Quick & Savory Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Whipping up a delectable broccoli chicken divan brings comfort and nostalgia to your dinner table.

Creamy textures and savory flavors combine in this classic casserole that never disappoints.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients create such a memorable meal.

Tender chicken pieces nestle between bright green broccoli florets, promising a satisfying culinary experience.

Delicate cheese sauce weaves through each bite, adding richness and depth to every forkful.

Nutritious and hearty, this dish delivers both protein and vegetables in one delightful package.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Broccoli Chicken Divan Essentials

• Conquer Kitchen Challenges: Perfect for home cooks looking to boost their culinary confidence with a straightforward, foolproof recipe that delivers delicious results every single time.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A family-friendly meal that transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, satisfying dish guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy and asking for seconds.
• Quick Nutritious Powerhouse: Packed with protein from chicken and vitamins from broccoli, this recipe offers a balanced meal that delivers maximum nutrition without complicated preparation steps.
• Versatile Weeknight Winner: Adaptable for different dietary preferences, easily customizable with additional vegetables or seasonings, making it an ideal go-to recipe for busy households seeking convenience and flavor.

Ingredients for Broccoli Chicken Divan

• Chicken: A lean protein that provides the main source of meat in this comforting casserole.

• Broccoli: A nutritious green vegetable that adds color, texture, and essential nutrients to the dish.

• Condensed Cream of Broccoli Soup, Milk: A creamy base that binds the ingredients and adds rich, smooth flavor to the casserole.

• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp, melty cheese that adds depth and richness to the dish.
• Dried Bread Crumbs, Melted Butter: A crunchy topping that provides a golden, crispy texture and additional flavor.

How to Prepare Broccoli Chicken Divan

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a sizzling 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Get ready for some culinary magic!

Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli

• Water

Cover and bring to a rapid boil. Let it dance for about 5 minutes until tender.

Drain completely and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Base Layer

Spread the blanched broccoli across the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate like a green carpet.

Layer sliced chicken on top, creating a cozy blanket.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

• Condensed cream of broccoli soup
• Milk

Whisk until silky smooth.

Pour this liquid gold evenly over the chicken, making sure every inch gets some love.

Step 5: Add the Cheesy Crown

Shower the surface with shredded cheddar cheese.

• Melted butter
• Dried bread crumbs

Massage until it looks like golden sand. Sprinkle this crispy topping across the cheese.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the center bubbles with excitement.

Step 7: Serve and Celebrate

Pull out your masterpiece, let it cool for a moment, and dive in while it’s hot. Enjoy the symphony of flavors and textures that’ll make taste buds dance!

Expert Tips for Broccoli Chicken Divan

• Blanch broccoli quickly to maintain its vibrant green color and prevent overcooking, ensuring crisp-tender texture.
• Swap chicken with turkey or tofu for different protein options, making the recipe versatile for various dietary preferences.
• Use low-fat milk and reduced-sodium soup to create a lighter version of this classic casserole without sacrificing flavor.
• Enhance breadcrumb topping by mixing in herbs like thyme or parsley for extra aromatic complexity and depth.
• Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set and make serving easier, preventing runny consistency.

Variations of Broccoli Chicken Divan

• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, maintaining protein content while creating a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or almond meal, and use gluten-free condensed soup for celiac-friendly preparation.
• Mediterranean Spin: Incorporate feta cheese instead of cheddar, add oregano and sun-dried tomatoes, creating a Greek-inspired flavor profile with Mediterranean herbs.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour, reduce milk quantity, and use cauliflower as an alternative base vegetable for decreased carbohydrate content.

Pairing Ideas for Broccoli Chicken Divan

• Select a medium-bodied Chardonnay with subtle oak notes to complement the creamy sauce and cut through the richness of the cheese and chicken.
• Create a crunchy side of garlic-infused toasted bread to provide a complementary texture and enhance the dish's savory flavors.
• Prepare a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heaviness of the chicken divan and add a fresh, peppery contrast.
• Choose a light, crisp Pinot Grigio that will refresh the palate and offer a clean counterpoint to the creamy, cheesy main dish.

Storage Advice for Broccoli Chicken Divan

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and safety.
• Transfer cooled chicken divan to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Is broccoli chicken divan a healthy dish?

Yes, it provides protein from chicken, vitamins from broccoli, and calcium from cheese. The dish offers balanced nutrition with lean protein and vegetables.

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works perfectly. Just thaw and drain excess water before using in the recipe to prevent watery results.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Cooked, shredded chicken breast is ideal. Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken are excellent time-saving options that add great flavor.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure the cream of broccoli soup is also gluten-free.

Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Classic broccoli chicken divan brings comfort and flavor to dinner tables across America. Creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli create a hearty casserole you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) chicken (cooked, cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 pound (454 g) broccoli (fresh, coarsely chopped)
• 1 can (10.75 oz or 305 g) condensed cream of broccoli soup
• 1/2 cup (120 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) milk
• 1 tbsp (15 g) unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 tbsps (30 g) dried bread crumbs

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 450°F, creating an optimal cooking environment for the broccoli chicken divan.
2. Steam broccoli in boiling water for 5 minutes until tender, then thoroughly drain to remove excess moisture.
3. Layer drained broccoli evenly across the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate, creating a vegetable foundation.
4. Distribute sliced chicken uniformly over the broccoli base, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Whisk condensed cream of broccoli soup with milk until smooth and silky, creating a creamy sauce.
6. Pour sauce gently over chicken, making certain it cascades evenly across the entire surface.
7. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the sauced chicken, adding a rich, melty layer.
8. Combine melted butter and dried bread crumbs, mixing until achieving a crumbly, sandy consistency.
9. Scatter buttered bread crumbs across the cheese layer, providing a crisp, golden topping.
10. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and bubbling edges.
11. Remove from oven, let rest briefly to set, and serve warm for maximum flavor enjoyment.

Notes

• Customize the protein by substituting chicken with turkey, tofu, or shrimp for varied dietary preferences and exciting flavor combinations.
• Boost nutrition by adding extra vegetables like cauliflower, spinach, or bell peppers to increase the dish’s vitamin and mineral content.
• Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and checking that the condensed soup is gluten-free certified.
• Reduce calories by using low-fat milk, light cheese, and Greek yogurt instead of traditional cream-based ingredients for a healthier alternative.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 270 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg