Divan Chicken Broccoli

If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal that combines tender chicken with vibrant broccoli and a cheesy topping, Divan Chicken Broccoli is the perfect dish. This comforting casserole is ideal for busy weeknights and offers a wonderful blend of flavors and textures that your family will love. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can have a hearty and delicious dinner on the table in no time.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups of cubed, cooked chicken
• 1 pound broccoli, fresh and chopped
• 1 can cream of broccoli soup mix
• ⅓ cup of milk
• 1 tbsp melted, unsalted butter
• ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tbsp seasoned bread crumbs

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).

2. Prepare the Broccoli:

• Place the chopped broccoli in a saucepan and add enough water to just cover it.
• Bring to a boil and cook until tender. Drain the broccoli well to remove excess moisture.

3. Arrange Broccoli in Baking Dish:

• Transfer the drained broccoli to a baking dish or a 9-inch pie plate, spreading it out evenly.

4. Add Chicken and Soup Mix:

• Place the cubed, cooked chicken over the broccoli.
• In a small mixing bowl, combine the cream of broccoli soup mix and milk, stirring until well combined.

5. Add Soup Mixture and Cheese:

• Pour the soup mixture evenly over the chicken and broccoli.
• Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top of the chicken.

6. Prepare and Add Bread Crumbs:

• In a small bowl, mix the melted, unsalted butter with the seasoned bread crumbs.
• Sprinkle the buttered bread crumb mixture over the cheese.

7. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the dish is bubbly and the top is light brown.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

1. Serve Hot:
   • Divan Chicken Broccoli is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while it’s hot and bubbly. The cheese will be melted and the bread crumbs will be crispy, creating the perfect texture.
2. Pair with Sides:
   • This dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed rice to complete your meal.
3. Garnish for Extra Flavor:
   • Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, to add a touch of color and freshness. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze or a squeeze of lemon juice can also enhance the flavors.
4. Portion Control:
   • Use a spatula to serve portions neatly from the baking dish. This dish is filling, so consider smaller portions if serving with multiple sides or as part of a larger meal.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration:
   • Allow any leftover Divan Chicken Broccoli to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
2. Freezing:
   • You can freeze this casserole for longer storage. Ensure it is completely cooled before freezing. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
3. Reheating:
   • To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Cover with foil if it starts to brown too quickly. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, though the texture may be slightly different.
4. Preventing Dryness:
   • If reheating, add a splash of milk or a small pat of butter on top before reheating to help retain moisture and prevent the casserole from drying out.
5. Portion Control for Storage:
   • For convenience, consider dividing leftovers into individual portions before storing. This makes it easier to reheat only what you need and helps preserve the quality of the remaining portions.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy Divan Chicken Broccoli at its best, whether you’re serving it fresh or enjoying leftovers. This versatile dish remains delicious and convenient for any meal!

Variations:

1. Chicken Variations:
   • Rotisserie Chicken: Use store-bought rotisserie chicken for a quicker and more flavorful option. Simply shred or cube the chicken and use it in place of cooked chicken.
   • Turkey: Substitute the chicken with cooked turkey for a leaner alternative. This is especially useful if you have leftover Thanksgiving turkey.
2. Broccoli Alternatives:
   • Mixed Vegetables: Replace broccoli with a mix of vegetables such as carrots, cauliflower, and bell peppers. This adds more color and variety to the dish.
   • Spinach: For a different green vegetable, try using fresh or frozen spinach. If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding.
3. Soup Mix Variations:
   • Cream of Mushroom Soup: Use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of broccoli for a different flavor profile.
   • Cream of Chicken Soup: For a milder taste, substitute with cream of chicken soup, which pairs well with the other ingredients.
4. Cheese Options:
   • Swiss Cheese: Swap out sharp cheddar cheese for Swiss cheese for a milder, nuttier flavor.
   • Pepper Jack Cheese: For a spicy kick, use pepper jack cheese. It adds a subtle heat and extra flavor.
5. Seasoning Variations:
   • Italian Seasoning: Add Italian seasoning or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional flavor.
   • Garlic Powder: Enhance the flavor with garlic powder or fresh minced garlic mixed into the cream soup.
6. Breadcrumb Toppings:
   • Panko Breadcrumbs: For a crunchier topping, use panko breadcrumbs instead of seasoned bread crumbs. They provide a lighter, crispier texture.
   • Crushed Ritz Crackers: Crushed Ritz crackers can be used as a topping for added buttery flavor and extra crunch.
7. Healthier Options:
   • Low-Fat Dairy: Use low-fat or fat-free versions of the cream of broccoli soup and cheese to reduce the fat content.
   • Whole Wheat Bread Crumbs: Opt for whole wheat bread crumbs for a healthier topping with added fiber.
8. Gluten-Free Version:
   • Gluten-Free Bread Crumbs: Use gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers as a topping to make the dish gluten-free.
   • Gluten-Free Cream Soup: Ensure the cream of broccoli soup mix is gluten-free or use a homemade gluten-free version.
9. Vegan Version:
   • Vegan Chicken Substitute: Replace the chicken with a vegan chicken substitute or chickpeas for a plant-based option.
   • Non-Dairy Cheese: Use vegan cheese and a non-dairy cream soup substitute to make the dish entirely vegan.
10. Spicy Version:
    • Hot Sauce: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the cream soup mixture for an extra kick.
    • Jalapeños: Incorporate finely chopped jalapeños or other hot peppers into the casserole for a spicy twist.

These variations allow you to customize Divan Chicken Broccoli to suit different tastes, dietary needs, and available ingredients, making it a versatile and adaptable dish for any occasion.

FAQs:

1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

• Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Thaw it and drain any excess water before adding it to the dish. This will help prevent excess moisture in the casserole.

2. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

• Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it as directed when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?

• Absolutely! You can substitute sharp cheddar with other cheeses like Swiss, mozzarella, or pepper jack. Each cheese will give the casserole a different flavor and texture.

4. How do I make this dish gluten-free?

• To make Divan Chicken Broccoli gluten-free, use gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping. Ensure that the cream of broccoli soup mix is gluten-free or make a gluten-free version at home.

5. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

• Yes, you can use dairy-free alternatives. Substitute the cream of broccoli soup with a dairy-free version and use dairy-free cheese and butter alternatives to make it completely dairy-free.

6. How do I store leftovers?

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

7. Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?

• For best results, use pre-cooked chicken. If using raw chicken, cook it thoroughly before adding it to the casserole to ensure food safety.

8. What can I use instead of seasoned bread crumbs?

• If you don’t have seasoned bread crumbs, you can use regular bread crumbs, panko breadcrumbs, or crushed crackers. You can also mix in some dried herbs and spices for flavor.

9. How can I make this recipe spicier?

• To add some heat, mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce into the cream soup mixture. You can also add finely chopped jalapeños or other hot peppers to the casserole.