Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe

The Ultimate Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Comfort meets creativity in this delightful broccoli chicken divan that promises to become your new dinnertime favorite.

Creamy sauce embraces tender chicken and vibrant green florets in a harmonious blend.

Hearty ingredients combine with simple techniques to craft a memorable meal.

Weeknight cooking transforms into a culinary adventure with minimal effort.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of protein and vegetables.

Home cooks will adore how quickly this dish comes together.

You’ll savor every delicious bite of this classic casserole that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Broccoli Chicken Divan: Reasons to Make Tonight

  • Boost Flavor Fast: Parmesan and Italian seasoning combine for a taste explosion that transforms boring chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal.
  • Master Cooking Skills Easily: This recipe teaches fundamental cooking techniques like breading and searing, perfect for home cooks wanting to improve their culinary game.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Kids and adults alike will love the crispy, cheesy coating that makes this chicken irresistibly delicious and satisfying.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this dish a go-to for busy families needing a speedy, nutritious dinner solution.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken Divan

For the Main Ingredients:
  • Broccoli: A nutritious green vegetable that provides a crisp texture and earthy flavor to the casserole.
  • Chicken: Shredded protein that makes the dish hearty and satisfying.
For the Dairy and Creamy Components:
  • Cream of Chicken Soup, Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: These ingredients create a rich and creamy sauce that binds the casserole together.
  • Shredded Cheese: Adds a melty, golden topping that enhances the overall flavor and provides a delicious golden crust.
For the Seasonings and Toppings:
  • Lemon Juice, Curry Powder, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that bring depth and brightness to the dish.
  • Breadcrumbs: Provides a crunchy texture and golden brown topping for the casserole.

Cooking Broccoli Chicken Divan Stepwise

Cooking Broccoli Chicken Divan Stepwise

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to get ready for some delicious cooking.

Step 2: Create Magical Sauce

Grab a mixing bowl and combine these flavor-packed ingredients:
  • Cream of chicken soup
  • Mayonnaise
  • Sour cream
  • Lemon juice
  • Curry powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy, creating a sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Layer the Deliciousness

Grab a greased baking dish and start building your flavor masterpiece. First, spread a layer of steamed broccoli across the bottom of the dish.

Next, sprinkle tender shredded chicken over the broccoli.

Step 4: Drench in Sauce

Pour that incredible sauce you just mixed over the broccoli and chicken, making sure every inch gets covered in creamy goodness.

Step 5: Add the Cheesy Crunch

Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the dish. Then, dust the surface with breadcrumbs for an irresistible crispy texture.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns golden brown and the edges are bubbling with deliciousness.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Pull out your masterpiece, let it cool for a few minutes, then serve warm. Get ready to enjoy a comforting, creamy, and totally satisfying meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Little Hints for Broccoli Chicken Divan

  • Swap mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed version that cuts calories without sacrificing creamy texture.
  • Steam broccoli briefly to maintain bright green color and prevent soggy texture during baking.
  • Add extra flavor by sprinkling smoked paprika or garlic powder into the sauce mixture for depth.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for quick preparation and guaranteed tender meat that shreds easily.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or gruyère to customize the dish's richness and taste profile.

Broccoli Chicken Divan: Try New Additions

  • Spicy Southwest Divan: Replace curry powder with chili powder, add diced green chiles, use pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle crushed tortilla chips instead of breadcrumbs.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken Divan: Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, add dried oregano and basil, use feta cheese, and top with chopped kalamata olives.
  • Low-Carb Keto Version: Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds, use heavy cream instead of soup, add extra sharp cheddar, and include cauliflower instead of broccoli.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Replace chicken with roasted tofu or plant-based chicken substitute, use vegetable cream soup, keep all other ingredients similar, and add nutritional yeast for extra flavor.

Chicken Divan: A Perfect Plating Option

  • Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this Broccoli Chicken Divan over fluffy white rice, creating a complete meal that soaks up the creamy sauce and provides extra comfort.
  • Potluck Party Platter: Transfer the casserole to a beautiful serving dish, garnish with fresh parsley, and bring to gatherings. Its cheesy top and vibrant colors will impress everyone at the table.
  • Healthy Lunch Transformation: Pack individual portions in meal prep containers for a nutritious workday lunch. The dish holds up well and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for busy professionals wanting a satisfying midday meal.
  • Elegant Side Dish Twist: Serve smaller portions as a sophisticated side alongside roasted salmon or grilled steak. The creamy texture and rich flavors complement many main course proteins perfectly.

Keep Broccoli Chicken Divan for Lunch Tomorrow

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Place in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  • Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 5-10 extra minutes to cooking time.

FAQs

  • Is this recipe healthy?

While it contains nutritious ingredients like broccoli and chicken, the dish is moderately high in calories due to cream, cheese, and mayonnaise. Consider using low-fat dairy options for a healthier version.

  • Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly. Just ensure you thaw and drain it completely to prevent excess moisture in the dish.

  • What can replace cream of chicken soup?

Greek yogurt mixed with chicken broth makes an excellent substitute. Alternatively, you can use cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile.

  • How do I prevent the topping from burning?

Cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 15-20 minutes of baking, then remove the foil to allow the breadcrumbs and cheese to brown evenly.

Print
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Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe

Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe


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4.6 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty broccoli chicken divan brings comfort and classic flavors to dinner tables across America. Creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and crisp broccoli combine for a simple yet satisfying meal you will crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (steamed)
  • 2 cups chicken (cooked, shredded)
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz/298 g) cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C), ensuring an even temperature for consistent cooking.
  2. Create a creamy sauce by whisking together cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, curry powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-blended.
  3. Arrange a layer of steamed broccoli in a greased baking dish, creating an even base for the casserole.
  4. Distribute shredded chicken evenly over the broccoli layer, ensuring complete coverage.
  5. Generously pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and broccoli, making sure all ingredients are thoroughly coated.
  6. Sprinkle shredded cheese across the top, creating a rich and melty surface.
  7. Scatter breadcrumbs over the cheese layer to add a crispy, golden texture.
  8. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a bubbling surface and golden-brown top.
  9. Remove from oven and let stand for a few minutes to allow the casserole to set.
  10. Serve immediately while warm, enjoying the creamy, cheesy, and flavorful combination of chicken and broccoli.

Notes

  • Adapt the recipe for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and checking the cream of chicken soup’s ingredients.
  • Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier version that still maintains creamy texture and tangy flavor.
  • Enhance protein content by adding quinoa or brown rice beneath the broccoli and chicken layer for a more substantial meal.
  • Try different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, gruyere, or pepper jack to create unique flavor profiles and add depth to the dish.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 325 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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