensures they're fork-tender by the time your casserole is golden and bubbly.
2. Use a Mix of Cheeses for Depth of Flavor: While cheddar is classic, combining it with mozzarella for stretch and parmesan for sharpness gives the dish a more complex, restaurant-quality flavor. Opt for block cheese and shred it yourself—it melts smoother than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
3. Dry the Broccoli to Prevent a Watery Casserole: Whether using frozen or fresh broccoli, pat it dry after rinsing or defrosting. Extra moisture can make your casserole watery instead of creamy. If using frozen, thaw it completely and blot it with a paper towel before adding.
4. Add Garlic Powder and Onion Powder for Extra Depth: Just a ½ teaspoon of each adds a subtle richness and enhances the overall savory flavor without needing to sauté anything separately.
5. Let It Rest Before Serving: As tempting as it is to dig in right away, let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking. This allows the cheese to set and the sauce to thicken, making it easier to slice and serve clean portions.
6. Sneak in More Veggies (They Won’t Notice!): Diced carrots, cauliflower, or even peas blend in beautifully with the creamy cheese sauce. A great way to increase nutrients without alerting picky eaters.
These tips turn your easy cheesy chicken potato broccoli casserole into a weeknight masterpiece you’ll crave again and again.Keyword broccoli_potato_chicken_bake, cheesy_chicken_broccoli_bake, chicken_potato_broccoli_casserole, easy_casserole_with_chicken_and_potatoes, family_friendly_casserole_recipe, healthy_chicken_broccoli_meal, kid_approved_dinner_casserole, make_ahead_chicken_dinner
