Description

Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole combines all the flavors of a loaded baked potato in one easy, family-friendly dinner. Creamy mashed red potatoes are mixed with rotisserie chicken, tender broccoli florets, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese, then baked until golden and bubbly. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, this comforting casserole can be made ahead and stores beautifully for leftovers.

Ingredients

For the Potato Base:

3 pounds red potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces (Red potatoes hold their shape beautifully and have a naturally creamy texture)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup sour cream (The secret to extra-creamy potatoes)
1/2 to 1 teaspoon kosher salt (Start with less and add more to taste)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika (Adds a subtle warmth and color)

For the Mix-Ins:

2–3 cups broccoli florets, bite-size (From about 1 medium broccoli crown)
3 cups cooked chicken, chopped (Rotisserie chicken is your best friend here)
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (Because bacon makes everything better)
2 cups shredded cheese, divided (Monterey Jack, Cheddar, or Mexican blend all work wonderfully)

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously grease a 10-inch square baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Getting this ready first means you can pop the casserole right in when it’s assembled.

Step 2: Boil the Potatoes

Place the cut potatoes in a large pot and cover them completely with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a steady simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes until they’re fork-tender.

Step 3: Prepare the Broccoli

While those potatoes are boiling, steam or roast your broccoli florets until they’re hot and just barely softened but still have a little crispness. Nobody wants mushy broccoli in their casserole! Drain any excess moisture and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook your bacon until it’s crispy and golden. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, let it cool slightly, then crumble it into bite-sized pieces. Pro tip: save a little bacon grease for another recipe!

Step 5: Drain and Dry the Potatoes

Drain your cooked potatoes well in a colander, then return them to the hot pot. Place the pot back on the burner with the heat turned off (or on the lowest setting if you have gas) for about a minute to evaporate any excess water. This keeps your casserole from getting watery.

Step 6: Mash and Season

Using a potato masher, mash those potatoes until they’re mostly smooth with just a few small chunks for texture. Stir in the butter, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until everything is beautifully combined and creamy.

Step 7: Add the Good Stuff

Now comes the fun part! Fold in the cooked broccoli, chopped chicken, crumbled bacon, and 1 cup of the shredded cheese. Mix everything together until it’s evenly distributed and looking absolutely delicious.

Step 8: Transfer to Baking Dish

Spoon the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Make sure it’s spread evenly so everything bakes uniformly.

Step 9: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle that remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top. This creates that irresistible golden, bubbly cheese layer we all love.

Step 10: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to turn golden around the edges. The casserole should be heated all the way through and smelling absolutely amazing.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving, this helps it set up just enough to scoop nicely. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Notes

Don’t overmix the potatoes – overworking them releases too much starch and makes them gluey instead of fluffy.
Season as you go – taste your potato mixture before adding the other ingredients and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
Save time with pre-cooked ingredients – rotisserie chicken, pre-cut broccoli florets, and pre-cooked bacon from the grocery store make this a 30-minute dinner.
Add a crunchy topping – sprinkle crushed crackers, breadcrumbs, or fried onions on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for extra texture.
Make it extra cheesy – stir in some cream cheese or add a layer of cheese in the middle for an over-the-top indulgent version.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American