This Cheesy Chicken Sweet Potato Broccoli Casserole is a warm hug on a plate! Packed with juicy chicken, sweet potatoes, and vibrant broccoli, it’s comfort food that makes your taste buds happy.
Who doesn’t love a cheesy topping that melts into goodness? I usually add an extra sprinkle of cheese—just because! It’s the perfect family dish that’s easy to whip up on busy nights.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These add a great natural sweetness to the dish. If you don’t have them, you can use butternut squash or even regular potatoes, but the flavor will change a bit.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets work best here. If you’re in a pinch, frozen broccoli can be used; just thaw and drain well before adding.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to work with, but you can substitute with rotisserie chicken for convenience or diced turkey if that’s what you have on hand.
Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its strong flavor. Feel free to swap with Monterey Jack or even a dairy-free cheese for a healthier option. You can also mix in some cream cheese for extra creaminess!
Bacon: This adds a nice crunch and flavor. If you want to skip it, try adding some crunchy breadcrumbs on top for texture instead!
How Do I Get My Chicken Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken properly is key for this casserole. You want it juicy, not dry! Here’s how to cook it just right:
- Start with chicken cut into equal bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Season well and let the chicken cook in a hot skillet; don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway, until fully cooked (internal temp should reach 165°F or 75°C).
- If you’re unsure, cut one piece in half to check for doneness.
Remember, letting it rest for a few minutes before adding to the casserole keeps it moist!
Cheesy Chicken Sweet Potato Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
For Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
For Extra Flavor:
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Estimated Time to Prepare:
This delicious casserole takes about 15-20 minutes to prep with an additional 35-40 minutes of cooking time. Overall, you should set aside about 1 hour to get it prepared and baked perfectly. Then, just let it sit for a few minutes before serving—perfect for family dinners!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the cubed sweet potatoes on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss everything to coat evenly and roast for about 20 minutes until they are tender. This step gives the sweet potatoes a nice caramelization that adds great flavor!
2. Blanch the Broccoli:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch them for 2 minutes—this helps keep them bright green and crisp. Quickly transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. After a minute, drain and set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it’s lightly browned and fully cooked through—about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove it from the heat.
4. Mix It All Together:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, blanched broccoli, sour cream, mayonnaise, chicken broth, thyme or Italian seasoning, and crumbled bacon (if you’re using it). Add in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Gently mix until everything is well combined—this is where the magic starts to happen!
5. Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer your creamy chicken and veggie mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. For that beautiful cheesy crust, sprinkle some extra cheddar cheese on top before you put it in the oven.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Put the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted. Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point!
7. Finishing Touches:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to sit for about 5 minutes. This helps everything settle. Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.
Enjoy your warm, cheesy, and hearty Chicken Sweet Potato Broccoli Casserole! This dish is sure to become a family favorite!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the sweet potatoes and broccoli with other vegetables like cauliflower, spinach, or bell peppers. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly, especially if you’re using quicker-cooking veggies.
Can I Prepare This Casserole in Advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead! Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking, and then follow the baking instructions as usual.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If the casserole seems dry, you can add a splash of chicken broth before reheating to keep it moist.
What Can I Use as a Substitute for Mayonnaise?
If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute that adds creaminess while being a bit healthier. You can also use more sour cream if you prefer!
