This Cheesy Chicken Sweet Potato Broccoli Casserole brings together tender chicken, sweet potatoes, and bright green broccoli, all smothered in creamy cheese. Yum!
Who can say no to a cheesy, comforting dish that covers dinner and veggies in one go? I love how easy it is to throw together and enjoy a cozy meal with family!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These add natural sweetness and a nice texture to the casserole. If you’re short on sweet potatoes, you could use regular potatoes or even butternut squash as a substitution.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets provide crunch and nutrition. If you prefer, frozen broccoli works too! Just make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture.
Chicken: I love using leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you’re in a pinch, canned chicken works, or try plant-based “chicken” for a vegetarian twist.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds great flavor here. You could substitute with a mild cheddar for less bite or stick to one type of cheese if that’s what you have. Cream cheese can also be a fantastic addition for extra creaminess.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Both add creaminess and tang. For a lighter option, you can replace them with plain cottage cheese or even a dairy-free yogurt.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Sweet Potatoes?
Cooking sweet potatoes just right makes all the difference in the casserole. Overcooking can lead to mushiness, so follow these tips:
- Boil or steam them until just fork-tender, about 10 minutes. They should not be falling apart!
- Drain them well to avoid excess liquid. Moist ingredients can make your casserole soggy.
- Feel free to season the cooking water with a little salt for added flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Layer Your Casserole?
Layering helps distribute flavors evenly and ensures everything cooks just right:
- Start with the cooked sweet potatoes and broccoli at the base, providing a sturdy foundation.
- Evenly distribute the chicken mixture over the veggies, making sure every bite has plenty of chicken.
- Top generously with cheese, allowing it to melt into the layers below for a delicious finish.
These tips should help you create a delicious Casserole that everyone will love! Enjoy your cooking!
Cheesy Chicken Sweet Potato Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed or shredded
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Topping:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (for a crunchy topping)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for sautéing and breadcrumb topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes around 15-20 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to bake. You’ll have a cozy cheesy casserole ready to enjoy in just under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking and make serving easier later.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Next, take your cubed sweet potatoes and either boil or steam them in salted water until they’re just tender. This usually takes about 10 minutes. Once they’re ready, drain them well to remove any excess water.
3. Cook the Broccoli:
While the potatoes are cooking, you can steam the broccoli florets until they’re bright green and slightly tender. This should take about 4-5 minutes. Once done, drain and set them aside too!
4. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add your chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them until they’re fragrant and the onion becomes translucent. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Once ready, remove from heat.
5. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sweet potatoes, steamed broccoli, cooked chicken, sautéed garlic and onion, sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, paprika, salt, and pepper. Gently stir the mixture until everything is well combined.
6. Mix in the Cheese:
Add in half of the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, folding them into the mixture evenly. This will give a delicious cheesy flavor throughout the casserole.
7. Assemble in the Casserole Dish:
Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
8. Add Cheese on Top:
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese generously over the top of the casserole for that ooey-gooey finish.
9. Consider the Crunch:
If you’d like a crispy topping, toss the breadcrumbs with melted butter in a small bowl and sprinkle them over the cheese layer.
10. Bake:
Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and golden brown on top. It will smell amazing!
11. Let it Set:
Once baked, take the casserole out and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help it set, making it easier to scoop.
12. Enjoy Your Meal:
Now it’s time to dive in! Your cheesy chicken, sweet potato, and broccoli casserole is deliciously ready to be enjoyed. Serve warm and share with family and friends!
This hearty dish combines tender chicken and colorful veggies, all enveloped in creamy cheesy goodness. Perfect for a wholesome family meal!
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, frozen broccoli can be a great substitute. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in your casserole.
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
If you’re looking to avoid mayonnaise, you can use plain Greek yogurt, which adds creaminess and a bit of tang. Alternatively, you can simply use more sour cream in place of mayonnaise for a rich flavor.
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be coming from a chilled state.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use the microwave for a quicker option!