The Best Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Comfort-seeking souls find pure bliss in this creamy broccoli chicken divan that promises delectable moments around the dinner table.

Cheesy layers meld with tender chicken and vibrant green florets in a casserole that whispers home-cooked warmth.

Memories of childhood meals dance through each savory bite, inviting you to savor every forkful.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet satisfying solutions, and this recipe answers that call with remarkable ease.

Nutritious ingredients combine effortlessly, creating a dish that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Hungry diners will appreciate how quickly this meal comes together, transforming ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Let’s uncover the magic of this classic casserole that turns dinner into a celebration of flavor.

Broccoli Chicken Divan: Classic Comfort at Its Best

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: Whip up this creamy, cheesy casserole with minimal prep, using pantry staples and leftover chicken for a quick, satisfying meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Blend tender broccoli, juicy chicken, and a rich, creamy sauce that appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family gatherings.
• Nutritious and Delicious: Pack in protein from chicken and vitamins from broccoli, creating a balanced dish that doesn't compromise on flavor or satisfaction.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra vegetables to make this recipe your own, giving you flexibility for different taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Broccoli Chicken Divan

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that provides a nutritious and tender base for the casserole.
• Chicken: Cooked protein that adds hearty flavor and substance to the dish.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Mayonnaise: Creamy base that creates a rich and smooth sauce for the casserole.
• Milk: Helps to thin and blend the sauce for a perfect consistency.
• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and tangy cheeses that provide a golden, melty topping.

• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Breadcrumbs, Butter: Crunchy topping that adds a crisp texture to the casserole surface.

How to Make Broccoli Chicken Divan

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) to get ready for some culinary magic.

Step 2: Tenderize the Broccoli

Steam those green florets until they’re perfectly soft and vibrant, which takes about 5 minutes.

Set them aside with care.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

• Cream of chicken soup
• Mayonnaise
• Milk
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir until the mixture becomes silky smooth and irresistible.

Step 4: Combine Protein and Greens

Fold in the cooked chicken and steamed broccoli into the creamy sauce, creating a harmonious mixture.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the delectable combination into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 6: Cheese It Up

• Cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese

across the top of the casserole.

Step 7: Create Crunchy Topping

Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter, then shower this golden mixture over the cheesy surface.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the casserole bubbles with excitement.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes, then dive into this comforting and delicious meal.

Tips for Broccoli Chicken Divan

• Pat steamed broccoli dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and maintain a crisp casserole consistency.
• Swap chicken with turkey, tofu, or rotisserie chicken for varied protein choices that suit different dietary needs.
• Use sharp cheddar or mix cheeses like gruyère and white cheddar for a more complex, rich taste profile.
• Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers to accommodate wheat-sensitive diners.
• Adjust garlic powder and paprika amounts to match personal taste preferences, ensuring balanced flavor in every bite.

Flavor Variations of Broccoli Chicken Divan

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace broccoli with cauliflower florets and use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs for a keto-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute cream of chicken soup with coconut cream, use dairy-free cheese alternatives, and replace milk with unsweetened almond milk.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of cream of chicken soup.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds for topping, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions for Broccoli Chicken Divan

• Cozy Family Dinner Companion: Pair this hearty chicken and broccoli casserole with fluffy white rice or buttered egg noodles for a complete meal that fills hungry bellies.
• Bright Side Salad Pairing: Toss a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy casserole and add fresh texture to your plate.
• Warm Bread Sidekick: Serve crusty garlic bread or soft dinner rolls alongside the dish to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce and provide an extra satisfying touch.
• Quick Weeknight Wine Match: Complement the casserole's creamy flavors with a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for an elevated dining experience.

Storage Tips for Broccoli Chicken Divan

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before reheating. Cover with foil to prevent top from burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.

FAQs

• Why steam the broccoli before baking?

Steaming broccoli helps remove excess water and ensures the vegetable is tender but not mushy, preventing a watery casserole and maintaining the perfect texture in the final dish.

• Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for convenience. Just ensure the chicken is fully thawed and heated through before mixing into the casserole.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free breadcrumbs. Always check ingredient labels carefully.

• How do I prevent the topping from burning?

Cover the casserole with foil if the breadcrumbs start browning too quickly. This helps create an even golden crust without overcooking the top layer.

Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

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

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Description

Classic broccoli chicken divan delivers comforting casserole magic from American kitchens. Creamy cheese sauce and tender chicken blend with fresh broccoli for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups chicken breast, shredded or cubed
• 4 cups broccoli florets, steamed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce and Creamy Components:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise or sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk

Seasoning and Topping:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Gently steam broccoli florets until they reach a tender consistency, approximately 5 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
3. Create a smooth, creamy sauce by whisking together cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
4. Fold the cooked chicken and steamed broccoli into the prepared sauce, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.
5. Transfer the combined mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
6. Generously distribute cheddar and Parmesan cheese across the top of the casserole.
7. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter in a separate bowl, then sprinkle the buttery crumb mixture over the cheese layer.
8. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges become bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving to help set the ingredients and enhance flavors.

Notes

• Steam broccoli just until bright green and crisp-tender to prevent overcooking and maintain nutritional value.
• Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for a quick and convenient protein boost.
• Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free options for a celiac-friendly version of the dish.
• Replace cream of chicken soup with homemade cream sauce for a lower-sodium alternative that controls ingredients and flavor intensity.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg