Broccoli Chicken Divan

Broccoli Chicken Divan is a classic comfort food casserole that’s both hearty and delicious. With tender pieces of chicken, fresh broccoli, a creamy cheese sauce, and a crispy breadcrumb topping, this recipe is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s simple to prepare, takes only 35 minutes from start to finish, and can be served over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing dinner for guests, this dish is a tried-and-true favorite.

Ingredients

• 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)
• 1 ½ to 2 pounds broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
• 1 can (10 ½ ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup (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

Breadcrumb Topping

• 3 tablespoons Panko bread crumbs or buttery crackers (such as Ritz), crushed
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish or a 3-quart casserole dish.
2. If starting with raw chicken, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook for about 10 minutes until fully cooked, then set aside.
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 place in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup cheddar cheese, condensed soup, sour cream, milk, and all seasonings. Stir in the cooked chicken and spread mixture over the broccoli.
5. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
6. In a small bowl, mix bread crumbs (or crushed crackers) with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the cheese layer.
7. Bake uncovered for 20–22 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
8. Serve warm over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.

Serving Tips

• Serve with a fresh side salad or crusty bread to balance the richness.
• Pair with a light vegetable side like green beans, asparagus, or a cucumber salad.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan for an elegant touch.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or use the microwave for quick reheating.
• Freeze: Assemble the casserole (without baking), wrap tightly in foil or plastic, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen at 375°F for 45–50 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Variations

1. Keto-Friendly Divan
   • Skip the breadcrumbs and replace with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a crunchy topping.
   • Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of pasta or potatoes.
2. Cheesy Alfredo Divan
   • Swap the cream of mushroom soup for Alfredo sauce.
   • Add mozzarella and Parmesan along with cheddar for a rich, creamy flavor.
3. Spicy Buffalo Chicken Divan
   • Mix ¼ cup buffalo sauce into the creamy mixture.
   • Top with crumbled blue cheese or ranch drizzle for a bold twist.
4. Tex-Mex Divan
   • Replace the cream soup with a can of cream of chicken mixed with salsa.
   • Add black beans, corn, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning to the sauce.
   • Use Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese and top with crushed tortilla chips instead of breadcrumbs.
5. Mediterranean Divan
   • Add sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of oregano to the filling.
   • Swap cheddar for feta cheese.
   • Serve with couscous or orzo for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
6. Lightened-Up Divan
   • Use low-fat sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and low-sodium cream soup.
   • Replace half the chicken with extra broccoli or cauliflower for a veggie-loaded version.
7. BBQ Chicken Divan
   • Stir in ½ cup of your favorite barbecue sauce with the creamy mixture.
   • Use smoked cheddar or gouda cheese for a smoky flavor.
   • Serve over cornbread or baked potatoes for a Southern-inspired meal.
8. Thanksgiving Divan
   • Swap chicken for leftover turkey.
   • Use cream of celery soup for a lighter base.
   • Add a topping of crushed stuffing instead of breadcrumbs for a holiday-inspired twist.
9. Mushroom Lover’s Divan
   • Add sautéed mushrooms to the chicken mixture for extra earthiness.
   • Use Swiss or Gruyère cheese for a deeper, savory flavor.
10. Pasta Bake Divan

• Mix in cooked penne, rigatoni, or rotini with the chicken and sauce before baking.
• This makes the casserole a complete one-dish meal without needing rice or noodles on the side.

11. Seafood Divan

• Replace chicken with cooked shrimp, crab, or a mix of seafood.
• Use cream of shrimp or cream of celery soup and top with Parmesan breadcrumbs.

12. Vegan Divan

• Substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu.
• Use a plant-based cream of mushroom soup, dairy-free sour cream, and vegan cheddar cheese.
• Top with seasoned breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil.

FAQs

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
   Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor.
2. Can I substitute frozen broccoli?
   Absolutely, just thaw and drain it before adding to the casserole.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes, assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
4. What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
   Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup both work well.
5. Can I add rice directly into the casserole?
   It’s best to serve rice on the side, but you can mix in pre-cooked rice before baking.
6. How do I prevent the casserole from getting watery?
   Drain broccoli well after cooking and avoid overcooking it.
7. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, simply bake in two dishes or use a larger casserole dish.
8. Can I use different vegetables?
   Yes, cauliflower, peas, or carrots also taste delicious in this casserole.
9. How do I get the topping extra crispy?
   Broil for the last 1–2 minutes of baking to brown the breadcrumb topping.
10. Is this dish freezer-friendly?
    Yes, assemble and freeze before baking for best results.

Broccoli Chicken Divan is the ultimate family-friendly casserole, combining wholesome ingredients with rich, comforting flavors. The creamy sauce and cheesy topping make it a hit at the dinner table, while the simple preparation ensures you can make it even on busy nights. Serve it with your favorite side dish, enjoy the leftovers for lunch, or freeze it for later—this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Once you try it, it will quickly become one of your go-to meals for both weeknights and special occasions.

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