Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe

Looking for a hearty, creamy dish that combines the flavors of tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and rich cheese sauce? This Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe is exactly what you need! It's the perfect comfort food for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Plus, it’s an easy casserole-style dish that will satisfy the whole family. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about how to prepare this delicious recipe, from the ingredient list to helpful tips and variations.

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What is Broccoli Chicken Divan?

Broccoli Chicken Divan is a classic American casserole dish that traditionally consists of chicken, broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce, all baked together until bubbly and golden. It was first served at the Divan Parisien Restaurant in New York City in the early 20th century, but today it has become a beloved staple in many households. The dish is easy to customize, budget-friendly, and packed with flavors and textures that make it a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients List for Broccoli Chicken Divan

Here’s a list of all the ingredients you'll need to create the perfect Broccoli Chicken Divan:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
• 4 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon curry powder (optional, for added flavor)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for added crunch)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for mixing with breadcrumbs)

Ingredient List for Broccoli Chicken Divan Sauce

The creamy sauce is one of the best parts of this dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cream of chicken soup: Adds creaminess and flavor, though you can substitute it with cream of mushroom or homemade béchamel sauce for a more gourmet twist.
• Mayonnaise: For added richness and tang.
• Sour cream: Balances the dish with creaminess and a slight tanginess.
• Cheddar cheese: Provides the gooey, cheesy layer that makes the casserole irresistible.
• Lemon juice: Brightens the flavors.
• Curry powder: Optional, but it adds depth and a subtle spice to the sauce.

Substitutions and Variations

While the traditional Broccoli Chicken Divan is delicious as is, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try to make it your own:

• Chicken substitutions: Swap out the chicken for turkey, ham, or even shrimp for a seafood twist.
• Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken with tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian version. You can also use a meatless chicken substitute.
• Cheese options: Feel free to use different cheeses like mozzarella, Swiss, or Gruyère to mix things up.
• Broccoli alternatives: Substitute broccoli with other vegetables like cauliflower, spinach, or green beans.
• Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
• Healthier swaps: Replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese for a lighter version.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Cooking Broccoli Chicken Divan is simple, and you don’t need to be a kitchen expert to master it. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

How to Cook Broccoli Chicken Divan: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli

If you're using fresh broccoli, blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until they're bright green and slightly tender. If you're using frozen broccoli, thaw it according to package instructions and pat it dry to remove excess moisture.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

Use cooked chicken for this recipe—shredded rotisserie chicken works wonderfully. If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, you can quickly pan-fry or poach chicken breasts until fully cooked, then shred or cube them.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, curry powder, black pepper, and ½ cup of shredded cheese. Stir everything until well mixed.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

In a 9x13-inch baking dish, layer the blanched (or thawed) broccoli evenly at the bottom. Spread the cooked chicken over the broccoli. Then, pour the creamy sauce mixture evenly over the chicken and broccoli, making sure everything is well-coated.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Breadcrumb Topping

Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese over the top of the casserole. For extra crunch, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle them over the cheese layer.

Step 7: Bake

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden brown. If you like a crispier topping, you can broil it for the last 2-3 minutes.

Step 8: Let It Cool and Serve

Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the sauce set a bit.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the broccoli: Blanch the broccoli just until it's tender-crisp. Overcooked broccoli can become mushy, especially after baking.
• Skipping the pre-cooking step for chicken: Make sure to use fully cooked chicken in this dish. Raw chicken will release too much moisture and alter the consistency of the casserole.
• Too much liquid: If using frozen broccoli, thaw it completely and drain excess water before adding it to the casserole. Extra water can make your dish soggy.
• Forgetting the seasoning: Don’t forget to season your sauce with pepper or curry powder to enhance the flavor. You can also add a little garlic powder or onion powder for extra depth.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How you present your Broccoli Chicken Divan can make a big difference in elevating your dining experience. Here are some tips for serving and presentation.

How to Serve Broccoli Chicken Divan

• Family style: Serve this casserole directly from the baking dish at the center of the table. It’s a perfect dish for family dinners where everyone can help themselves.
• With sides: Serve the casserole with a side of rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad for a complete meal. Garlic bread or dinner rolls are also great accompaniments.

Presentation Ideas for Broccoli Chicken Divan

• Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or chives over the top just before serving. The pop of green adds freshness and a beautiful contrast to the golden-brown top.
• Use a cast iron skillet: For a rustic presentation, bake your Broccoli Chicken Divan in a cast iron skillet instead of a glass or ceramic dish.
• Individual servings: If you’re hosting a dinner party, consider baking the casserole in individual ramekins. It adds a touch of elegance and makes portioning easy.

Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe Tips

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Broccoli Chicken Divan turns out perfectly:

• Make it ahead: You can assemble the entire casserole up to a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
• Freeze for later: This dish is freezer-friendly. Assemble the casserole, but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
• Adjust the creaminess: If you like a creamier sauce, feel free to add an extra half cup of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream to the sauce mixture.
• Use leftover chicken: This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover roast chicken or turkey from holiday dinners.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen broccoli for Broccoli Chicken Divan?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it and drain off any excess water to avoid a soggy casserole.

Can I make Broccoli Chicken Divan ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

Can I freeze Broccoli Chicken Divan?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking.

How do I make a healthier version of Broccoli Chicken Divan?

To make a lighter version, use low-fat or fat-free mayonnaise and sour cream, and opt for a reduced-fat cheese. You can also replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.

What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?

If you prefer to skip canned soup, you can make a homemade béchamel sauce using butter, flour, and milk. Season it with salt, pepper, and chicken broth for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Broccoli Chicken Divan is a delicious, family-friendly casserole that’s easy to make and versatile enough to suit a variety of tastes. Whether you’re using leftover chicken or preparing it fresh, this recipe offers a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors with the added health benefits of broccoli. With these tips, substitutions, and variations, you’ll be able to customize it to your liking and avoid common pitfalls. So, gather your ingredients and give this comforting dish a try—it’s sure to become a household favorite!

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