Ultimate Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli & Potato Casserole: Your New Family Favorite Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting casserole, especially when the weather turns chilly. This particular **Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli & Potato Casserole** isn’t just a meal; it’s a hug in a dish! Combining tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, fluffy potatoes, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce, this recipe transforms simple, everyday ingredients into a spectacular family dinner that everyone will adore. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight solution or a hearty addition to any gathering, providing both comfort and convenience.

This recipe yields generous 1.5-cup servings, perfect for satisfying appetites. For those following Weight Watchers, each serving is calculated at approximately 8 WW points on the current program. More specifically, it’s 5 SmartPoints on the Purple program, 7 SmartPoints on the Blue program, and 9 SmartPoints on the Green program. This delightful dish proves that wholesome, flavorful meals can also be mindful of your wellness goals without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.

If you’re a devoted casserole enthusiast, just like me, you’re in for a treat! Beyond this incredible recipe, I’ve compiled a fantastic collection of 24 Easy Weight Watchers Casseroles, featuring some of my all-time best casserole creations designed for delicious and healthy eating. These recipes are perfect for anyone looking to expand their repertoire of comforting, yet conscious, meals, proving that healthy eating can be incredibly enjoyable and diverse.

Furthermore, for those seeking even more variety and inspiration in their kitchen, explore these hand-picked roundups of some of my favorite casserole recipes that I’ve discovered and loved throughout the years. From lean turkey to abundant vegetables and savory ham, there’s a casserole for every taste and occasion, ensuring your dinner rotation never gets boring:

26 Simple Ground Turkey Casserole Recipes: Discover lean and flavorful options perfect for healthy weeknight dinners, offering a lighter alternative to traditional casseroles without compromising on taste.
24 Tasty Vegetable Casserole Recipes: A vibrant selection for incorporating more veggies into your diet in the most delicious ways, proving vegetables can be the star of the show.
25 Delicious Ham Casserole Recipes: Ideal for using up leftover ham from holiday feasts or creating a savory main course that’s rich in flavor and satisfying.

Why This Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli & Potato Casserole is a Must-Try

This isn’t just any ordinary chicken casserole; it’s a complete culinary experience packed with flavor and nutrition. Here’s why this **Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli & Potato Casserole** deserves a top spot in your recipe rotation, becoming a cherished family favorite:

Nutrient-Rich & Filling: This casserole is thoughtfully designed to be a well-balanced meal. It’s packed with lean protein from the tender chicken, essential vitamins and fiber from the vibrant broccoli, and complex carbohydrates from the hearty potatoes. This combination ensures a satisfying and energizing dish that keeps you full longer, making it a wholesome choice for any meal.
Unforgettable Flavor Combination: The magic truly happens when the rich, creamy, and slightly sharp cheddar cheese sauce lovingly envelops every element of the dish. This luscious sauce perfectly complements the savory, succulent chicken and the slightly crisp-tender broccoli florets. Add in the perfectly seasoned and roasted mini potatoes, and you have a symphony of textures and tastes that is profoundly comforting and incredibly delicious. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of creamy, savory, and fresh notes that will tantalize your taste buds.
Effortless Preparation: Despite its impressive taste and hearty nature, this casserole is remarkably simple to assemble. With straightforward ingredients readily available at any grocery store and a logical, easy-to-follow cooking process, even novice cooks can achieve a fantastic result. It involves minimal active cooking time, allowing you to focus on other tasks or simply relax while your oven does most of the heavy lifting.
Perfect for Meal Prep & Leftovers: One of the most convenient features of this casserole is how wonderfully it stores and reheats. Prepare a large batch on the weekend and enjoy the convenience of ready-to-eat, delicious meals throughout the busy week. Simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer individual portions to airtight containers and store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, this dish freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just pop it into the microwave (thawed if frozen) or oven until heated through, and it tastes just as good as fresh!
Family-Friendly Appeal: Casseroles are inherently crowd-pleasers, and this one is no exception. Its familiar, comforting flavors and satisfying profile make it an absolute hit with both children and adults. It’s an excellent and delicious way to get even the pickiest eaters to enjoy their vegetables, thanks to the irresistible cheesy sauce that cloaks the broccoli in a delectable embrace.

Recipe Overview: Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli & Potato Casserole at a Glance

This comprehensive overview provides a quick summary of what to expect when preparing this delightful casserole. We’ve streamlined the steps to ensure a smooth cooking experience from start to finish. Our goal is to deliver a satisfying, home-cooked meal with efficient use of your time, making dinner stress-free and delicious.

Prep Time: 30 minutes – This includes all the hands-on work such as chopping vegetables, cubing chicken (if not pre-cooked), and thoroughly seasoning the potatoes, ensuring everything is perfectly ready for assembly and baking.

Cook Time: 30 minutes – This accounts for the time the casserole spends in the oven to achieve that perfect golden, bubbly finish, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and the ingredients to become perfectly tender after initial potato roasting and sauce preparation.

Total Time: Approximately 1 hour – From the moment you begin prepping to when you pull this delicious masterpiece out of the oven, you’re looking at about an hour. This makes it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight dinner when you crave something substantial and homemade but don’t have all evening to spend in the kitchen.

Essential Ingredients for Your Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole

Gathering your ingredients is the first exciting step to creating this hearty casserole. We’ve selected a thoughtful combination of fresh produce and pantry staples to ensure maximum flavor, optimal nutrition, and ease of preparation. Using good quality ingredients will always elevate your dish, bringing out the best in every bite.

1.5 lb bag mini potatoes: These small, tender potatoes are ideal for roasting. When halved, they cook beautifully, becoming fork-tender with slightly crispy edges, adding a wonderful textural element to the casserole.
2 tsp olive oil: Essential for coating and roasting the potatoes, helping them achieve a golden crisp exterior and contributing to a healthy fat profile.
1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses the potatoes with a savory, aromatic flavor that complements their earthy taste without overpowering them.
1 tsp onion powder: Works in harmony with the garlic powder, adding an additional layer of mild, sweet onion depth to the potato seasoning.
Salt & black pepper: To taste, for perfectly seasoned potatoes and to enhance all the flavors in the creamy cheese sauce. Adjust according to your preference.
Dash of paprika: Adds a subtle warmth, a hint of sweet pepper flavor, and a beautiful reddish hue to the roasted potatoes.
2 Tbsp light butter: Forms the flavorful base of our creamy cheese sauce, offering richness and a silky texture while keeping it lighter.
2 garlic cloves, diced: Freshly diced garlic provides a pungent, fragrant kick to the cheese sauce, ensuring a depth of flavor that dried spices can’t replicate.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Used to create a roux with the butter, which is crucial for thickening our cheese sauce to a perfectly smooth and luscious consistency.
1.5 cups milk: Any milk will work well in this recipe, but 1% milk was used in the original recipe for a lighter touch while maintaining excellent creaminess and mouthfeel in the sauce.
Pinch of cayenne pepper: Optional, but highly recommended for adding a very subtle warmth and an intriguing depth of flavor to the cheese sauce without making it overtly spicy. It just adds a little zing.
1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheese: A blend of three cheeses was used for a complex and well-rounded flavor profile. However, your favorite reduced-fat cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend will be absolutely delicious.
3 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, umami kick to the casserole and contributes to a delightful golden, slightly crispy crust when sprinkled on top before baking.
16 oz cooked cubed chicken breasts: Using pre-cooked chicken (such as a rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled/baked chicken) makes this recipe incredibly fast and convenient, saving significant prep time.
3 cups fresh broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli provides the best flavor and a pleasant tender-crisp texture. However, frozen broccoli (thawed and thoroughly drained to prevent excess moisture) is a convenient and perfectly acceptable alternative.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Perfect Cheesy Casserole

Follow these detailed instructions to create a show-stopping chicken, broccoli, and potato casserole. Precision in each step ensures a delicious and perfectly cooked dish every time, bringing restaurant-quality taste right into your home kitchen.

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by preheating your oven to a robust 450°F (232°C). Take your mini potatoes, wash them thoroughly, and cut them in half to ensure even cooking and faster roasting. In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, a generous pinch of salt and black pepper, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick. Ensure all potato pieces are evenly coated with this aromatic seasoning blend.
2. Roast the Potatoes: Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a large baking sheet. For easier cleanup and to prevent sticking, you can line the baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated 450°F oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are beautifully tender on the inside and lightly golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.
3. Cook the Chicken (if not pre-cooked): If you’re starting with raw chicken, this is an excellent time to cook it. While the potatoes are roasting, you can pan-fry cubed chicken breasts on the stovetop until golden and cooked through, bake them in a separate, lower-temperature oven, or use an air fryer. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and then cut into bite-sized cubes if not already. (Note: The original recipe assumes pre-cooked chicken, which significantly saves time).
4. Prepare the Rich Cheese Sauce: Once the potatoes are done, carefully remove them from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). In a large, deep pan or Dutch oven on the stovetop, melt the light butter over medium heat. Add the diced fresh garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, stirring constantly with a whisk to form a thick, smooth paste, known as a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring it blends completely and smoothly into the roux. Continue whisking until the sauce is entirely lump-free and begins to visibly thicken.
5. Melt the Cheese & Combine: Continue cooking the sauce over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches your desired thickness—it should be a creamy consistency. Stir in 1 cup of reduced-fat shredded cheese and 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese (remember to reserve the remaining 1 tablespoon of Parmesan for topping the casserole). Continue stirring gently for 3-5 minutes until all the cheese has melted into a perfectly smooth, luscious sauce. Turn off the stovetop heat. Gently fold in the cooked cubed chicken and the fresh broccoli florets. Finally, add the roasted potatoes and stir carefully to combine all the ingredients without mashing the tender potatoes.
6. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the entire creamy chicken, broccoli, and potato mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish that has been lightly sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole. Bake in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for an additional 30 minutes, or until the casserole is gloriously bubbly, golden brown on top, and the broccoli is tender-crisp. It’s crucial to check that the potatoes are fully cooked through – they should be easily pierced with a fork (fork-tender). Keep in mind that oven temperatures can vary, so a few extra minutes might be needed to achieve perfect tenderness.
7. Serve and Enjoy: This generous recipe makes 6 satisfying servings, with each portion being approximately 9-9.5 oz (or about 1.5 cups). Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after coming out of the oven to let the sauce set and prevent it from being too runny when served.
8. Storage & Freezing: Any delicious leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This dish also freezes exceptionally well. For best results, allow the casserole to cool completely before portioning and freezing in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Weight Watchers Points Breakdown

For those mindful of their Weight Watchers journey, this **Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli & Potato Casserole** offers a delicious and satisfying solution without compromising your wellness goals. We’ve meticulously calculated the points for each ingredient to give you an accurate overview of this hearty dish, helping you stay on track.

1.5 lb bag mini potatoes: 12 points
2 tsp olive oil: 3 points
2 Tbsp light butter: 8 points
1/4 cup all-purpose flour: 3 points
1.5 cups milk (1% used): 5 points
1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheese: 13 points
3 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese: 3 points
Servings: 6 generous servings
Total points per serving: 8 points on the current Weight Watchers program.

Please note that Weight Watchers points can vary based on individual program updates and zero-point food lists. Always confirm calculations with the official WW recipe builder for the most accurate results tailored to your personal plan, as program rules can evolve.

Creative Variations and Smart Substitutions

One of the true joys of cooking is the ability to customize a recipe to perfectly match your preferences or utilize the ingredients you already have on hand. This **Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli & Potato Casserole** is incredibly versatile, allowing for many delicious variations and clever substitutions to keep things fresh, exciting, and exactly to your liking. Experiment with these ideas to make the dish truly your own culinary masterpiece:

Cheese Power-Up: For an even more intense and savory flavor experience, don’t hesitate to use a bolder cheese. Options like **sharp cheddar cheese** or even a smoky Gouda will elevate the profile. The robust notes of sharper cheeses beautifully complement the savory chicken and creamy sauce, adding another layer of complex deliciousness to the dish. The inherent creaminess of the casserole holds up wonderfully to these stronger flavors, so the sharper the cheese, the better if you’re a true cheese connoisseur!
Crunchy Topping Options: If you crave a delightful textural contrast that adds an irresistible crunch, incorporating a crunchy topping is an excellent idea. You can easily crush **crackers** (such as Ritz crackers for a buttery, rich flavor) or use plain or seasoned **bread crumbs** mixed with a little melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of the casserole before baking. These additions bake into a golden, irresistible crust that provides a satisfying bite. For an extra layer of savory depth, mix in some **Italian seasoning** with your cracker or bread crumb topping. For a truly gourmet crust, you could even combine Italian seasoning, crushed crackers, and a bit of extra shredded cheddar cheese in a small bowl, then sprinkle this flavorful blend on top.
Herbaceous Garnish: Elevate both the visual appeal and add a burst of fresh flavor by garnishing your cooked casserole with finely chopped **fresh parsley** just before serving. The vibrant green not only provides a beautiful color contrast against the golden casserole but also imparts a fresh, herbaceous note that wonderfully brightens the rich, savory flavors of the dish. Fresh chives or dill would also work beautifully for a slightly different aromatic touch.
Enhanced Chicken Flavor: To deepen the chicken flavor within your casserole, consider a simple but impactful swap: replace half a cup of the milk with an equal amount of **chicken broth**. This straightforward substitution introduces an extra layer of savory depth and umami to the creamy sauce, making the chicken notes more prominent and the overall dish even more satisfying.
Cream of Mushroom Twist: For a thicker, more robust casserole with an undeniable umami kick, try substituting a **can of cream of mushroom soup** for half of the milk. This will create an even richer and denser sauce, providing a hearty consistency. The earthy mushroom flavor pairs exceptionally well with both chicken and broccoli, adding an unexpected but truly delightful complexity to the casserole that will impress.
Effortless Chicken Prep: If you’re looking for the ultimate convenience in preparing your chicken, **rotisserie chicken** is undoubtedly your best friend. The pre-seasoned, perfectly cooked chicken from a store-bought rotisserie bird is incredibly flavorful and moist, and it integrates seamlessly into the casserole. Simply pull the meat from the bones and dice it into bite-sized pieces, saving you precious prep time and infusing your dish with extra flavor.
Add More Vegetables: Feel free to toss in other quick-cooking vegetables like diced bell peppers, frozen peas, or corn during the final mixing stage for added color, nutrients, and variety. Just ensure they are thawed and drained if frozen.
Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can easily increase the amount of cayenne pepper used in the cheese sauce or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra fiery kick.

Expert Tips and Tricks for Mastering This Chicken & Broccoli Casserole

Achieving casserole perfection is easier than you think with these insider tips and tricks. These suggestions will help ensure your **Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli & Potato Casserole** turns out flawlessly every time, from its tender, perfectly seasoned potatoes to its rich, creamy, and undeniably cheesy sauce. Follow these pointers for a consistently delicious result:

Achieving a Crispier Crust: For those who adore a delightfully crispy exterior and caramelized edges on their casserole, consider baking your dish in a **cast iron skillet** rather than a traditional glass or ceramic baking dish. A large skillet (typically 10-12 inches in diameter) will be ample enough to hold the casserole mixture comfortably. As it bakes, the cast iron’s superior heat retention and distribution will promote incredible caramelization of the cheese and a beautiful, golden-brown crust on the sides and bottom, resulting in a wonderfully crisp and flavorful edge that’s utterly delicious and adds an extra dimension of texture.
Gentle Mixing for Texture: When it comes to combining the cooked chicken, broccoli, and roasted potatoes into the luscious cheese sauce, remember to be gentle and use a spatula or large spoon. The goal is to evenly distribute all the ingredients throughout the creamy sauce without breaking down the tender chicken pieces or mashing the soft, roasted potatoes. You want distinct, intact chunks of chicken and whole, tender-crisp florets of broccoli to enjoy in every spoonful, ensuring a pleasant variety of textures throughout the finished dish.
Perfectly Tender Potatoes: The tenderness of the potatoes is absolutely key to a successful and enjoyable casserole. Throughout the initial roasting process, make sure to check their doneness regularly. They should be easily pierced with a fork without resistance but should not be mushy or falling apart. By cooking your chicken beforehand (or using pre-cooked chicken), you can dedicate your full attention to achieving that ideal potato texture, which is crucial for the overall mouthfeel and satisfaction of the casserole.
Secret to a Smooth Cheese Sauce: When making the cheese sauce, ensure your butter and flour are fully incorporated and cooked into a smooth roux before you begin slowly adding the milk. Whisk continuously and thoroughly as you add the milk, pouring it in gradually to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue to cook the sauce over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens to your desired consistency. Adding the shredded cheese gradually, a handful at a time, and stirring until each addition is fully melted before adding more will also help achieve a perfectly smooth, velvety, and luscious sauce every single time.
Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: For the best texture, fresh broccoli florets should be tender-crisp in the finished casserole. Adding them directly to the hot cheese sauce and then baking for the specified 30 minutes is usually sufficient to cook them to perfection without turning them mushy. If you are using frozen broccoli, ensure it is fully thawed and thoroughly drained of any excess water before adding it to the mixture; this prevents diluting and thinning out your delicious cheese sauce.

4.50 from 14 votes

Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli & Potato Bake (Weight Watchers Friendly)

By: Drizzle

Servings: 6

Prep: 30 minutes

Cook: 30 minutes

Total: 1 hour

A top-down view of a golden-brown cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole in a white baking dish.

This **Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli & Potato Casserole** is a truly comforting and straightforward dish that the entire family will wholeheartedly enjoy. Each generous serving is calculated at approximately 8 Weight Watchers points on the current program (specifically, 5 SmartPoints on Purple, 7 SmartPoints on Blue, and 9 SmartPoints on Green), making it a delicious and mindful meal option.

Ingredients

▢ 1.5 lb mini potatoes
▢ 2 tsp olive oil
▢ 1 tsp garlic powder
▢ 1 tsp onion powder
▢ Salt & black pepper
▢ Dash of paprika
▢ 2 Tbsp light butter
▢ 2 garlic cloves, diced
▢ 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
▢ 1.5 cups milk (*1% used in original recipe)
▢ Pinch of cayenne pepper
▢ 1 cup reduced fat shredded cheese (*a 3-cheese blend was used)
▢ 3 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese
▢ 16 oz cooked cubed chicken breasts
▢ 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (*frozen broccoli, thawed and drained, works as well)

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Cut the mini potatoes in half. In a large bowl, toss them with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt & black pepper, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper until evenly coated.
2. Roast the Potatoes: Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet (lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup, if desired). Bake for 30 minutes until tender and lightly golden.
3. Cook the Chicken (if needed): If your chicken is not pre-cooked, now is the time to prepare it. You can cook it on the stovetop in a frying pan, in the oven at a lower temperature, or in an air fryer. Once cooked, cube it into bite-sized pieces. (Note: The original recipe assumes pre-cooked chicken).
4. Create the Cheese Sauce: Once potatoes are done, remove them and reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). In a large pan on the stovetop, melt the light butter over medium heat. Add the diced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in the all-purpose flour to form a paste (roux). Slowly whisk in the milk until the paste is fully blended and the sauce begins to thicken.
5. Finish the Sauce & Combine: Cook the sauce over medium-low heat, stirring, until it thickens further. Stir in 1 cup of reduced-fat shredded cheese and 2 Tbsp of grated Parmesan cheese (reserving 1 Tbsp of Parmesan for topping). Stir for 3-5 minutes until all cheese has melted into a smooth sauce. Turn off the stovetop. Gently fold in the cooked cubed chicken and fresh broccoli. Then, carefully add the roasted potatoes and stir again to combine.
6. Bake the Casserole: Transfer the entire mixture to a 9×13-inch casserole dish that has been lightly sprayed with cooking spray. Sprinkle the remaining 1 Tbsp of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Bake in the 350°F (175°C) oven for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. Ensure potatoes are fork-tender; baking times may vary slightly between ovens.
7. Serve: This recipe makes 6 generous servings, approximately 9-9.5 oz (or 1.5 cups) per serving. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
8. Store Leftovers: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This dish also freezes exceptionally well for longer storage.

Notes

This **Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli & Potato Casserole** is calculated at 8 Weight Watchers points per serving on the current plan, as determined by the official WW recipe builder.

For those on the Personal Points plan, the points will range from 5 to 9, depending on your individual zero-point food selections and personal allocations.

On the Smart Points Blue plan, this recipe is 7 points per serving using the WW recipe builder, offering a great balance of flavor and point value.

On the Smart Points Green plan, it is 9 points per serving using the WW recipe builder, making it a satisfying option for this program.

On the Smart Points Purple plan, it is 5 points per serving using the WW recipe builder, a particularly point-friendly option for those on the Purple plan.

Using the older Points Plus calculator, this recipe would be approximately 8 points per serving, demonstrating its consistent appeal across various program iterations.

Nutritional information per serving (approx. 1.5 cups or 9-9.5 oz): Calories 342, Fat 12.8g, Saturated Fat 5.7g, Carbohydrates 28.5g, Sugar 5.2g, Fiber 2.8g, Protein 27.1g. This information is derived using My Fitness Pal and includes all ingredients, even those typically considered zero points in some Weight Watchers programs for a comprehensive view.

Additional Information

Course: Main meals, Dinner, Comfort Food

Tried this recipe?Mention @drizzlemeskinny or tag #drizzlemeskinny!