The Most Comforting Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe Ever Made

Creamy broccoli chicken divan brings comfort to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Layers of tender chicken and vibrant green florets create a delightful casserole everyone adores.

Cheesy sauce melts perfectly between each ingredient, promising a satisfying meal.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet delicious solutions like this classic dish.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together without complicated techniques.

Nutritious and hearty, this casserole delivers a balanced meal that feels like a warm hug.

Broccoli Chicken Divan You’ll Crave

• Supercharge Your Weeknight Dinner: A creamy, protein-packed casserole that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal everyone will love.
• Customize with Ease: Swap chicken with turkey, add different vegetables, or experiment with cheese varieties to make this recipe uniquely yours.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Combine ingredients quickly in one bowl, layer in a baking dish, and let the oven work its magic with minimal hands-on cooking time.
• Kid-Friendly Nutrition Powerhouse: Sneaks vegetables into a cheesy, comforting dish that children will devour without realizing they're eating something healthy.

Ingredients for Broccoli Chicken Divan

• Chicken: A tender and flavorful protein that serves as the base of this comforting casserole.

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutritional value and a slight crunch to the dish.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy ingredients that create a rich and smooth sauce for binding the casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Cheeses that provide depth of flavor and a melty, golden topping.

• Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, tangy note to balance the creamy sauce.
• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Breadcrumbs, Butter: Crispy topping that adds a crunchy texture to the casserole surface.

How to Make Broccoli Chicken Divan Step-by-Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375 degrees Fahrenheit, getting it ready for a delicious baking adventure.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

Gently steam the broccoli florets for 4-5 minutes until they’re tender but still vibrant green.

Once done, set them aside and let them rest.

Step 3: Create the Magical Sauce

• Cream of chicken soup
• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Lemon juice
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything until it becomes a creamy, dreamy sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 4: Layer the Chicken and Broccoli

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and create a delicious foundation by spreading out the cooked chicken and steamed broccoli.

Step 5: Drench with Creamy Goodness

Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and broccoli, making sure every inch gets a generous coating of flavor.

Step 6: Add Crispy Topping (Optional)

In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter until they’re perfectly combined.

Sprinkle this golden, crunchy mixture over the casserole for an extra touch of deliciousness.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes.

Watch for a golden, bubbly top that signals it’s ready to devour.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Pull the casserole out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then serve up this mouthwatering meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Chicken Divan

• Cook florets for exactly 4-5 minutes to maintain crisp texture and vibrant green color without overcooking.
• Mix different cheese types like cheddar and parmesan for a richer, more complex flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
• If adding breadcrumbs, toast them lightly in butter first to ensure a crispy, golden-brown crust that adds delightful crunch.
• Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly version that maintains the dish's delicious essence.
• Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time and add extra flavor to the casserole.

Variations on Broccoli Chicken Divan to Try

• Vegetarian Veggie Divan: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, use mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken soup for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Edition: Swap broccoli with cauliflower florets, use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Wellness Option: Substitute dairy ingredients with coconut milk, nutritional yeast, and dairy-free cheese alternatives for lactose-sensitive individuals.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Add chopped fresh herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, incorporate sundried tomatoes, and use Greek yogurt for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

Serving Broccoli Chicken Divan with Flair

• Comfort Plate Partner: Serve this creamy casserole over fluffy white rice or buttery egg noodles to soak up the delicious sauce and create a complete meal.
• Veggie Boost Companion: Add a fresh green salad with crisp cucumber slices and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy chicken divan.
• Bread Basket Buddy: Warm garlic bread or crusty French bread makes an excellent side for mopping up extra sauce and adding a satisfying crunch to the meal.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: A crisp chardonnay or light pinot grigio complements the creamy texture and enhances the dish's subtle flavors for adult dinner guests.

Storing Broccoli Chicken Divan Freshness Tips

• Transfer leftover Broccoli Chicken Divan to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months, labeling with the date to track freshness.
• Thaw frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat uncovered at 350F for 20-25 minutes until heated through and crispy on top.
• Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating and prevent cold spots.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly. Just thaw and drain excess water before using in the recipe.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, it’s not gluten-free due to cream of chicken soup and optional breadcrumbs. Use gluten-free alternatives like cornstarch or gluten-free breadcrumbs to modify.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use low-fat mayonnaise, reduced-fat cheese, and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Choose grilled or roasted chicken breast for a leaner protein option.

Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in this classic Broccoli Chicken Divan, where tender chicken and crisp broccoli mingle under a creamy, golden-brown cheese sauce. Serving pure satisfaction, this timeless dish delivers hearty warmth and irresistible flavor you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed

Vegetables:

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Topping:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Elevate the oven temperature to 375F (190C), preparing a culinary canvas for a comforting casserole.
2. Transform broccoli florets into tender emerald gems by steaming them for 4-5 minutes, then gently transfer to a waiting plate.
3. Craft a luxurious sauce by whisking together cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, cheddar, parmesan, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper into a harmonious blend.
4. Arrange a foundation of cooked chicken pieces in a spacious 9×13-inch baking vessel, creating a protein-rich base.
5. Nestle the steamed broccoli atop the chicken, creating a verdant layer of nutrition.
6. Lavishly drape the creamy sauce across the chicken and broccoli, ensuring every morsel receives a generous coating.
7. For a crispy dimension, combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and delicately scatter over the casserole’s surface.
8. Slide the dish into the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 25-30 minutes until the top achieves a golden, bubbling perfection.
9. Carefully extract the casserole, permitting it a brief moment to settle before serving this warm, inviting comfort dish.

Notes

• Always use fresh broccoli for the best texture and vibrant green color that enhances the overall dish appearance.
• Slightly undercook the broccoli during steaming to prevent mushiness and maintain a crisp bite in the final casserole.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed almond flour for a crunchy topping.
• Consider using rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time and add extra flavor complexity to the dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 282 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg