This hearty casserole brings together tender chicken, creamy cheese, sweet potatoes, and fresh broccoli. It’s a delightful mix of flavors that feels like a warm hug on your plate!
Honestly, who doesn’t love melted cheese? I always add a bit more on top because, well, life is too short for less cheese! This dish is also great for leftovers—I can enjoy it more than once!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work great here. You can also substitute rotisserie chicken for convenience, or use turkey if you prefer. For a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or cannellini beans for protein.
Sweet Potatoes: These give a lovely sweetness and texture. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, regular potatoes or butternut squash can be substituted, though the flavor will change slightly. I prefer sweet potatoes for their extra nutrients!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add a nice crunch. If you’re in a pinch, frozen broccoli can work too. Just be mindful to thaw and drain it well so the casserole doesn’t get watery.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar is my favorite for flavor, but feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack or Gouda. For a healthier twist, use reduced-fat cheese or a dairy-free option if needed.
How Do I Get the Chicken Cooked Just Right?
Cooking chicken properly is essential for this dish. Make sure to cut the chicken into even, bite-sized pieces for uniform cooking. Here are a few tips:
- Don’t rush the process! Cook the chicken over medium heat, so it cooks through without burning.
- Seasoning is vital, make sure to evenly coat the chicken.
- Use a meat thermometer—chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) internally for safety.
Taking these steps will ensure you get juicy, flavorful chicken in your casserole. Enjoy making it your own!
Cheesy Chicken Sweet Potato Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh green onions or chives (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for cooking chicken)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole will take about 15 minutes to prepare and then 20-25 minutes to bake. By the time you finish setting the table, your comforting meal will be ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Sweet Potatoes:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a pot and fill it with salted water. Once it’s boiling, toss in the cubed sweet potatoes and let them cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until they’re just tender. You don’t want them too soft; they need to hold their shape. Drain the sweet potatoes once done and set them aside.
2. Cooking the Chicken:
While the sweet potatoes are cooking, chop up your chicken if you haven’t yet. Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, sprinkle with salt, pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika, and cook for about 6-8 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink inside. Once done, remove it from the heat.
3. Blanching the Broccoli:
Now, let’s give the broccoli a quick cook! In another pot, bring water to a boil again. Add the broccoli florets and cook them for just about 2 minutes until they turn bright green and are slightly tender. Once done, drain the broccoli and cool it down under cold running water to stop the cooking process.
4. Making the Cheese Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, minced garlic, half of the cheddar cheese, and the Parmesan cheese. Stir it all together until it’s nice and creamy, then add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combining All Ingredients:
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add the cooked chicken, cooked sweet potatoes, and blanched broccoli into the cheese mixture. Gently fold everything until all the pieces are coated in that delicious cheese mixture.
6. Assembling the Casserole:
Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with a little oil or butter, then transfer the chicken mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. Top it off with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese for that cheesy goodness.
7. Baking the Casserole:
Pop the casserole into the preheated oven and bake it uncovered for around 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
8. Garnishing and Serving:
Once it’s ready, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a minute. If you like, sprinkle crumbled bacon and fresh green onions or chives on top for an extra touch of flavor. Serve this warm and enjoy every cheesy bite!
This casserole is full of comforting flavors and is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Enjoy the tasty combination of chicken, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and melted cheese!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Casserole?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken will work perfectly. Just shred or cube it and skip the cooking step for a quicker prep!
How Do I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil and it will stay fresh in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes, this casserole freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
If you want to skip the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for a creamy texture without the extra fat. You can also use an equal amount of additional sour cream if you prefer!
