This Cheesy Chicken Sweet Potato Broccoli Casserole is a warm hug in a dish! It’s packed with tender chicken, creamy cheese, sweet potatoes, and vibrant broccoli—perfect for a cozy family dinner.
If you’re like me, adding cheese to everything is a must! I love how this casserole is not just cheesy but also tasty and healthy. Plus, it’s easy to make, which leaves more time for fun!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These add a wonderful sweetness and nutrition to the dish. If you’re short on time, frozen sweet potato cubes are a good alternative! For a lower-carb option, you could replace them with cauliflower.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives a nice crunch and color. If fresh isn’t available, you can use frozen broccoli, just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water to keep the casserole from getting soggy.
Chicken: I often use rotisserie chicken for its ease, but any cooked chicken will work, even turkey! For a vegetarian version, chickpeas or lentils can replace the chicken.
Bacon: This adds a crunchy texture and flavor. If you prefer something lighter, turkey bacon is a great substitute or you can skip it entirely for a vegetarian-friendly dish.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar has a bold flavor that I love. Feel free to mix in other cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for an extra kick!
How Do I Prepare the Sweet Potatoes Perfectly?
Preparing sweet potatoes is simple but crucial for a good casserole. The goal is to have tender but not mushy pieces. Here’s how:
- Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into even sizes for uniform cooking.
- Boil in salted water until fork-tender (around 10 minutes). Avoid overcooking!
- Always drain well to prevent excess moisture in your casserole.
With these steps, your sweet potatoes will hold up beautifully in the dish!
Cheesy Chicken Sweet Potato Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful casserole takes about 15 minutes to prep and then 25-30 minutes for baking. So, you’ll be enjoying your delicious dinner in about an hour. An easy meal with great flavor for your family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier later.
2. Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Carefully add the cubed sweet potatoes and cook them for about 10 minutes until they are tender but still firm. Drain them well and set aside while you prepare the rest.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
While the sweet potatoes are cooking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they are soft and fragrant. This will add amazing flavor to your casserole!
4. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sweet potatoes, sautéed onion and garlic, diced chicken, broccoli florets, and chopped bacon. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, paprika, salt, and pepper until it’s nice and smooth. This creamy mixture will make your casserole rich and delicious!
6. Mix It All Together:
Pour the creamy mixture over the sweet potato and chicken mixture. Gently fold everything together until well combined. You want all the ingredients to be coated in the creamy goodness!
7. Assemble and Bake:
Transfer the mixture into your prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Top it off with the shredded cheddar cheese. Now it’s time to bake! Place it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
8. Let It Rest and Garnish:
Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps everything settle. Before serving, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness!
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve warm, and savor the comforting blend of cheesy, savory, and sweet flavors. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering!
This hearty casserole combines wholesome ingredients with creamy cheese for a delicious, easy, and nutritious meal. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli in This Casserole?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the frozen broccoli and drain any excess water to ensure your casserole doesn’t become watery. If preferred, you can also cook it briefly in boiling water before adding it to the mix.
How Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole up to the baking step, then cover it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Can I Customize the Cheese Used in This Recipe?
Definitely! While cheddar cheese works wonderfully, you can mix in other cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or even cream cheese for extra creaminess. Just keep in mind that different cheeses will alter the flavor slightly, but they’ll all be delicious!
