Quick and Simple Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe

Broccoli Chicken Divan is a comforting and creamy casserole made with tender chicken, broccoli, and a rich sauce, all baked together under a blanket of cheese. This quick and simple recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, offering a delicious way to enjoy both chicken and veggies in one dish.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken breasts, shredded or diced
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or 2 cups frozen, thawed)
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom soup)
• ½ cup mayonnaise (or sour cream)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional for color)
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional for a crunchy topping)

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard for extra flavor
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy topping

For Serving:

• Serve over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes
• Crusty bread or a side salad

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli

1. If using fresh broccoli, steam it until just tender, about 3-4 minutes, or blanch in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside. If using frozen broccoli, make sure it is thawed and drained well.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

1. In a large bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Layer the cooked broccoli in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Spread the shredded chicken evenly over the broccoli.
3. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and broccoli, spreading it out evenly.
4. If desired, sprinkle the top with extra cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, or paprika for a crunchy and colorful topping.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Once baked, remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
2. Serve the Broccoli Chicken Divan over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes, and enjoy with your favorite sides.

Cooking Notes

• Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken, leftover cooked chicken, or quickly cook a few chicken breasts for this recipe.
• Cheese: Cheddar cheese is classic for this dish, but feel free to mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Parmesan for added flavor.

Variations

1. Low-Carb Chicken Divan

Omit the breadcrumbs and serve the casserole on its own for a low-carb version. You can also substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a creamy, low-carb sauce.

2. Cheesy Chicken Divan

Increase the cheese by adding a layer of shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top before baking. You can also mix extra cheese into the sauce for a gooey, cheesy casserole.

3. Spicy Chicken Divan

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little heat.

4. Vegetarian Divan

Substitute the chicken with extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or cauliflower for a vegetarian version of this dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Broccoli Chicken Divan ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 1 day in advance. Cover and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Broccoli Chicken Divan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Q: Can I freeze Chicken Divan?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Assemble the casserole and cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Q: Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes! If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch it before adding it to the casserole to ensure it’s tender.

Q: Can I substitute the mayonnaise?
If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, you can use sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a combination of both for a slightly lighter version.

This Quick and Simple Broccoli Chicken Divan is a creamy, comforting casserole that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. With tender chicken, broccoli, and a cheesy sauce, it’s a great weeknight meal that everyone will love. Serve it over rice or pasta for a complete meal, and customize it with your favorite cheeses and seasonings!