There’s just something about a bubbling, cheesy casserole that feels like a gentle hug at the end of a long day. This hearty dish brings together baked potatoes, tender chicken, and bright green broccoli, all tucked beneath a creamy, cozy blanket of cheddar. Whether you serve it as a satisfying main or a generous side, it’s the kind of recipe that warms both the kitchen and the heart.
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, washed and dried
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or pulled
- 2 cups broccoli florets, lightly steamed
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped chives or green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Give the potatoes a good scrub, then place them straight onto the oven rack. Bake for 45–60 minutes, or until they’re tender when pierced. Let them cool just enough to handle comfortably.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for another minute or two, stirring constantly. Slowly whisk in the milk and let the mixture thicken. Remove from the heat, then stir in the sour cream and 1 cup of the cheddar. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cut each baked potato in half and gently scoop out the insides, leaving a thin layer of potato to help the shells keep their shape. Arrange the empty shells in the prepared baking dish. In a large bowl, combine the scooped potato, chicken, broccoli, and the warm cheese sauce. Mix until everything is well coated.
- Spoon the filling back into the potato shells, packing it in evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Finish with a sprinkle of chives or green onions if you’d like, and enjoy this wonderfully comforting casserole warm.