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Short, Catchy Intro
So you are craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. This Baked Potato Chicken And Broccoli Casserole is basically comfort food in a cozy blanket. It takes roasted potatoes, leftover chicken, and bright green broccoli, then marries them in a creamy, cheesy hug. Easy to assemble, crowd pleasing, and perfect for nights when you want dinner to do the heavy lifting.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Why is this casserole a winner? Because it hits the trifecta of dinner goals. It is hearty, cheesy, and somehow still manages to feel a little healthy thanks to the broccoli. Best part is it uses simple ingredients and tolerates improvisation like a champ. Honestly it is almost idiot proof, even I did not mess it up the first time.

Also this recipe plays well with leftovers. Got some rotisserie chicken chilling in the fridge? Use it. Want to shortcut the potato step with microwave diced potatoes? Fine by me. If you are into slow cooker vibes, you might also enjoy this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes for another lazy weeknight option. FYI this casserole also freezes nicely for future lazy days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 large potatoes, peeled and diced. Rustic chunks welcome.
2 tablespoons olive oil. For roasting and flavor.
1 teaspoon salt. Don not be shy if your potatoes are bland.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Or a little more if you are sassy.
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced. Leftovers or rotisserie work great.
1 tablespoon butter. For greasing and a little richness.
2 cups fresh broccoli florets. Bright and crunchy is the vibe.
1/2 cup sour cream. Adds tang and creaminess.
1/2 cup milk. Any kind will do.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. The melty hero.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Sharp and salty.
1 teaspoon garlic powder. Flavor booster.
1 teaspoon onion powder. Because onion tears are optional.
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped optional. For looks and color.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). Toss diced potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until tender.
While potatoes bake, steam or blanch broccoli florets until tender crisp, about 3 to 5 minutes. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir well until smooth.
In a large bowl, combine the baked diced potatoes, cooked chicken, prepared broccoli florets, and the creamy sour cream mixture. Gently mix until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Pour the entire mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the cheese topping is melted and golden brown.
Remove the Baked Potato Chicken And Broccoli Casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, then serve warm and enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Thinking you do not need to preheat the oven. Rookie mistake. Warm oven equals even roasting.
Overcooking the broccoli until it becomes mushy. You want tender crisp, not green mush.
Skimping on seasoning. Potatoes can be bland; salt is your friend here.
Throwing everything in without mixing the sauce properly. Ensure the sour cream and milk are smooth so every bite has flavor.
Cutting potatoes into wildly different sizes. Uniform pieces roast evenly. Don not be that slicer.

Alternatives & Substitutions

No sour cream? Swap in plain Greek yogurt for tang and protein. IMO it is a smarter swap.
No cheddar on hand? Monterey Jack, Colby, or even pepper jack bring different vibes. Use what you like.
Want more veggies? Toss in chopped spinach or sliced bell peppers. Just sauté them first so excess moisture does not water down the casserole.
Vegetarian mood? Skip the chicken and add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or extra mushrooms.
Low dairy? Use dairy free sour cream and milk alternatives. The texture changes a bit but the spirit stays intact.

Pro tip: If your potatoes are small or cook unevenly, parboil them for 5 minutes before roasting. That saves time and ensures tenderness. Bold tip: roast the potatoes until they get a little color. Those browned bits bring serious flavor.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh? Sure you can. Just thaw and drain well so the casserole does not turn into a watery mess.
Can I make this ahead and bake later? Yes. Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bring to room temperature for a few minutes before baking so it heats evenly.
What if I do not have cooked chicken? Cook diced chicken breasts quickly in a skillet with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Or shred rotisserie chicken and call it a day.
Can I use margarine instead of butter? Well technically yes, but why hurt your soul like that? Butter adds flavor and helps brown the edges.
Is this freezer friendly? Absolutely. Freeze in a sealed container before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and bake longer as needed.
Can I add a crunchy topping? Want that extra texture? Mix panko crumbs with a little melted butter and sprinkle on top before baking for a golden crust.
How spicy is this? Not at all unless you add something spicy. Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes if you want to bring the heat.

Final Thoughts

You just made a cozy, cheesy casserole that will make people happy and your future self even happier when you reheat leftovers. It is forgiving enough for kitchen newbies and impressive enough to serve guests without breaking a sweat. Keep your potatoes roasted and your seasonings bold and you will be fine. Now go impress someone or yourself with your new culinary skills. You have earned it, for real.

Conclusion

If you want to peek at a similar take on this comforting dish check out this version from Chicken Potato Broccoli Casserole – Barefeet in the Kitchen. For another well loved variation try this tasty writeup at Probably the best version of this dish I have ever created, it is enjoyable. Thanks for cooking along. If you loved this casserole consider bookmarking it and making it a regular dinner win.