This Cheesy Chicken, Potato, and Broccoli Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together tender red potatoes, flavorful chicken, and fresh broccoli, all topped with melted cheese and crispy bacon. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole is easy to prepare and packed with flavors that everyone will love. The combination of creamy sour cream, savory spices, and gooey cheese makes this dish a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds red potatoes, chopped into 1-inch chunks
- 4 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½-1 teaspoon kosher salt (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 medium broccoli crown, about 2-3 cups bite-size broccoli florets
- 3 cups cooked, chopped chicken
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups shredded cheese (divided, see cook’s note)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Potatoes: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the red potato pieces and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Mix the Potatoes: Add the room temperature butter, sour cream, kosher salt, black pepper, granulated garlic, and paprika to the drained potatoes. Gently mash the potatoes until they are mostly smooth but still have some texture. Set aside.
- Blanch the Broccoli: Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Introduce the broccoli florets and cook briefly for 2-3 minutes until they turn vibrant green and become slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the mashed potato mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the chopped cooked chicken evenly over the potatoes.
- Distribute the blanched broccoli florets on top of the chicken.
- Add the Bacon and Cheese:
- Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the broccoli layer.
- Top with 1½ cups of shredded cheese, reserving the remaining ½ cup.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Conclusion:
This Cheesy Chicken, Potato, and Broccoli Casserole with Bacon is the ultimate comfort food, combining all your favorite ingredients into one satisfying dish. The creamy potatoes, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli are perfectly complemented by the crispy bacon and melted cheese, making this casserole a hit at any dinner table. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite that you’ll make again and again.