Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole 🥔🍗🥦
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole, a hearty dish perfect for a cozy family dinner or potluck gathering. This recipe harmoniously blends tender red potatoes mashed with butter and sour cream, savory chicken, crispy bacon, vibrant broccoli, and melted cheese. It’s a satisfying meal that will bring warmth and delight to your table.
Ingredients Overview
Potatoes: Red potatoes are perfect for this recipe because of their creamy texture when mashed. Cutting them into 1-inch pieces ensures they cook evenly.
Butter and Sour Cream: These ingredients add a rich, creamy texture to the mashed potatoes, making them irresistibly smooth and flavorful.
Seasonings: Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, granulated garlic, and paprika enhance the dish’s overall taste, giving it a well-rounded savory flavor.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds a vibrant green color and a slight crunch, balancing the creamy and rich elements of the casserole.
Chicken: Use cooked chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken for convenience. The chicken provides a hearty protein component to the dish.
Bacon: Crispy bacon crumbles add a smoky, savory flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Cheese: A blend of cheeses melts beautifully over the casserole, adding a gooey, cheesy finish that ties everything together.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 10-inch square baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes Place the cut potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain and transfer them back to the hot pot.
Step 3: Steam or Roast the Broccoli While the potatoes are boiling, steam or roast the broccoli until hot and barely softened. Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the broccoli.
Step 4: Cook the Bacon Cook the bacon until crispy. Once cooled, chop or crumble the bacon and set aside.
Step 5: Mash the Potatoes Return the pot with the drained potatoes to the warm (but turned off) burner. Using a potato masher, smash the potatoes. Add the butter, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika. Stir until everything is well combined.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients Add the cooked broccoli, chopped chicken, crumbled bacon, and 1 cup of shredded cheese to the pot. Stir thoroughly to mix all ingredients together.
Step 7: Transfer to Baking Dish Transfer the potato mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top.
Step 8: Bake Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the casserole is heated through.
Step 9: Serve Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this delicious casserole!
Tips for a Seamless Cooking Experience
Prepping Ahead: Chop the potatoes and broccoli the night before to save time on busy cooking days.
Cheese Choice: Use a combination of cheddar and mozzarella for a perfect melt and flavor balance.
Bacon Tips: Cook the bacon in the oven on a baking sheet for an easy cleanup.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. For larger portions, cover the casserole with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of potato? Yes, Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well too, but they may alter the texture slightly.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare the casserole and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before placing it in the oven.
Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
What can I substitute for sour cream? You can use Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative to sour cream without sacrificing the creamy texture.
Can I add other vegetables? Certainly! Peas, carrots, or cauliflower would make great additions to this casserole.
Secrets for Culinary Perfection
Perfectly Mashed Potatoes: Ensure the potatoes are fully drained and use warm butter and sour cream for the best creamy consistency.
Balanced Flavors: Taste the mashed potatoes before combining with other ingredients to adjust the seasoning as needed.
Crispy Bacon: Cook the bacon until it’s extra crispy for a delightful crunch in every bite.
Enjoy this comforting and delicious Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole, bringing warmth and joy to your table with each serving!
