Broccoli Chicken Divan is not just a dish. It’s a comfort. Wrapped in the warmth of home-cooked meals. Perfectly blending tender chicken. And fresh broccoli. In a creamy, cheesy sauce. This recipe is a testament. To how simple ingredients are. Can create a feast. For the senses. Ideal for busy weeknights. Or a cozy family dinner. It combines health. And taste. In one dish. The star components. Chicken and broccoli. They are smothered in a rich sauce. Made from the cream of mushroom soup. Cheddar cheese. And a blend of spices. Then topped with a golden breadcrumb crust. For that irresistible crunch.
I still remember. The evening I decided. To venture into making Broccoli Chicken Divan. For the first time. It was a chilly evening. And the kitchen was my refuge. As the aromas filled our home. It became a beacon for my husband and child. Drawing them to the dinner table. With anticipation. The first bite was met with an approving silence. A moment where time stood still. And all that existed was the perfect harmony of flavors. Since then. It has become a beloved tradition. A dish that signifies love. Warmth. And the simple joys of eating together.
What makes this Broccoli Chicken Divan truly delightful?
Broccoli Chicken Divan stands out as a culinary delight. By perfectly balancing health. And indulgence. Showcasing its unique selling points. This recipe marries the nutritional benefits of fresh broccoli. And lean chicken. With the heartwarming comfort of a creamy, cheesy sauce. All topped with a golden breadcrumb crust. For an irresistible finish. Its versatility shines through. As it pairs beautifully with rice. Noodles, or mashed potatoes. Catering to diverse dietary preferences. Moreover, it’s a straightforward preparation. This makes it an ideal choice. For both weeknight dinners. And special occasions. Proving that delicious. Wholesome meals can be easy. And quick to prepare.
What You Need To Make This Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe?
Chicken Breasts: These are our heroes. Offering rich protein. And soaking up the delicious flavors.
Olive Oil: Just a bit. To help our chicken cook to perfection. Making it golden. And delicious.
Broccoli: Bright and crunchy. It adds a pop of color. And a burst of health to every bite.
Cheddar Cheese: Melty and comforting. It wraps the dish in a blanket of creamy. Cheesy goodness.
Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: The base of our sauce. It brings everything together with its rich. Creamy texture.
Sour Cream: Adds a little zing. Balancing out the richness. With its tangy flavor.
Milk: Smooth out the sauce. Making it perfectly pourable. And delicious.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, pepper, and salt. Add depth and warmth. Making the dish sing with flavor.
Breadcrumb Topping: A sprinkle of breadcrumbs. Mixed with butter. Adds a crunchy top layer. Giving a lovely texture contrast.
Steps To Make Broccoli Chicken Divan:
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Step 1: Oven Warmth: Kick things off by preheating your oven to a cozy 400°F. Lightly grease your trusty 9×13 baking dish or a 3-quart casserole dish, setting the stage for what’s to come.
Step 2: Chicken Transformation: If you’re starting with raw chicken, give it a quick sauté in a pan with olive oil over medium-high heat until it’s perfectly cooked through. Let it rest while you plot its next step.
Step 3: Broccoli’s Quick Dip: Meanwhile, give your broccoli a short spa treatment in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. You’re aiming for tender-crisp, the perfect middle ground between raw and mushy. Drain well.
Step 4: Layer of Love: Spread your blanched broccoli as the first layer in your dish. Mix 1 cup of cheddar with the soup, sour cream, milk, and all the seasonings in a bowl. Add your chicken to this mix and then layer it over the broccoli, finishing with a sprinkle of the remaining cheese.
Step 5: Crumbly Crown: Combine breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers) with melted butter for a topping that’s going to turn golden and irresistible in the oven.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection: Let it bake for 20-22 minutes until you see a golden crust form and the sauce bubbling with joy. It’s ready to conquer hearts.
Tip:
For an irresistibly creamy. And flavorful Broccoli Chicken Divan. My pro tip. Is to let the dish rest. For about 5-10 minutes. After taking it out of the oven. This brief pause. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly. And the flavors to meld beautifully. Not only does this make serving easier. Ensuring that each portion holds together nicely. But it also enhances the overall taste experience. Allowing each bite. To be perfectly balanced in texture. And flavor. This simple step. Elevates the dish from good. To unforgettable. Making it a true testament. To the magic of patience in the kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make Broccoli Chicken Divan ahead of time?
Assemble it up to the point of baking. And keep it refrigerated. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. When you’re ready to cook.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Swap out the breadcrumbs. For a gluten-free alternative. And ensure your soup. And other ingredients are gluten-free. There are plenty of options available. To maintain the dish’s integrity. While adhering to dietary restrictions.
Can I add or substitute other vegetables?
The recipe is quite versatile. Feel free to incorporate cauliflower. Carrots, or peas. To add a burst of color. And nutrition. Adjust the cooking time. For the vegetables accordingly. To ensure they’re perfectly tender-crisp.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Broccoli Chicken Divan
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts about 2 lb or 3 c cooked chicken, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil if starting with raw chicken breasts
- 1 ½-2 lb broccoli cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 ½ c cheddar cheese shredded, divided
- 10 ½ oz condensed cream of mushroom soup 1 can or cream of chicken soup
- ⅔ c sour cream
- ½ c milk
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dry mustard powder
- ½ tsp pepper
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
Breadcrumb Topping:
- 3 tbsp Panko bread crumbs or buttery crackers like Ritz, crushed
- 1 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. And grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- If using raw chicken. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Over medium-high heat. Cook chicken pieces until done. About 10 minutes. Set aside.
- Boil broccoli for 2-3 minutes. Until it's slightly tender. But still crisp. Drain. Place it in the baking dish.
- In a bowl. Mix 1 cup of cheese with the cream soup. Sour cream, milk, and all seasonings. Stir in the cooked chicken. Spread this mixture over the broccoli in the dish. Top with the remaining cheese.
- Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter. And sprinkle over the top.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes. Until the breadcrumb topping is golden. And the dish is bubbling.
- Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Broccoli Chicken Divan over rice. Noodles, or mashed potatoes if desired.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
One Response
This was excellent! I used cauliflower instead of broccoli and added some frozen peas for color. Had a small amount of noodles so I cooked those and added them after the vegetables. Also had some heavy cream so used half milk and half cream. I cut the recipe in half because we are only two people but we almost finished it off. Very good – thank you!