Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Potato Broccoli Casserole – Creamy One-Pan Family Dinner
Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Potato Broccoli Casserole – Creamy One-Pan Family Dinner
This creamy cheesy chicken potato broccoli casserole is the ultimate family-friendly dinner that comes together in one dish for easy cleanup. With tender chicken, golden potatoes, crisp broccoli florets, and a rich cheese sauce, this comforting bake will become a weeknight staple that even picky eaters love. Perfect for busy evenings when you need a hearty meal without the hassle.
What makes this casserole truly special is how all the flavors meld together during baking. The potatoes become perfectly tender, the broccoli retains just enough crunch, and the chicken stays juicy beneath layers of melted cheese. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table excitedly.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or butter.
Step 2: In a large bowl, toss the cubed potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika. Spread them evenly in the prepared baking dish and bake for 15 minutes to start softening.
Step 3: While potatoes bake, season the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and cook the chicken until lightly browned but not fully cooked (about 5-6 minutes).
Step 4: Remove potatoes from oven and scatter the broccoli florets over them. Arrange the browned chicken pieces evenly throughout the dish.
Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream and chicken broth. Pour this mixture evenly over the casserole ingredients.
Step 6: Combine all three cheeses in a bowl, then sprinkle generously over the entire casserole, covering everything evenly.
Step 7: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 8: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
For another delicious one-pan chicken dinner, try this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Potatoes recipe that’s equally simple and satisfying.
Expert Tips
• Cut potatoes evenly: Make sure all potato cubes are roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
• Don’t overcook broccoli: The broccoli will continue cooking in the oven, so it should be crisp-tender going in.
• Customize the cheese: Feel free to mix up the cheese combinations – Colby Jack, Gouda, or pepper jack work great too.
• Make ahead option: Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time.
If you love creamy pasta dishes, you’ll enjoy this Ultimate Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Use frozen broccoli florets without thawing. It may release a bit more liquid, so you might need to bake for an extra 5 minutes.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Cauliflower, carrots, or green beans would work well. Just adjust cooking times if using harder vegetables.
What protein variations work?
This recipe works beautifully with turkey or even beef. For more protein inspiration, check out this Crispy Parmesan Chicken recipe.
For those hectic weeknights when you need dinner fast, this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake is another excellent family-friendly option that’s ready in no time.
Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Potato Broccoli Casserole – Creamy One-Pan Family Dinner
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or butter.
- In a large bowl, toss the cubed potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika. Spread them evenly in the prepared baking dish and bake for 15 minutes to start softening.
- While potatoes bake, season the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and cook the chicken until lightly browned but not fully cooked (about 5-6 minutes).
- Remove potatoes from oven and scatter the broccoli florets over them. Arrange the browned chicken pieces evenly throughout the dish.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream and chicken broth. Pour this mixture evenly over the casserole ingredients.
- Combine all three cheeses in a bowl, then sprinkle generously over the entire casserole, covering everything evenly.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
