This chicken and broccoli casserole brings together tender chicken, hearty potatoes, and broccoli in a creamy cheddar sauce. Finished with melted cheese and buttery breadcrumbs, it bakes into a comforting dinner with a golden, crisp topping.
Using already-cooked chicken makes preparation straightforward and gives leftover chicken a delicious new purpose. Serve this chicken broccoli potato casserole on its own or pair it with a simple green salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A hearty family dinner: Chicken, potatoes, and vegetables come together in one baking dish.
- Simple ingredients: Made with everyday staples and an easy sour cream sauce.
- Great for cooked chicken: Use diced chicken breast you have prepared ahead.
- Creamy with a crisp topping: Cheddar cheese and buttery breadcrumbs add flavor and texture.
Recipe Timing
- Prep time: Approximately 20 minutes
- Bake time: 20–25 minutes
- Resting time: 5 minutes
- Total time: Approximately 45–50 minutes, depending on preparation and stovetop cooking
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and evenly cubed
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup milk or skim milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Breadcrumb Topping
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Potatoes
Place the cubed potatoes in a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 10 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. Drain and set aside.
3. Blanch the Broccoli
Bring fresh water to a boil in the same pot. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3 minutes. Drain well to prevent excess water from thinning the casserole sauce.
4. Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, milk, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
5. Assemble the Casserole
Add the cooked potatoes, diced cooked chicken, and blanched broccoli to the bowl. Gently stir until everything is evenly coated with sauce, then transfer to the prepared baking dish.
6. Add the Cheese and Breadcrumbs
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the casserole, followed by the buttered breadcrumbs.
7. Bake Until Golden
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the casserole is heated through, the sauce is bubbling, and the topping is golden brown.
8. Rest and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving so it is easier to portion.
Tips for the Best Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
- Cut the potatoes evenly. Similar-size cubes cook at the same rate.
- Avoid overcooking the broccoli. A brief blanch is enough because it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Drain the vegetables well. Excess moisture can make the sauce watery.
- Use cooked chicken. This recipe is designed for chicken that has already been cooked.
- Rest before serving. A few minutes out of the oven helps the creamy sauce settle.
Easy Variations
Greek yogurt option: Replace the sour cream with the same amount of plain Greek yogurt. The flavor will be slightly tangier.
Vegetarian casserole: Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables. Cook firmer vegetables before adding them, and drain any excess moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes. Leftover cooked chicken breast works well in this casserole. Dice it into bite-size pieces before mixing it with the vegetables and sauce.
Do I need to cook the potatoes before baking?
Yes. Boil the potatoes until tender before assembling the casserole. The baking time is intended to heat the assembled ingredients and brown the topping.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes. Use 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt in place of the sour cream.
Why is my casserole watery?
Water left on the broccoli or potatoes can thin the sauce. Drain both thoroughly before combining them with the remaining ingredients.