Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole: A Hearty and Comforting Dish

• 4 cups cooked and diced chicken breast
• 4 cups diced potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
• 2 cups chopped broccoli florets
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

• Cook and dice the chicken breast if not already cooked.
• Peel and dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
• Chop the broccoli florets into smaller pieces.

1. Steam the Potatoes and Broccoli:

• Place the diced potatoes and chopped broccoli in a large microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of water and cover with a microwave-safe lid or plate.
• Microwave on high for 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still slightly firm. Drain any excess water and set aside.

1. Make the Cheese Sauce:

• In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Stir in the flour and cook for another minute to form a roux.
• Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth and thickened.
• Add the sour cream, mayonnaise, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined and creamy.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

1. Assemble the Casserole:

• In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the diced potatoes and broccoli. Sprinkle half of the diced chicken over the vegetables.
• Pour half of the cheese sauce over the chicken and vegetables, spreading it out evenly.
• Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, broccoli, chicken, and cheese sauce.

1. Bake the Casserole:

• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.

1. Add Cheese Topping:

• Remove the foil from the baking dish and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.

1. Broil the Casserole:

• Turn on the broiler and broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

1. Garnish and Serve:

• Remove the Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
• Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired, and serve hot.

Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its layers of tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and nutritious vegetables, it’s a complete meal that will please the whole family. Whether served as a comforting weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this casserole is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. So, gather your ingredients and enjoy the deliciousness of this comforting Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole!