Chicken Divan is a warm and creamy casserole that’s packed with delicious chicken, tender broccoli, and a rich cheese sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food for any day!
This dish is like a big hug on a plate! I love to serve it over rice or noodles to soak up every last drop of that cheesy goodness. Perfect for family dinner nights! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Cooked chicken is key for this dish. You can use rotisserie chicken for ease or leftover cooked chicken. If you need a meatless option, try using chickpeas or tofu for a hearty twist.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives a nice crunch, but frozen is super convenient! If you’re not a broccoli fan, consider substituting with cauliflower or mixed vegetables for variety.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds creamy texture and flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, use light cream of chicken soup or make your own with chicken broth and a thickener. For a vegetarian version, look for cream of mushroom or a plant-based alternative.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds great flavor. Feel free to mix things up with Monterey Jack, pepper jack for heat, or even a blend of different cheeses for a richer taste!
Mayonnaise: It helps to bind everything together. Greek yogurt is a great substitute if you want a lighter option, giving a tangy flavor as well.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Topping Texture?
The breadcrumb topping is essential for that crunchy finish. To nail this step, combine breadcrumbs with melted butter, which helps them brown nicely in the oven. Here’s how to do it:
- In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the mixture evenly over your cheese layer, ensuring full coverage for maximum crunch.
- For extra flavor, you can add grated Parmesan cheese or some Italian herbs to the breadcrumb mix.
Bake just until it turns golden brown, about 30-35 minutes, and keep an eye on it to prevent burning. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Divan!
How to Make Chicken Divan
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Divan recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and around 30-35 minutes to bake. In total, you can expect to spend about 50 minutes, including the time in the oven. It’s a quick and satisfying dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). This will make sure your Chicken Divan cooks evenly and thoroughly.
2. Prepare the Broccoli:
If you’re using fresh broccoli, steam it in a pot until it’s just tender, which should take about 4-5 minutes. If you’re using frozen broccoli, just thaw it and make sure it’s well-drained. This step ensures that the broccoli retains some crunch and flavor.
3. Mix the Casserole Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a good mix until everything is nice and smooth.
4. Combine Chicken and Broccoli:
Now, add your cooked chicken and the steamed (or thawed) broccoli to the bowl. Stir everything together until all the chicken and broccoli are well coated with the creamy mixture.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly so that it cooks nicely. This will be the base for your Chicken Divan.
6. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and broccoli mixture. This will melt into delicious goodness as it bakes!
7. Prepare the Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter, mixing them until the breadcrumbs are well coated. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the cheese layer for that crispy topping we all love.
8. Bake:
Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for a lovely golden brown top and bubbly filling—yum!
9. Cool and Garnish:
Once it’s done, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. Before serving, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top to add a touch of color and freshness.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Chicken Divan warm, either on its own or alongside some rice or pasta. Enjoy every bite of this comforting dish!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to remove excess moisture before adding it to the mixture. This helps prevent the dish from becoming watery during baking.
Can I Substitute the Cream of Chicken Soup?
Yes, you can substitute with cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor, or use a homemade béchamel sauce if you prefer. A dairy-free creamy soup can also work if you want a lighter or allergen-friendly option!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven or microwave, and consider adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist while reheating.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can assemble everything up to the baking step, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to a day. When you’re ready to bake, just remove the covering and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if it’s still cold from the fridge.
