Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that’s packed with flavor, creamy goodness, and comfort in every bite, look no further than this Broccoli Chicken Divan recipe! This classic casserole features tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, cheesy sauce that’s baked to golden perfection. Perfect for family dinners, this dish is hearty, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken.

Keep reading to learn how to make this delicious casserole, complete with step-by-step instructions, tips, and ideas for variations!

this Recipe

What is Broccoli Chicken Divan?

Broccoli Chicken Divan is a traditional American casserole that’s known for its creamy, cheesy sauce and hearty ingredients. Typically made with cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and a rich cheese sauce, this dish is baked until bubbly and golden brown. It's perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a comforting meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Divan originally referred to a signature dish from the Divan Parisien restaurant in New York City, but the name now applies to any casserole with similar ingredients, particularly one involving a creamy sauce.

Ingredients List for Broccoli Chicken Divan

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy and comforting dish:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or 1 lb frozen broccoli, thawed and drained)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

There are many ways to tweak this Broccoli Chicken Divan recipe to suit your tastes or dietary preferences:

• Chicken: Swap the chicken for turkey or ham if you prefer. You can also use shredded rotisserie chicken for a time-saving option.
• Broccoli: Cauliflower is a great alternative if you want to mix things up or can’t find fresh broccoli. You could also use a combination of both.
• Cheese: Sharp cheddar is classic, but you can use any melting cheese you like—Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked cheese for extra flavor.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free sour cream, mayonnaise, and cheese to make this recipe dairy-free. Opt for a cream of chicken substitute made with non-dairy ingredients.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make a delicious Broccoli Chicken Divan that’s creamy, cheesy, and perfect for any night of the week.

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

2. Cook the Broccoli

If you're using fresh broccoli, steam it for about 4-5 minutes, just until it turns bright green and is slightly tender but still crisp. If you're using frozen broccoli, thaw it and drain well to remove any excess moisture.

3. Prepare the Chicken

Shred or cube your cooked chicken. If you're using rotisserie chicken, make sure to remove the skin and bones. Set the chicken aside.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in ½ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and all the Parmesan cheese.

5. Assemble the Casserole

In your prepared baking dish, spread the steamed broccoli in an even layer, followed by the shredded or cubed chicken. Pour the creamy sauce over the top and spread it evenly to cover the chicken and broccoli.

6. Add the Topping

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the casserole, followed by the buttered panko topping.

7. Bake the Casserole

Bake the Broccoli Chicken Divan in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.

8. Garnish and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.

How to Cook Broccoli Chicken Divan: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick recap of how to cook your Broccoli Chicken Divan:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook Broccoli: Steam the broccoli until slightly tender and set aside.
3. Prepare Chicken: Shred or cube the cooked chicken.
4. Make Sauce: Mix together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and cheese.
5. Assemble: Layer broccoli and chicken in the baking dish, pour the sauce over, and top with cheese and breadcrumbs.
6. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with parsley and serve.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is simple, there are a few common mistakes you’ll want to avoid:

1. Overcooking the Broccoli: Be sure not to overcook the broccoli, especially if you’re using fresh. It should still have some bite so that it doesn’t turn mushy after baking.
2. Too Much Liquid: If you're using frozen broccoli, make sure it’s thoroughly thawed and drained. Excess water can make the casserole too runny.
3. Skipping the Breadcrumbs: Don’t skip the breadcrumb topping! It adds a nice crunchy texture that balances the creamy sauce.
4. Undersalting the Sauce: Taste the sauce before adding it to the casserole. Condensed soup and cheese can be salty, but if it tastes bland, adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation can take this comforting casserole to the next level. Here are a few ideas to serve and present your Broccoli Chicken Divan beautifully:

How to Serve Broccoli Chicken Divan

• Over Rice: Serve the casserole over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
• With a Side Salad: Pair this rich dish with a light, fresh salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette to balance the flavors.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty French bread to scoop up the creamy sauce.

Presentation Ideas for Broccoli Chicken Divan

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley, dill, or thyme adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
• Serve in Individual Ramekins: For a more elegant presentation, portion the casserole into individual ramekins before baking. Each guest will get their own mini casserole!

Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe Tips

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: For convenience, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It's already cooked and seasoned, which saves you time.
• Make It Ahead: You can assemble this casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
• Freezer-Friendly: This casserole freezes well. Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use fresh chicken instead of pre-cooked chicken?
A: Yes! You can cook fresh chicken breasts by poaching, baking, or grilling them before shredding or cubing them for the recipe.

Q: Can I use a different type of soup?
A: Yes, cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup can be substituted for cream of chicken soup if you prefer a different flavor.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover Broccoli Chicken Divan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes, Broccoli Chicken Divan freezes well. Assemble the dish but don’t bake it. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup, gluten-free breadcrumbs, and make sure all your other ingredients are gluten-free. Substitute gluten-free flour if you’re making your own roux-based sauce instead of using canned soup.

Conclusion

This Broccoli Chicken Divan recipe is a perfect go-to meal for when you’re craving something comforting, creamy, and easy to make. With simple ingredients, rich flavors, and a satisfying crunchy topping, this casserole is sure to be a hit with your family. Whether you’re serving it for a busy weeknight meal or bringing it to a potluck, this dish delivers comfort and flavor in every bite. So, give this recipe a try and enjoy the deliciousness of a classic, home-cooked casserole!

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