This comforting Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Potato Casserole combines baked russet potatoes, tender chicken, and broccoli with a creamy cheese sauce. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes, washed and scrubbed
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 2 cups broccoli florets, blanched
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh chives or green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
Bake Potatoes:
Place the washed and scrubbed potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
Prepare Cheese Sauce:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for an additional minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth and thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble Casserole:
Slice the baked potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving a thin layer of potato in the skin to form a shell. Place the potato shells in the prepared baking dish. Dice the scooped-out potato flesh and add it to a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked chicken, blanched broccoli florets, and cheese sauce to the bowl. Gently toss until well combined.
Fill Potato Shells:
Spoon the chicken, broccoli, and cheese mixture into the potato shells, dividing evenly among them. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each filled potato shell.
Bake:
Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the filling is heated through.
Serve:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh chives or green onions, if desired.
Enjoy this delicious and comforting Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Potato Casserole, perfect for a cozy dinner with family and friends!