Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

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Quick Benefits

Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is the ultimate comfort food — warm, creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken, makes enough to feed a crowd, and reheats beautifully. Best of all, it combines classic ingredients into a one-dish meal that’s both hearty and family-friendly.

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Essential Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this cozy casserole:

• 3 pounds red potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 tablespoons butter, room temperature
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ – 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 medium broccoli crown (2–3 cups florets)
• 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped
• 4 slices beef, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cups shredded cheese, divided

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Preparation Steps

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 10-inch square baking dish.
2. Boil potatoes in a large pot of water until fork-tender (10–15 minutes), then drain.
3. Steam or roast the broccoli until just tender, and drain any excess moisture.
4. Cook the beef until crispy, crumble, and set aside.
5. Return the drained potatoes to the pot. Mash with a potato masher and mix in the butter, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika until smooth and creamy.
6. Add the broccoli, chicken, beef, and 1 cup of cheese. Mix to combine.
7. Transfer the mixture to your baking dish and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until hot and bubbly with melted cheese on top.
9. Serve hot with optional sides like salad or crusty bread.

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Health Benefits

Despite being a comfort dish, this casserole offers several nutritional perks:

• Broccoli provides fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants.
• Chicken is a lean protein that keeps you full longer.
• Potatoes supply potassium, vitamin B6, and energy-boosting carbs.
• Cheese and sour cream add calcium and richness (choose reduced-fat versions if desired).

For a healthier spin, you can reduce cheese and use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot, directly from the baking dish, with a side of:
• Fresh garden salad or steamed greens
• Crusty bread or dinner rolls for dipping
• Lemonade or herbal tea for a refreshing drink pairing
• Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika before serving.
• Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings.

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Creative Variations

• Swap broccoli for other veggies like spinach, cauliflower, or peas.
• Use rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey for convenience.
• Add a dash of hot sauce or mustard powder for a flavor kick.
• Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère.
• Turn it into a loaded potato casserole by topping with green onions or chives.

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Storage Tips

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave in portions.
• Can be frozen (before or after baking) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Great for meal prep — portion into containers for grab-and-go lunches.

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Pro Tips

• Boil potatoes just until fork-tender to avoid a mushy texture.
• Don’t overcook the broccoli — slightly crisp-tender works best.
• Use room-temperature ingredients for smoother mixing.
• Shred your own cheese for better melt and flavor (pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents).
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving so it holds its shape better.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Omit the chicken and bacon, and add more veggies like mushrooms or spinach for texture.

Q: What’s the best cheese to use?
A: Sharp cheddar works great, but feel free to blend in mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack.

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes — just steam or microwave it and drain thoroughly before adding to the mix.

Q: Is it gluten-free?
A: Yes, as long as your ingredients (like the cheese and bacon) are certified gluten-free.

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Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving, based on 8 servings):

• Calories: ~400
• Total Fat: ~22g
• Saturated Fat: ~10g
• Cholesterol: ~75mg
• Sodium: ~520mg
• Carbohydrates: ~30g
• Fiber: ~3g
• Protein: ~20g

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