Comforting Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe For Cozy Evenings

Culinary magic happens when you combine broccoli chicken divan with unexpected flavor twists.

Creamy textures and aromatic herbs dance together in this classic comfort dish.

Home cooks adore its simplicity and rich, satisfying profile.

Weeknight dinner challenges melt away with this foolproof recipe.

Bold ingredients create a harmonious blend that surprises and delights.

Crisp broccoli florets nestle perfectly alongside tender chicken pieces.

Savor every delectable bite and watch faces light up with pure enjoyment.

Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe That’s A Comfort Food Favorite

• Quick Family Feast: Effortlessly combine tender chicken and vibrant broccoli in one delicious casserole that saves time and satisfies everyone.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Whip up this comforting dish in under 45 minutes with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps that even beginner cooks can master.
• Nutritious Crowd-Pleaser: Pack a protein-rich meal loaded with vegetables that delivers wholesome goodness while feeling like a indulgent comfort food experience.
• Versatile Weeknight Winner: Perfect for busy families, potlucks, or casual dinner gatherings, this recipe adapts easily and creates minimal kitchen cleanup.

Broccoli Chicken Divan Ingredient List

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that forms the main protein of the dish, best when fresh and trimmed of excess fat.
• Broccoli Florets: Nutritious green vegetable that adds color and texture, choose bright green and firm florets.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides rich, creamy base for the casserole, helps bind ingredients together.
• Mayonnaise: Adds smoothness and subtle tanginess to the sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides sharp flavor and melty texture, select medium or sharp for best taste.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens flavors and adds slight acidity to balance the creamy sauce.

• Garlic Powder: Adds depth of flavor without fresh garlic chunks.
• Paprika: Provides mild warmth and beautiful color to the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall taste and seasoning.
• Breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy golden topping that adds textural contrast.

Broccoli Chicken Divan Preparation Plan

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F, getting it ready for a delicious transformation.

Step 2: Prepare the Green Goodness

Gently steam or blanch the broccoli until it’s tender and bright green, then set it aside to rest.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Sizzle the chicken in a skillet, cooking it thoroughly until it’s completely white throughout.

Shred or chop the chicken into delightful bite-sized morsels.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Mayonnaise
• Fresh lemon juice
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Layer the Deliciousness

• Spread the steamed broccoli as the first layer
• Scatter the cooked chicken pieces evenly
• Pour the creamy sauce all over, ensuring everything gets covered

Step 6: Add the Cheesy Crunch

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Crispy breadcrumbs

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Watch for a golden, bubbly top that signals it’s ready to devour.

Small Tweaks That Perfect Chicken Divan With Broccoli

• Toast breadcrumbs in a dry skillet before sprinkling for extra golden and crispy texture that adds delightful crackle to the dish.
• Replace chicken with turkey, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences while maintaining the recipe's delicious essence.
• Pat chicken and broccoli dry before assembling to prevent excess liquid and ensure a creamy, not watery, casserole.
• Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, or dried herbs like thyme to elevate the sauce's complexity and create a more dynamic taste profile.
• Assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready – perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights.

Divan Chicken: Store and Reuse Ideas

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Defrost overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated completely through and cheese melts.

Broccoli Chicken Divan Sides

• Pair Crisp Chardonnay: Light, buttery white wine complements the creamy chicken and cheese sauce perfectly, balancing the dish's richness with refreshing acidity.
• Serve Crusty Sourdough Bread: Hearty, tangy bread provides excellent texture contrast and helps soak up the delicious sauce, enhancing the overall meal experience.
• Match Green Salad with Vinaigrette: Bright, acidic salad cuts through the casserole's creaminess, adding fresh crunch and lightening the plate's heavy flavors.
• Select Pilsner Beer: Crisp, clean beer with subtle hoppy notes cleanses the palate and matches well with the cheesy, savory chicken divan.

Chicken Divan with Broccoli Recipe Tweaks

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace broccoli with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version, using almond flour instead of breadcrumbs to maintain low-carb profile.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese, use coconut milk-based cream soup for allergen-friendly option.
• Vegetarian Protein Adaptation: Replace chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas, ensuring similar protein content and maintaining the casserole's hearty texture.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free cream soup, replace wheat breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal for celiac-friendly preparation.

FAQs

• Is Broccoli Chicken Divan considered a healthy dish?

While it contains protein from chicken and nutrients from broccoli, the recipe includes processed ingredients like cream soup and mayo, which add calories and fat. Modifying the recipe with low-fat alternatives can make it healthier.

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly. Just thaw and drain excess moisture before using to prevent the dish from becoming watery. Make sure to pat the broccoli dry with paper towels.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal because they’re lean and easy to cook. Rotisserie chicken is another excellent option that adds extra flavor and saves preparation time.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free cream soup, replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like crushed rice crackers or almond flour, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 24 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy broccoli chicken divan brings comfort and classic American casserole magic to dinner tables with rich cheese sauce and tender chicken. Home cooks discover a simple yet satisfying meal that delivers hearty flavor and warmth in every delicious bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 454 grams or 16 ounces)

Vegetables and Primary Ingredients:

• 4 cups broccoli florets (about 340 grams or 12 ounces)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (about 113 grams or 4 ounces)

Seasoning and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces or 298 grams)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (about 120 milliliters or 4 fluid ounces)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (about 60 grams or 2 ounces)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F, ensuring an evenly warmed cooking environment.
2. Transform broccoli into a tender, vibrant green state through gentle steaming or quick blanching, then set aside to cool slightly.
3. Carefully cook chicken in a skillet, monitoring until it loses its raw pink appearance, then deconstruct into delicate, bite-sized morsels.
4. Create a harmonious sauce by whisking together creamy soup, tangy mayonnaise, zesty lemon juice, and aromatic seasonings in a mixing bowl.
5. Construct the casserole by arranging a lush foundation of steamed broccoli, followed by a layer of succulent chicken pieces.
6. Generously cascade the prepared sauce over the broccoli and chicken, ensuring complete coverage and flavor penetration.
7. Crown the dish with a lavish sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese and crisp breadcrumbs, creating a textural and flavorful topping.
8. Transfer the assembled casserole to the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 25-30 minutes until the surface transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.

Notes

• Make sure to steam or blanch broccoli just until tender to maintain its vibrant green color and crisp texture, avoiding overcooking that leads to mushy vegetables.
• Opt for Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier, protein-rich alternative that keeps the creamy sauce deliciously tangy.
• Toast breadcrumbs beforehand to enhance their golden crispiness and add an extra layer of nutty flavor to the dish’s topping.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal to maintain the recipe’s crunchy texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg