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