Introduction
I came up with this recipe one chilly evening when comfort food was the only thing on my mind. I had a few baked potatoes from the night before, some leftover chicken from lunch, and a head of broccoli that was begging to be used. I didn’t want to waste anything, but I also didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s when this casserole idea was born—layered, loaded, cheesy, and so satisfying.
The first time I made it, the kitchen smelled like a dream. Creamy cheese, hearty chicken, roasted potatoes, and fresh broccoli—it all came together like a warm hug in casserole form. I served it straight from the oven, and within minutes, it was gone. Since then, it’s become one of my go-to recipes when I want something filling, comforting, and easy.
What I love most is that it’s flexible. You can make it ahead, reheat it, and it still tastes amazing. It’s also one of those dishes that pleases everyone at the table—even picky eaters go back for seconds.
This casserole is now part of my regular rotation, especially when I need a reliable dinner that feels like home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Versatile
Perfect for using up leftovers, and easy to modify with what you have on hand.
Budget-Friendly
Made with simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Ingredients for the Recipe
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3 large russet potatoes, baked and chopped
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2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
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1 ½ cups steamed broccoli florets
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1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
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½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
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½ cup milk
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
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1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for greasing the baking dish)
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Extra cheese or chopped green onions for topping (optional)
How to Make This Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the potatoes
Start by baking your russet potatoes. You can do this ahead of time, or bake them fresh. To bake, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F), scrub the potatoes clean, prick them with a fork a few times, and bake for 45–60 minutes until they’re soft inside. Once they’re done, let them cool slightly before chopping them into bite-sized pieces.
If you’re using leftover baked potatoes, just chop them up and you’re good to go.
Step 2: Cook the chicken
While the potatoes are baking, cook your chicken. You can use leftover cooked chicken or quickly grill, roast, or pan-fry a chicken breast. If you’re cooking from raw, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder, then cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F). Once cooked, chop or shred it into small pieces.
Step 3: Steam the broccoli
Cut the broccoli into small florets. Steam the broccoli until it’s tender but still bright green, about 3–5 minutes. You can also use frozen broccoli if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to thaw it out and drain any excess water before adding it to the casserole.
Step 4: Make the creamy mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. This will create the rich base for your casserole, giving it the perfect creamy texture.
Step 5: Assemble the casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or butter. Start layering the casserole by spreading a layer of chopped potatoes on the bottom of the dish. Top with half of the cooked chicken and half of the steamed broccoli. Drizzle a generous portion of the creamy mixture over the top.
Repeat with another layer of potatoes, chicken, and broccoli. Once all the ingredients are layered, pour the remaining creamy mixture over everything, making sure everything is evenly coated. This is where the magic happens – all those ingredients soak up the creamy goodness and blend together perfectly.
Step 6: Add cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. The cheese will melt into the layers, creating that delicious golden crust on top.
Step 7: Bake the casserole
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through. If you want a crispier top, you can broil it for a few minutes, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Step 8: Serve and enjoy
Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra shredded cheese or a sprinkle of chopped green onions for some extra flavor. Serve it hot with a side salad or some crusty bread, and enjoy the cheesy, comforting goodness.
Quick and Easy
This casserole comes together in no time, especially if you’ve prepped the potatoes and chicken ahead of time. You can easily assemble everything in under 30 minutes, and then just pop it in the oven. It’s a great go-to for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and filling, but don’t have a ton of time to spend in the kitchen.
Customizable
This recipe is incredibly flexible. If you don’t have Greek yogurt, use sour cream or even a little cream cheese for a richer flavor. You can swap the broccoli for spinach, kale, or any other veggie you love. If you’re craving a bit of spice, throw in some diced jalapeños or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top.
For a different twist, try using a different type of cheese—mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack all work wonderfully in this casserole. If you don’t have chicken, turkey or even beef can be substituted. It’s the kind of dish where you can make it your own based on what you have in your fridge.
Perfect for Guests
This casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd. It’s easy to make in a large baking dish and can be doubled if needed. It’s the kind of dish you can make ahead and bake when your guests arrive, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company. The layers of potatoes, chicken, and broccoli make for a hearty and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this casserole is perfect for making ahead. You can assemble it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it into the oven and bake as directed. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! While broccoli is the star of this dish, feel free to swap it for other vegetables like spinach, green beans, or even bell peppers. Just make sure to cook or steam them slightly before layering them in the casserole for the best results.
What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use sour cream or even cream cheese for a rich, creamy base. For a lighter version, you can try using low-fat versions of either.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully. After assembling it, cover the dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual. If you’re baking from frozen, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
What should I serve with this casserole?
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad, steamed veggies, or a slice of crusty bread for dipping. If you’re serving it for a special occasion, a light dessert like fruit salad or a cheesecake would be the perfect way to end the meal.