why make this recipe
Chicken Divan Creamy Broccoli Casserole is a wonderful dish that brings together tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and a creamy sauce. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a potluck. The recipe is easy to follow, making it great for cooks of all skill levels. Plus, it’s hearty, satisfying, and can be made with ingredients you might already have at home.
how to make Chicken Divan Creamy Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced; rotisserie chicken works great)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen; if using frozen, thaw and drain)
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup (or homemade)
- 1 cup sour cream (for creaminess)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup milk (or chicken broth for a lighter option)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for added depth)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (to enhance flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust as needed)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (for topping; panko adds extra crunch)
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted, for mixing with breadcrumbs)
Substitution Suggestions
- Chicken: Use turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Substitute with cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor.
- Cheese: Experiment with mozzarella or a dairy-free cheese for a lighter version.
Directions:
-
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly and achieves that golden, bubbly top. -
Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken and broccoli florets. If using fresh broccoli, steam it lightly for about 3-4 minutes until just tender. -
Make the Creamy Sauce
In another bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth. This creamy mixture is the heart of your casserole. -
Combine Ingredients
Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and broccoli mixture. Stir gently until everything is well coated. This step ensures every bite is bursting with flavor! -
Transfer to Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Pour the chicken and broccoli mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. -
Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter. This will create a crispy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling. -
Top the Casserole
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole. For an extra cheesy touch, add a handful of shredded cheddar on top. -
Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-browning. -
Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to cut into portions.
how to serve Chicken Divan Creamy Broccoli Casserole
Serve this casserole hot, straight from the oven. It pairs well with a simple green salad or some crusty bread. This makes a complete meal that everyone will love.
how to store Chicken Divan Creamy Broccoli Casserole
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for 3-4 days. You can also freeze the casserole for up to three months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
tips to make Chicken Divan Creamy Broccoli Casserole
- For extra flavor, add some cooked bacon or ham to the chicken mixture.
- Ensure that your broccoli is not overcooked before mixing it into the casserole.
- If you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños.
variation
You can switch up the vegetables by adding carrots, cauliflower, or bell peppers to the casserole. This gives the dish more color and nutrition.
FAQs
Can I use fresh or frozen broccoli?
Yes, both fresh and frozen broccoli work well. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain it first.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole and refrigerate it before baking. Just allow a little extra time in the oven if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can make your own creamy sauce using a combination of broth and a roux (flour and butter) along with milk or cream. Alternatively, cream of mushroom soup is a great substitute.
Chicken Divan Creamy Broccoli Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting casserole that blends tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and a creamy sauce, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced; rotisserie chicken works great)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen; if using frozen, thaw and drain)
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup (or homemade)
- 1 cup sour cream (for creaminess)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup milk (or chicken broth for a lighter option)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for added depth)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (to enhance flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust as needed)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (for topping; panko adds extra crunch)
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted, for mixing with breadcrumbs)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine the cooked chicken and broccoli florets in a large mixing bowl.
- Whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and broccoli mixture and stir gently until well coated.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and pour the chicken and broccoli mixture into it, spreading evenly.
- Mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, add bacon or ham. Ensure broccoli is not overcooked. Spicy variations can include cayenne pepper or jalapeños.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
