This Cheesy Chicken Sweet Potato Broccoli Casserole is a warm hug in a dish! It’s made with tender chicken, creamy cheese, sweet potatoes, and crunchy broccoli, all baked to perfection.
Honestly, this is one of my go-to comfort meals. I love how it’s easy to throw together and still tastes like a feast. Plus, you get all the good stuff in one dish—how cool is that?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Pre-cooked chicken breast is ideal for this recipe. You can use rotisserie chicken, which saves time, or even leftover chicken from another meal. For a lighter dish, consider using turkey.
Sweet Potatoes: Fresh sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and a great texture. If you don’t have any, butternut squash or regular potatoes can be good substitutes.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli works best for flavor and crunch, but frozen florets work well too—just make sure to thaw and drain. You could also swap in other veggies like spinach or cauliflower.
Cheese: I love a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for flavor and creaminess. If you prefer a lighter cheese, you can switch mozzarella to a lower-fat option or use dairy-free cheeses.
How Do I Make a Creamy Cheese Sauce Without Clumping?
Making a smooth cheese sauce is all about patience and right technique. The roux (flour and butter mixture) creates a base that thickens your sauce without lumps.
- Start with melted butter, then add the onions and garlic to soften them before adding the flour. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- When adding milk and broth, do it slowly while whisking continuously. This prevents lumps from forming. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens (3-5 minutes)!
- Finally, mix in your cheeses off the heat to prevent them from becoming stringy.
Cheesy Chicken Sweet Potato Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed or shredded
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup diced onions
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for mixing with breadcrumbs)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to bake. So, you’re looking at about 45 minutes total for a delicious, cheesy meal that’s comforting and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, lightly grease a casserole dish to keep everything from sticking.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Steam or boil the diced sweet potatoes for about 8-10 minutes until they are just tender. Don’t forget to drain them and set aside once done!
3. Cook the Broccoli:
Next, steam or blanch the broccoli florets for about 3-4 minutes until they’re bright green and just tender. Drain and set aside too. This keeps them nice and crunchy!
4. Make the Base:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until softened, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant—this step adds amazing flavor!
5. Create the Roux:
Sprinkle in the flour and stir well to combine. Cook this mixture for about 1-2 minutes. This will help thicken your cheese sauce later.
6. Add Liquids and Seasoning:
Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, which will take about 3-5 minutes. Then, add the salt, pepper, and thyme or Italian seasoning for extra flavor!
7. Mix in Cheeses:
Remove the skillet from heat, then stir in 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese and all of the mozzarella cheese until it’s all melted and creamy. Yum!
8. Combine Everything:
In a large bowl, gently combine the cooked chicken, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and cheese sauce until everything is coated evenly.
9. Assemble the Casserole:
Pour this delicious mixture into your prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
10. Prepare the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. Don’t forget to add the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the breadcrumbs for an extra cheesy crust!
11. Bake the Casserole:
Put the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
12. Rest Before Serving:
Once out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes before diving in. This helps everything set and makes serving easier!
Enjoy your hearty, cheesy chicken sweet potato broccoli casserole with your favorite side dish or just as it is. Happy eating!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well in this casserole. Just thaw it and drain any excess water before adding it to the mix, so it doesn’t make the casserole watery.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken?
If you’d like a vegetarian option, you can use chickpeas or cooked lentils instead of chicken. For a different meat, turkey or ham can also be delicious substitutions!
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole the day before! Assemble everything and cover it tightly in the fridge. Bake it the next day, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or oven until hot. If it seems dry, add a splash of milk or broth while reheating!