Cheesy Chicken and Potato Casserole Recipe

This Cheesy Chicken and Potato Broccoli Bake is pure comfort in a casserole dish! Packed with tender potatoes, juicy chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, crispy bacon, and loads of gooey, melted cheese, it’s a weeknight dinner that feels like a big, warm hug. Every spoonful is irresistibly creamy and flavorful—it’s a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part? You only need a handful of super simple ingredients for this Cheesy Chicken and Potato Broccoli Bake. Each one brings something special to the table—from hearty potatoes to that irresistibly melty cheese, every component creates layers of flavor and texture.

• Red potatoes: Their creamy texture and mild flavor make a dreamy base—no peeling required!
• Butter: Adds that rich, velvety quality to the mashed potatoes.
• Sour cream: Gives an extra creamy, slightly tangy boost to the mash, making it ultra-luxurious.
• Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper: Simple seasonings that highlight all the other flavors.
• Granulated garlic or garlic powder: Brings savory depth with minimal effort (no chopping necessary!).
• Paprika: Adds gentle warmth and a touch of color.
• Broccoli florets: Crisp-tender and fresh, they balance richness with a pop of green and texture.
• Cooked chopped chicken: Use up leftovers, rotisserie, or any cooked chicken you have on hand—so easy!
• Bacon: Smoky, salty crunch that takes every bite over the top.
• Shredded cheese: Melts to golden, gooey goodness; use Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your favorite blend.

Variations

This Cheesy Chicken and Potato Broccoli Bake is as flexible as recipes come! Don’t hesitate to put your own spin on it—whether you’re clearing out the fridge or accommodating allergies, it’s a breeze to change up.

• Switch up the cheese: Try pepper jack for a kick, Swiss for a deeper flavor, or a blend for melty magic.
• Use cauliflower: Sub out some (or all) of the potatoes for cauliflower if you want a lighter or low-carb twist.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the chicken and bacon, and bulk it up with chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms for a satisfying, meatless main.
• Add extra veggies: Stir in some frozen peas, corn, or spinach for even more color and nutrients—anything goes!

How to Make Cheesy Chicken and Potato Broccoli Bake

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Start by cutting your red potatoes into chunky 1-inch pieces (no need to peel!). Toss them in a large pot, cover generously with water, and bring everything to a rolling boil. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender—usually about 10 to 15 minutes. Drain them well, then put them back in the hot pot to steam off excess moisture for fluffy mash later on.

Step 2: Prep the Broccoli & Bacon

While the potatoes are busy cooking, steam or roast your broccoli florets until they’re bright green and just barely tender. You want a little bite to contrast with the creamy mash! Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble or chop it up (try not to snack on all the bacon before it hits the casserole!).

Step 3: Mash & Season the Potatoes

With the drained potatoes still hot, add butter, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika right into the pot. Mash them to your favorite consistency—chunky or smooth, your choice—and mix until everything is velvety and evenly seasoned.

Step 4: Mix in the Good Stuff

Now the fun part: Stir in the cooked chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, crumbled bacon, and half of your shredded cheese right into the potatoes. Give it a good mix so every spoonful gets a little of everything!

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the entire mixture to your prepared casserole dish and top it off with the rest of the cheese. Bake in a 350°F oven for 20–25 minutes, until everything is bubbling and the cheese is gloriously melted. Watch as it turns golden and the aroma fills your kitchen—you know it’s ready when it’s calling your name!

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken and Potato Broccoli Bake

Garnishes

Sprinkle your Cheesy Chicken and Potato Broccoli Bake with extra fresh herbs like parsley or chives just before serving. A little extra cooked bacon or a final dusting of paprika looks beautiful and adds a pop of color (and flavor!).

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty enough to stand solo, but it pairs so well with a crisp green salad, simple roasted veggies, or even a light tomato soup. A warm, crusty bread roll will also help scoop up every cheesy, creamy bite!

Creative Ways to Present

For family-style dinners, serve it up straight from the baking dish, letting everyone dig in. For parties or meal prepping, portion into ramekins or muffin tins for cute, individualized servings—just adjust the baking time as needed!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Chicken and Potato Broccoli Bake should be cooled, covered, and refrigerated. It will keep perfectly for 3–4 days, making lunchboxes and meal-prep a breeze!

Freezing

You can freeze portions of the bake in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results—the cheese and potatoes maintain good texture this way.

Reheating

Reheat individual servings in the microwave, or cover and warm the whole casserole in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly. A splash of milk or broth stirred in can freshen it up if the potatoes seem dry.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for the kind of meal that makes everyone feel loved and satisfied, you simply can’t go wrong with Cheesy Chicken and Potato Broccoli Bake. It’s cozy, loaded with flavor, and destined to become a regular at your dinner table—so grab your baking dish and treat yourself tonight!

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