Ingredients
3 pounds red potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sour cream
½–1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
1 medium broccoli crown (about 2–3 cups bite-sized florets)
3 cups cooked chicken, chopped
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 10-inch square baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
Cook the Potatoes
Place the diced potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for 10–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain well and return them to the warm pot.
Place the pot back on the turned-off burner for 1–2 minutes to allow any remaining moisture to evaporate. This helps create fluffy mashed potatoes instead of a watery casserole.
Cook the Broccoli and Bacon
While the potatoes are cooking, steam or roast the broccoli florets until they are bright green and just tender, about 4–5 minutes. Avoid overcooking so the broccoli keeps a slight crunch. Drain any excess moisture.
Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate. Once cooled, crumble or chop it into small pieces.
Prepare the Potato Mixture
Mash the cooked potatoes with a potato masher until mostly smooth, leaving a few small chunks for texture.
Add the softened butter, sour cream, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir until the potatoes become creamy and well combined.
Combine the Casserole
Add the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, crumbled bacon, and 1 cup of the shredded cheese to the mashed potatoes. Fold everything together gently until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
Add the Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.
For an extra golden topping, broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions if desired.
Serve hot with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or warm dinner rolls for a complete meal.
Description
Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is the ultimate comfort food packed with creamy mashed potatoes, tender chicken, crisp broccoli, smoky bacon, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese. Every bite is rich, hearty, and full of homemade flavor.
This easy casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, potlucks, or family gatherings. It combines simple ingredients into a satisfying one-pan meal that’s both filling and delicious.
Pro Tips for Best Results
Drain the potatoes thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole.
Steam the broccoli just until tender-crisp to preserve its bright color and texture.
Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful shortcut.
Freshly shred your cheese for smoother melting and a creamier texture.
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving so it slices more easily.
Variations
Use Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican cheese blend instead of cheddar.
Add sautéed mushrooms, corn, or diced bell peppers for extra vegetables.
Substitute turkey or ham for the chicken to create a different flavor.
Mix a little cream cheese into the mashed potatoes for an even richer casserole.
Top with crushed buttery crackers or panko breadcrumbs before baking for a crispy finish.
Nutritional Information
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8
Approximate per serving:
Calories: 510 kcal
Carbohydrates: 29 g
Protein: 28 g
Fat: 31 g
Sugar: 3 g
Conclusion
Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is a warm, satisfying meal that brings together creamy potatoes, juicy chicken, fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, and melted cheese in every bite. Easy to prepare and packed with comforting flavors, this casserole is sure to become a favorite recipe for family dinners, holidays, and meal prepping alike.