Why Make This Recipe
Chicken Divan Broccoli Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that brings family and friends together around the dinner table. This easy-to-make casserole combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy ingredients, topped with a crunchy breadcrumb layer. It’s a complete meal in one dish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to sneak in vegetables for those picky eaters in your home. It’s tasty, filling, and surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for many.
How to Make Chicken Divan Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Directions:
Preheat the oven: Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows the oven to reach the right temperature while you prepare the casserole.
Mix the main ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to stir well until all the ingredients are combined and nicely coated.
Prepare the casserole dish: Take a greased casserole dish and pour the chicken and broccoli mixture into it. Spread the mixture out evenly, ensuring each bite will have a good balance of chicken and broccoli.
Prepare the topping: In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter. Stir until all breadcrumbs are coated with butter. This will give your topping a golden and crunchy texture.
Assemble the casserole: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the chicken and broccoli layer in the casserole dish. This will create a deliciously crunchy crust when baked.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Cool slightly before serving: Once baked, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes. This makes it easier to serve and helps the flavors settle.
How to Serve Chicken Divan Broccoli Casserole
Chicken Divan Broccoli Casserole is best served hot, right out of the oven. You can serve it on its own as a main dish or alongside a simple salad to lighten things up a bit. Consider adding some crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce. This casserole is also great for meal prep. You can portion it out and store it in the fridge.
How to Store Chicken Divan Broccoli Casserole
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To maintain the best taste and texture, reheat portions in the microwave or in the oven until heated through. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the casserole before baking it. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and it will last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Just remember to adjust your baking time if baking from frozen.
Tips to Make Chicken Divan Broccoli Casserole
- Cook the chicken ahead: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand. It makes the preparation faster and easier.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrients and color.
- Cheese variations: Experiment with different cheese types—Monterey Jack or a mixture of cheeses can add a lovely flavor.
- Make it healthier: If you prefer a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and low-fat cheese.
- Cook broccoli carefully: Make sure not to overcook the broccoli when steaming; it should still be vibrant and slightly crisp for the best texture.
Variation
This Chicken Divan Broccoli Casserole can be easily tweaked to suit other tastes or dietary needs. Here are some variations you might consider:
- Gluten-Free: Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also use gluten-free cream of chicken soup or make your own.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or a mix of your favorite beans for a plant-based version. You might also add different vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
- Spicy Kick: Add cooked jalapeños or sprinkle some red pepper flakes to the mixture for a spicy touch.
- Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cheese alternatives and a non-dairy cream of chicken soup.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli florets. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess water before adding them to the casserole to avoid a watery dish.
2. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
3. How can I make this casserole more filling?
You can include more protein by adding cooked quinoa or rice into the chicken mixture. This will also help stretch the recipe to serve more people.
4. Is this casserole suitable for kids?
Yes! Chicken Divan Broccoli Casserole is generally kid-friendly with its creamy texture and cheesy topping, plus it sneaks in those healthy veggies.
5. Can I make single servings of this casserole?
Certainly! You can use muffin tins or small ramekins to make individual portions. Just be sure to adjust your baking time as smaller servings will cook faster.
Chicken Divan Broccoli Casserole is a delightful dish that offers comfort and flavor in every bite. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your kitchen rotation. Enjoy!
Print
Chicken Divan Broccoli Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting chicken and broccoli casserole topped with crunchy breadcrumbs, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread evenly.
- In a separate bowl, combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and mix until coated.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge before baking. For variations, consider adding different vegetables or using substitute ingredients for dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg