Hearty Chicken, Potato, and Broccoli Family Casserole

• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 lb Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, sour cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well until smooth.
3. Add the sliced potatoes, chopped onion, broccoli florets, and chicken pieces to the yogurt mixture. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
4. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish spreading evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top in an even layer.
5. In a small bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil until lightly coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese layer to create a crunchy topping.
6. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
8. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set for easier portioning.

Chef tips

• For a dairy-free variation, substitute Greek yogurt and sour cream with full-fat coconut yogurt, and use dairy-free cheese and breadcrumbs.
• If fresh broccoli isn't available, frozen florets can be used but reduce baking time by 5-7 minutes to avoid overcooking.
• Make sure to slice the potatoes thinly (about 1/8 inch) for even baking and tenderness throughout.
• If preferred, swap chicken thighs for boneless skinless chicken breasts; however, thighs remain juicier and more forgiving during baking.