Chicken Divan Recipe With Creamy Broccoli Cheese Sauce

Name: Chicken Divan
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 4 cups diced); – 4 cups broccoli florets (about ½ lb.); – 2 tablespoons butter; – 1 diced yellow onion; – 1 stick diced celery; – 1 tablespoon olive oil; – 10.5 oz. cream of chicken soup; – 2/3 cup sour cream (or mayo as a substitute); – 1/2 cup milk; – 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; – 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; – 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder; – 2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; – 1/2 cup crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs (approximately 14 crackers); – 2 tablespoons melted butter for the topping

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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Divan

Chicken Divan is more than just a meal; it’s a cozy favorite that brings families together with its creamy sauce and wholesome ingredients. This recipe stands out for its straightforward steps that even beginners can master quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights when time is short. Beyond ease, it’s packed with nutrients from broccoli and lean chicken, helping you feel good about what you’re eating.

Health-conscious folks will appreciate how this Chicken Divan recipe supports balanced meals without skimping on taste. It’s versatile enough to fit various diets, offering options that keep everyone happy at the table. Whether you’re a home cook or a busy parent, this dish delivers a comforting blend of flavors that makes dinner fun and satisfying.

Benefits of Ease and Simplicity

This Chicken Divan recipe is designed for simplicity, using common ingredients you likely have on hand. With just 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking, it fits seamlessly into a hectic schedule. It’s a great way to introduce kids to veggies like broccoli while keeping things light and enjoyable.

Another plus is its ability to adapt, as you’ll see in later sections. For instance, if you’re looking for more ideas on quick meals, check out our guide to simple casserole recipes that pair perfectly with this one.

The creamy sauce adds a rich touch that elevates everyday ingredients into something special. Overall, its combination of broccoli, cheese sauce, and tender chicken makes it a hit for any occasion.

Health and Nutritional Perks

Loaded with broccoli for a nutrient boost, this Chicken Divan promotes wellness with its high protein content. Each serving offers about 49g of protein, helping you stay full and energized. The dish’s 15g of carbohydrates and 2g of fiber make it a smart choice for those watching their intake.

This recipe keeps calories at around 611 per serving, blending creamy sauce elements without going overboard. For more on how chicken benefits your diet, visit Health Benefits of Chicken. It’s a practical pick for diet-conscious individuals seeking flavorful, nutritious options.

Chicken Divan with cheese sauce delivers a satisfying mix of fat and protein, making it a well-rounded meal. Plus, its adaptability means you can tweak it for low-calorie needs, as mentioned in the original recipe details.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This Chicken Divan
2. Essential Ingredients for Chicken Divan
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Chicken Divan: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Chicken Divan
5. Mastering Chicken Divan: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store Chicken Divan: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Divan
8. Chicken Divan

Essential Ingredients for Chicken Divan

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a delicious Chicken Divan casserole with broccoli and cheese. This section lists everything you need, based on the classic recipe, to ensure your dish turns out perfectly creamy and flavorful. We’ll focus on precise measurements to help you shop and prepare with ease.

Full List of Ingredients

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of all the ingredients required for this chicken divan recipe with creamy broccoli. Each item is listed with its exact quantity to make assembly straightforward.

2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 4 cups diced)
4 cups broccoli florets (about ½ lb.)
2 tablespoons butter
1 diced yellow onion
1 stick diced celery
1 tablespoon olive oil
10.5 oz. cream of chicken soup
2/3 cup sour cream (or mayo as a substitute)
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs (approximately 14 crackers)
2 tablespoons melted butter (for the topping)

This structured list covers all essential components, from the main proteins and veggies to seasonings and the crunchy topping. Using these measurements ensures your Chicken Divan has the perfect balance of creamy sauce and texture.

Special Considerations for Ingredients

Some ingredients like broccoli can be swapped based on what’s fresh, but sticking to the quantities keeps the dish consistent. For those exploring variations, remember that items like sour cream add tang to the cheese sauce. If you’re new to Chicken Divan casserole with broccoli and cheese, this list makes it simple to get started.

How to Prepare the Perfect Chicken Divan: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating a tasty Chicken Divan starts with simple steps that lead to a creamy, comforting casserole. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and dicing the chicken breasts into about 4 cups. This ensures even cooking and helps blend the flavors of broccoli and cheese sauce seamlessly.

Next, sauté the diced chicken with onions and celery in 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until lightly golden. Add the broccoli florets and olive oil, cooking until the veggies are tender. This step captures the essence of the chicken divan recipe with creamy broccoli, making every bite flavorful.

Assembling and Baking the Dish

Combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and seasonings in a bowl, then stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix this creamy sauce with the cooked chicken and broccoli before transferring to a casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheese and cover for baking at 350°F for 20 minutes.

After that, crank the heat to 400°F (205°C) and add the cracker topping made from crushed crackers and melted butter. Bake for another 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown, then let it rest for 5 minutes. This method, totaling about 45 minutes, results in a perfect Chicken Divan with cheese sauce that pairs well with rice.

For more inspiration on creamy dishes, try our recipe for Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta, which offers a similar blend of ingredients.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Chicken Divan

Chicken Divan is highly adaptable, letting you tweak it for different needs while keeping its creamy sauce intact. You can swap proteins or veggies to fit vegan, gluten-free, or low-calorie goals, ensuring everyone enjoys this broccoli-packed casserole.

For protein alternatives, replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based twist. If you’re aiming for lighter options, use low-fat cheese and increase broccoli to boost volume without adding extra calories.

Common Swaps for Sauce and Seasonings

In the sauce, opt for plant-based mayo instead of sour cream to maintain creaminess for vegan diets. Experiment with herbs like thyme to enhance the cheese sauce in your Chicken Divan. These changes keep the dish versatile and delicious for all tastes.

Mastering Chicken Divan: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, take your Chicken Divan to the next level with pro techniques. Blanch the broccoli briefly before adding it to keep its vibrant color and crunch, preventing a soggy casserole. For the chicken, cook it just until done to avoid dryness during baking.

Add excitement with flavor twists, like nutmeg in the sauce for extra depth or sautéed mushrooms for a heartier bite. Presentation matters too serve in individual dishes and top with fresh herbs for a polished look that makes meals feel special.

Make-Ahead and Storage Hacks

Prep ahead by assembling the casserole and refrigerating it for up to a day; bake when ready for fresh results. This approach saves time and keeps the creamy sauce from separating, making Chicken Divan with cheese sauce even more convenient for busy days.

How to Store Chicken Divan: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your Chicken Divan fresh and tasty for leftovers. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to preserve its creamy texture. For longer keeps, freeze portions for up to 2 months and thaw in the fridge overnight.

When reheating, use the oven at 350°F to maintain moisture, avoiding the microwave if possible. Meal prep wisely by cooking components separately, so you can combine them fresh when needed, enhancing the overall flavor of this broccoli-rich dish.

As a tip for benefits of broccoli in your diet, check out Benefits of Broccoli for more ideas on incorporating it into recipes like this.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Divan

What ingredients do I need to make Chicken Divan?

To make Chicken Divan, you typically need cooked chicken breast, fresh or frozen broccoli, sour cream or mayonnaise, cream of chicken soup, milk, and seasonings like salt and pepper. A crunchy topping is often made from crushed Ritz crackers mixed with melted butter. These ingredients come together in a creamy casserole that is baked until bubbly and golden on top.

Can I prepare Chicken Divan ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Chicken Divan up to two days in advance. Assemble the casserole in a covered dish and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. When baking from cold, add about 15 extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through completely.

Is it okay to use frozen broccoli in Chicken Divan?

Frozen broccoli is a convenient option and works well in Chicken Divan. Thaw it first and pat dry to prevent excess moisture from making the casserole watery. Since frozen broccoli is partially cooked, you can add it directly or quickly sauté it with onions and celery for extra flavor.

What can I use instead of sour cream in Chicken Divan?

Mayonnaise is a good substitute for sour cream in Chicken Divan, providing a similar creamy texture and tang. You can also consider Greek yogurt, which adds creaminess with extra protein. Adjust seasonings as needed to balance the flavors.

How should I store leftover Chicken Divan and how long does it keep?

Store leftover Chicken Divan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the casserole for up to three months. When reheating, cover it with foil and warm it in the oven until heated through to maintain moisture and texture.

Chicken Divan Recipe with Creamy Broccoli and Cheese Sauce