Chicken Broccoli Potato Casserole Recipe

Comforting Chicken Broccoli Potato Casserole Recipe for Dinner

Comfort weaves its magic through this hearty chicken broccoli potato casserole that promises warmth in every bite.

Layers of tender ingredients nestle together like old friends reuniting.

Creamy textures mingle with robust flavors creating a symphony of satisfaction.

Weeknight dinners rarely feel this inviting or effortless.

My grandmother’s favorite recipe inspired this delightful combination of simple ingredients.

Home cooking reaches new heights when potatoes, chicken, and broccoli dance together in a single dish.

You’ll want to savor each comforting spoonful and share this delectable creation with everyone around your table.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Thaw and drain it completely before adding to the casserole to prevent excess moisture.

  • Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping.

  • How can I add more protein to this casserole?

Consider adding cooked bacon bits, diced ham, or increasing the amount of chicken for extra protein boost.

  • Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add the breadcrumb topping just before baking to keep it crisp.

Why Chicken Broccoli Potato Casserole Is So Comforting

  • Create Family Comfort: Packed with tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and nutritious broccoli, this casserole delivers a warm, satisfying meal that brings everyone together around the dinner table.
  • Simplify Cooking Process: Minimal prep work and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, ensuring a delicious dinner without complex techniques.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add personal favorite spices to make this versatile casserole your own, allowing for endless flavor variations and creativity in the kitchen.
  • Boost Nutritional Value: Combines lean protein from chicken, vitamin-rich broccoli, and hearty potatoes, creating a balanced one-dish meal that provides essential nutrients for the whole family.

All the Ingredients for Chicken Broccoli Potato Casserole

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: A tender and protein-rich ingredient that provides the primary source of meat in the casserole.
Vegetables:
  • Potatoes, Broccoli: Hearty vegetables that add texture, nutrition, and bulk to the casserole.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Aromatic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Sauce and Cheese Components:
  • Butter: A rich ingredient that adds flavor and helps create a smooth, creamy sauce.
  • Flour: Used to thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency.
  • Milk, Chicken Broth: Liquid bases that form the foundation of the creamy sauce.
  • Dijon Mustard: A tangy condiment that adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
  • Thyme: A fragrant herb that provides subtle earthy notes to the dish.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.
  • Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheeses that add richness and a creamy texture to the casserole.
  • Parmesan Cheese: A sharp cheese that provides a savory topping with a crispy texture.
Topping:
  • Breadcrumbs: A crunchy ingredient that creates a golden and crispy layer on top of the casserole.
  • Melted Butter: Helps bind the breadcrumbs and adds a rich flavor to the topping.

Steps for Making Chicken Broccoli Potato Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Tenderize the Potatoes

Fill a pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Drop in your diced potatoes and let them dance in the boiling water for 5-7 minutes until they’re just starting to soften.

Drain and set them aside.

Step 3: Craft the Creamy Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Sprinkle in flour and stir until it turns a beautiful golden color. Slowly pour in milk and chicken broth, whisking like a pro until the sauce thickens up.

Stir in:
  • Dijon mustard
  • Thyme
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Remove from heat and let it rest.

Step 4: Mix the Casserole Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • Cooked chicken
  • Boiled potatoes
  • Broccoli florets
Sprinkle in:
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Paprika
  • Shredded cheddar cheese

Toss everything together until well mixed.

Step 5: Pour and Spread the Sauce

Drench the ingredient mixture with your creamy sauce. Stir until every morsel is beautifully coated.

Step 6: Create the Cheesy Topping

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Shower the top with mozzarella cheese.

In a separate small bowl, mix:
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Melted butter
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Sprinkle this golden mixture over the casserole.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the edges are bubbling with deliciousness.

Step 8: Serve and Devour

Pull out your masterpiece and let it cool for a few minutes. Scoop out generous portions and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement!

Tips for a Creamy Broccoli Potato Casserole

  • Par-boil potatoes just until slightly tender to prevent mushiness and ensure perfect bite in the casserole.
  • Add a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the sauce for a more complex, rich taste profile.
  • Whisk continuously while adding milk and broth to prevent lumps and create a smooth, creamy sauce that coats ingredients evenly.
  • Swap chicken with turkey, tofu, or plant-based alternatives to accommodate different dietary preferences without compromising the dish's overall structure.
  • Toast breadcrumbs in a dry skillet before mixing with butter and Parmesan to add extra crispiness and nutty flavor to the casserole topping.

Easy Variations for Chicken Broccoli Potato Casserole

  • Vegetarian Potato Casserole: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based protein chunks, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free version.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining a creamy texture and rich flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Alternative: Use gluten-free flour for sauce, swap regular breadcrumbs with almond meal or gluten-free breadcrumbs, ensuring celiac-friendly preparation without compromising taste.
  • Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Add sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and swap cheddar with feta cheese for a Greek-style casserole with tangy Mediterranean flavors.

Best Pairings for Chicken Broccoli Potato Casserole

Choose a crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy casserole’s rich flavors and cut through its cheesy texture.

Select a smooth amber ale or wheat beer that balances the dish’s hearty profile with its malty undertones and refreshing finish.

Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a zesty, peppery contrast against the casserole’s creamy and comforting elements.

Serve a quick cucumber and dill salad with a light yogurt dressing to introduce a cool, tangy element that brightens the entire meal’s flavor experience.

How to Store Casserole for Extra Meals

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the casserole completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
  • Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date and contents for easy tracking.
  • Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until thoroughly warm. Add a splash of milk to restore moisture.
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Chicken Broccoli Potato Casserole Recipe

Chicken Broccoli Potato Casserole Recipe


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4.9 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty Chicken Broccoli Potato Casserole, blending creamy textures with robust flavors. Home cooks can savor this wholesome dish that promises warmth and satisfaction in every satisfying bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Topping Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven to 375F (190C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. Submerge diced potatoes in boiling salted water, cooking for 5-7 minutes until slightly softened. Drain completely and set aside.
  3. Create a roux by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then incorporate flour and cook until a light golden color develops.
  4. Gradually introduce milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
  5. Enhance the sauce with Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat once seasoned.
  6. Combine cooked chicken, parboiled potatoes, and broccoli in a large mixing bowl, seasoning with garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
  7. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  8. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture, stirring to coat completely.
  9. Transfer the creamy mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
  10. Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese across the top of the casserole.
  11. Prepare the crispy topping by mixing breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan cheese.
  12. Distribute the breadcrumb mixture uniformly over the cheese layer.
  13. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  14. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges become bubbly.
  15. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help it set and cool slightly.

Notes

  • Potato Perfection: Parboil potatoes just until slightly tender to prevent overcooking and maintain their texture during baking.
  • Cheese Swap Magic: Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère or gouda for unique flavor profiles that complement the chicken and broccoli.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the casserole celiac-friendly.
  • Vegetable Boost: Enhance nutrition by adding extra vegetables like cauliflower, spinach, or bell peppers to increase the dish’s vitamin content and color.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 290 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 460 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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