Quick & Creamy Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe to Wow Your Family

Comfort meets creativity in this delightful broccoli chicken divan that promises to become your new dinnertime favorite.

Creamy cheese sauce blankets tender chicken and vibrant green florets in a harmony of flavors.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients combine into something magical.

Casseroles rarely look this appetizing or taste so incredible.

Weeknight meals need not be bland or boring when you can whip up this classic dish.

Layers of rich, velvety goodness await you in every single bite.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of protein and vegetables that will make everyone at the table smile.

FAQs

• Is Broccoli Chicken Divan healthy?

The dish contains protein from chicken and nutrients from broccoli, but it’s moderately high in calories due to cream-based sauce and cheese. For a lighter version, use low-fat dairy products and reduce cheese quantity.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure cream of chicken soup is also gluten-free.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or freshly cooked and shredded chicken breast all work perfectly. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even distribution.

Why Broccoli Chicken Divan Is a Classic

• Conquer Comfort Food: A hearty, satisfying dish that brings warmth and deliciousness to your dinner table with minimal kitchen effort.
• Customize Your Casserole: Easily swap ingredients like using turkey instead of chicken or adding different cheeses to match your family's taste preferences.
• Meal Prep Magic: Perfect for preparing ahead of time, this recipe can be assembled in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake, making weeknight dinners stress-free.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture, cheesy topping, and nutritious broccoli combined in one comforting meal that pleases everyone.

Ingredients for Broccoli Chicken Divan

• Chicken: Shredded protein that adds substance and flavor to the casserole.

• Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable that provides nutritional value and texture to the dish.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Create a rich and smooth base that binds the casserole together and enhances the overall flavor.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Provide depth and enhance the savory profile of the dish.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, tangy note to balance the creamy elements.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melts to create a golden, flavorful crust on top of the casserole.
• Breadcrumbs, Butter: Create a crispy, crunchy texture that adds contrast to the creamy base.

How to Make Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) and get ready for a delicious culinary adventure.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

• Cream of chicken soup
• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and well-combined.

Step 3: Create the Base Layer

• Steamed broccoli
• Shredded chicken

Spread these ingredients evenly across the bottom of the dish.

Step 4: Pour on the Creamy Goodness

Drizzle the prepared sauce over the broccoli and chicken, making sure every inch gets covered with the luscious mixture.

Step 5: Add the Cheesy Topping

Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the entire casserole, creating a tempting golden blanket.

Step 6: Prepare the Crunchy Breadcrumb Finish

• Breadcrumbs
• Melted butter

Mix thoroughly and distribute evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Watch for a bubbly, golden-brown top that signals it’s ready to devour.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes, then serve piping hot and enjoy the mouthwatering flavors.

Helpful Tips for Broccoli Chicken Divan

• Swap regular mayo with Greek yogurt for a healthier, protein-packed version that cuts calories without sacrificing creaminess.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère or pepper jack to add unique flavor profiles and keep the dish exciting.
• Ensure broccoli is not overcooked to maintain a crisp texture and preserve maximum nutritional value during baking.
• Create a gluten-free option by using almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of traditional breadcrumbs for the topping.
• Add extra vegetables like sliced mushrooms or diced bell peppers for increased nutrition and color variety in the casserole.

Flavor Variations for Broccoli Chicken Divan

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace broccoli with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version, using almond flour instead of breadcrumbs to maintain a crispy topping.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute dairy ingredients with coconut milk, cashew cream, and nutritional yeast for a creamy, allergen-friendly casserole.
• Vegetarian Protein Option: Swap chicken with cubed tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, keeping the same creamy sauce and cheesy topping.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Remix: Add sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and feta cheese for a Greek-style flavor profile while maintaining the core recipe structure.

Pairing Suggestions for Broccoli Chicken Divan

• Comfort Dinner Delight: Pair this hearty casserole with fluffy white rice to soak up the creamy sauce and create a complete meal.
• Healthy Side Symphony: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy chicken divan and add fresh nutrients.
• Elegant Brunch Option: Transform the dish into a sophisticated brunch centerpiece by garnishing with fresh chopped parsley and serving with toasted artisan bread for an elevated dining experience.
• Protein Power Plate: Complement the casserole with roasted asparagus or steamed green beans to enhance the vegetable content and create a well-rounded protein-packed meal.

Proper Storage for Broccoli Chicken Divan

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Wrap the casserole dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating to prevent moisture loss and protect the flavors.
• For freezing, transfer the cooled Broccoli Chicken Divan to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 2 months, labeling the container with the date and contents for easy tracking.

Creamy Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy broccoli chicken divan brings classic comfort to dinner tables across America. Cheesy, herbed sauce coats tender chicken and fresh broccoli, creating a simple yet satisfying casserole you will crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
• 4 cups broccoli florets (steamed)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Sauce and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Topping Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Whisk together cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until smooth and well-combined.
3. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and create an even layer of steamed broccoli as the base.
4. Distribute shredded chicken uniformly over the broccoli layer.
5. Pour the creamy mixture across the entire surface, ensuring complete coverage of chicken and broccoli.
6. Generously scatter shredded cheddar cheese over the creamy layer.
7. Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter in a separate bowl, then sprinkle the mixture evenly across the top of the casserole.
8. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges become bubbly.
9. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to help set the creamy texture.

Notes

• Opt for Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to reduce calories and boost protein content for a healthier version of the dish.
• Toast breadcrumbs separately before sprinkling to ensure extra crispiness and prevent soggy topping during baking.
• Choose fresh broccoli florets over frozen for a more vibrant texture and enhanced nutritional profile, ensuring they’re slightly undercooked before layering to prevent mushiness during final baking.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp white cheddar or gruyère to add unique flavor dimensions and make the casserole more gourmet-style.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 310 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg