Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 10-inch square baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain the potatoes and then transfer them back to the hot pot.
While the potatoes are boiling, steam or roast the broccoli until hot and barely softened. It should still be a little bit crisp. Drain any liquid from the broccoli. Cook the bacon, chop or crumble and set aside.
Place the pot with the potatoes back over the warm (but turned off) burner, if you have a gas stove turn the heat to the lowest possible setting. (This will help evaporate any water left in the pan and keep the mashed potatoes nice and fluffy.) Smash the potatoes with a potato masher. Add the butter, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika. Stir to combine.
Add the cooked broccoli, the chicken, the bacon, and 1 cup of cheese to the pot. Stir to mix throughout and then transfer to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the casserole is heated through. Enjoy!
Notes
This recipe will work well with rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or with any pre-cooked chicken. Monterey Jack, Cheddar, or a Mexican blend shredded cheese will all work with this recipe. I used a Mexican blend shredded cheese because I had it on hand and it worked great.
This casserole can be made in almost any 1½-2 quart oven-safe dish. A larger (9×13 style) dish will work as well, just watch the time and be careful not to overcook.
