Description
Hearty “Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole” blends comfort and nutrition in one delightful dish. Creamy layers of potato, tender chicken, and crisp broccoli create a satisfying meal that brings warmth to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein and Vegetables:
- 3 cups (about 450 grams) cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
- 3 cups (about 450 grams) baked potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cups (about 200 grams) broccoli florets, steamed until just tender
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1 cup (about 100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) milk
- ¼ cup (60 grams) cream cheese, softened
Seasonings and Extras:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil or butter (for sauteing garlic)
- Optional toppings: cooked bacon bits, green onions, extra cheese
Instructions
- Warm the kitchen oven to a moderate 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal cooking environment for the upcoming culinary creation.
- Prepare a rectangular baking vessel by lightly coating its interior with a thin layer of cooking lubricant to prevent unwanted sticking.
- In a compact skillet, transform olive oil or butter into a fragrant landscape by introducing minced garlic, allowing it to dance and release its aromatic essence for approximately 1-2 minutes until its flavor becomes pronounced.
- Craft a luscious base by whisking together the golden garlic, velvety sour cream, smooth milk, rich cream cheese, subtle onion powder, and a balanced touch of salt and pepper until the mixture achieves a harmonious, silky consistency.
- Gently fold the tender chicken morsels, golden-crisp diced baked potatoes, verdant broccoli florets, and a generous helping of sharp cheddar cheese into the creamy mixture, ensuring each ingredient is elegantly embraced by the sauce.
- Transfer the sumptuous blend into the prepared baking dish, creating an even landscape of comfort and flavor.
- Crown the casserole with an additional sprinkle of cheddar cheese, and if desired, scatter crispy bacon fragments across the surface for an extra layer of indulgence.
- Slide the dish into the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 20-25 minutes until the top turns a tempting golden brown and the contents bubble with appetizing enthusiasm.
Notes
- Swap ingredients easily to create a vegetarian version by replacing chicken with firm tofu or plant-based protein alternatives.
- Pre-cook broccoli slightly to ensure it remains crisp and vibrant green during baking, preventing mushy texture.
- Consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter, protein-packed creamy base that maintains rich flavor profile.
- Prepare components ahead of time like baked potatoes and shredded chicken to streamline weeknight meal preparation and reduce overall cooking stress.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 590 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg