This Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is a hearty and delicious meal that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and baked potatoes in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a comforting family dinner!
📋 Ingredients:
- 🥔 4 large russet potatoes, baked and cubed
- 🍗 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 🥦 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 🧅 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 🧄 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 🧈 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 🌾 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 🥛 2 cups milk
- 🧀 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 🧂 1 teaspoon salt
- 🌿 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 🥓 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
- 🌿 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
📝 Directions:
1️⃣ Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2️⃣ Prepare the Potatoes:
- Bake the potatoes until tender, then let them cool slightly before cubing them.
3️⃣ Cook the Broccoli:
- Steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
4️⃣ Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme.
5️⃣ Assemble the Casserole:
- In the prepared baking dish, layer the cubed baked potatoes, cooked chicken, and broccoli florets.
- Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top, spreading it out to cover the ingredients.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole.
- If using, sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top.
6️⃣ Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
7️⃣ Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings
Calories: 400 kcal per serving
💡 Notes:
- You can use leftover or rotisserie chicken for this recipe to save time.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the milk with chicken broth.
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven before serving.