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