Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe

Introduction

Broccoli Chicken Divan is a comforting casserole that combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce baked to bubbly perfection. This classic dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying family dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts (about 2 pounds or 3 cups cooked chicken), cut into bite size pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using raw chicken breasts)
• 1 ½ to 2 pounds broccoli, cut into bite sized pieces
• 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
• 10 ½ ounces condensed cream of mushroom soup (1 can) or cream of chicken soup
• ⅔ cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk
• ½ teaspoon each garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard powder, and pepper
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 tablespoons Panko bread crumbs or buttery crackers (like Ritz crackers)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a 3-quart casserole dish.
2. Step 2: If using raw chicken breasts, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until fully cooked, about 10 minutes. Set aside.
3. Step 3: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add broccoli and cook for 2-3 minutes until just tender-crisp. Drain well and spread the broccoli evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of cheddar cheese, condensed soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard powder, pepper, and salt. Stir in the cooked chicken and mix well. Spread this mixture evenly over the broccoli in the baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, mix the Panko bread crumbs or crushed buttery crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the cheese layer.
6. Step 6: Bake uncovered for 20-22 minutes, or until the bread crumbs are lightly browned and the casserole is bubbly and hot.
7. Step 7: Remove from oven and serve warm over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes as desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture.
• Swap out broccoli for cauliflower or a mix of both for a different vegetable twist.
• Use cream of chicken soup instead of mushroom soup for a milder taste.
• To make it lower in carbs, serve without starch sides, or substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for added protein.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions, covering loosely to retain moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Thaw and drain it well before layering it in the dish to avoid excess moisture.

Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking as directed.

Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 116 reviews

Broccoli Chicken Divan is a classic comforting casserole featuring tender chicken pieces and crisp broccoli florets baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce topped with buttery breadcrumbs. It’s an easy, satisfying dinner perfect for weeknights, served best over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 32 minutes
• Total Time: 47 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 chicken breasts (about 2 pounds or 3 cups cooked chicken), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil (if using raw chicken breasts)

Vegetables

• 1 ½–2 pounds broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces

Sauce & Toppings

• 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
• 10 ½ ounces condensed cream of mushroom soup (1 can) or cream of chicken soup
• ⅔ cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 Tablespoons Panko bread crumbs or buttery crackers (like Ritz crackers)
• 1 Tablespoon melted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or a 3-quart casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook Chicken: If using raw chicken breasts, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and sauté until cooked through and no longer pink inside, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Cook Broccoli: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes until broccoli is tender-crisp. Drain well and arrange in an even layer on the bottom of the greased baking dish.
4. Prepare Sauce Mixture: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, condensed cream of mushroom (or chicken) soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard powder, pepper, and kosher salt. Stir until smooth. Fold in the cooked chicken pieces.
5. Assemble Casserole: Pour and spread the cheese and chicken mixture evenly over the broccoli in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
6. Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix the Panko bread crumbs (or crushed buttery crackers) with melted butter until crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
7. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are lightly browned and the casserole is bubbly and heated through.
8. Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes as desired.

Notes

• You can substitute cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom if preferred.
• To make preparation quicker, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit topping.
• If you want extra flavor, sprinkle some paprika or cayenne pepper into the sauce mixture.
• This dish can be assembled ahead and refrigerated, then baked before serving.

Keywords: Broccoli Chicken Divan, Chicken Casserole, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food, Cheesy Broccoli Chicken, One Dish Meal