Quick and Simple Broccoli Chicken Divan At Home
Classic Elegance: Broccoli Chicken Divan is a cherished dish that blends the wholesome goodness of broccoli with tender chicken, all draped in a creamy, cheesy sauce and baked to golden perfection. This casserole is a quintessential comfort food, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a hearty and satisfying meal. It’s a traditional recipe that has stood the test of time, offering both nutrition and great taste in every bite.
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Why Youโll Love Broccoli Chicken Divan:
- Nutritious and Delicious: Combines protein-rich chicken and nutrient-packed broccoli in a tasty way.
- Comfort Food Classic: Known for its creamy texture and comforting flavors.
- Versatile: Easy to adapt with various ingredients according to your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Simple Preparation: Requires minimal prep time and can be assembled ahead of time, making it convenient for busy schedules.
Ingredients Notes For Broccoli Chicken Divan:
- Chicken: Cooked and diced or shredded, chicken breasts are commonly used, but leftover or rotisserie chicken works well too.
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets, blanched or steamed until just tender, add color, texture, and essential nutrients.
- Cream of Mushroom or Chicken Soup: Acts as a base for the sauce, providing richness and depth. You can also use a homemade white sauce for a less processed alternative.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar or a mix of cheddar and Parmesan gives the dish its cheesy goodness.
- Breadcrumbs or Ritz Crackers: Sprinkled on top for a crunchy finish.
- Mayonnaise and Mustard: Enhance the sauce with their tangy and creamy qualities.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a hint of brightness to balance the rich flavors.
Recipe Steps:
- Prep the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Arrange the blanched broccoli florets in a baking dish and layer the cooked chicken on top.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, mix the cream soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and mustard until smooth. Stir in half the cheese.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken and broccoli. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, followed by breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for added crunch.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving to allow the sauce to set a bit, making it easier to serve.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze portions in suitable containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Quick and Simple Broccoli Chicken Divan At Home
Rate This Yum Pin This Recipe For Later! Share The Yum On Facebook PrintIngredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or chopped
- 4 cups broccoli florets steamed until just tender
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter for the topping
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional for topping
Instructions
Preheat Oven and Prepare Ingredients:
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or similar size casserole dish.
Layer Broccoli and Chicken:
- Arrange the steamed broccoli evenly at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the cooked chicken over the broccoli.
Make the Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, until bubbly.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, and bring the mixture to a boil. Cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream, Dijon mustard, and half of the cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine and Bake:
- Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli in the dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the sauce.
- In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan cheese, if using. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to set the sauce a bit.
- Serve warm, ideally with a side of rice or crusty bread to complete the meal.