Broccoli Chicken Divan: 7 Comforting Secrets Revealed

Name: Broccoli Chicken Divan: 7 Comforting Secrets Revealed
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed; 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz); 1 cup mayonnaise; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons butter, melted

12 października, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my ultimate comfort food: creamy and cheesy broccoli chicken divan! This dish is such a winning combination of flavors and textures, and it’s become a beloved staple in my family’s dinner rotation. Picture tender chicken and vibrant broccoli enveloped in a dreamy, cheesy sauce, all topped with a crunchy breadcrumb layer. It’s warm, satisfying, and oh-so-easy to whip up even on the busiest weeknights. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds! Whenever I make this casserole, it brings everyone together around the table, and the smiles say it all. You’re going to love how simple and delightful this dish is!

Ingredients for Broccoli Chicken Divan

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (I love using leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick prep!)
2 cups broccoli florets, steamed (Make sure they’re bright green and tender, but not mushy!)
1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz) (This is the secret to that creamy base—don’t skip it!)
1 cup mayonnaise (Adds richness and a touch of tang, trust me on this one!)
1 cup packed shredded cheddar cheese (The more, the merrier—cheese lovers rejoice!)
1/2 cup milk (Just regular milk works perfectly here to loosen up the mixture.)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (A little flavor boost that makes all the difference!)
1/2 teaspoon onion powder (For that lovely depth of flavor—so good!)
1 cup breadcrumbs (I like using panko for an extra crunch!)
2 tablespoons butter, melted (For that golden, crispy topping—yum!)

How to Prepare Broccoli Chicken Divan

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps the casserole cook evenly and ensures that lovely cheesy goodness bubbles up beautifully. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Now, grab a large mixing bowl and start combining your ingredients. Toss in the shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use a spatula or a big spoon to mix everything together until it’s all well-combined and creamy. You want every bite to be packed with flavor, so make sure nothing is left behind in the corners of your bowl!

Step 3: Transfer Mixture

Next, it’s time to transfer that delicious mixture into a greased baking dish. I like to use a 9×13 inch dish for this recipe. Make sure you spread it out evenly so every part of the casserole gets that lovely golden crust on top. Don’t worry if it looks a bit messy; it’s all going to come together in the oven!

Step 4: Prepare Breadcrumb Topping

In a separate bowl, mix your breadcrumbs with the melted butter. This is the magic step that gives you that crispy topping! Just stir until the breadcrumbs are all coated in butter—this will ensure they turn golden brown and crunchy while baking. Then, sprinkle that mixture evenly over the chicken and broccoli goodness. You want every inch covered for maximum crunch!

Step 5: Bake

Now, pop that baking dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you know it’s done when the top is golden brown and bubbly. The smell will be incredible, and you’ll be tempted to dive right in! Just let it cool for a few minutes before serving so you don’t burn your mouth on all that cheesy goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
Comforting and filling, it’s a big hug in casserole form.
Family-friendly—kids love the cheesy goodness and tender chicken.
Versatile; you can easily add in your favorite veggies or swap proteins.
Make-ahead friendly—prep it in advance and bake when you’re ready!
One dish means less cleanup, which is always a win in my book!
Leftovers taste just as delicious the next day (if there are any!).

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your broccoli chicken divan turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips that I’ve picked up along the way:

Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: When steaming your broccoli, make sure it’s tender but still bright green! Overcooked broccoli can turn mushy in the casserole, and nobody wants that.
Rotisserie Chicken is Your Best Friend: Using store-bought rotisserie chicken can save you time and still give you that delicious flavor. Plus, it’s already perfectly cooked and seasoned!
Adjust the Seasoning: Feel free to taste the mixture before you bake it. If you want more flavor, a pinch of salt or some pepper can really elevate the dish!
Breadcrumbs for Crunch: If you’re aiming for an extra crispy topping, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. They give that added crunch that’s just delightful!
Let It Rest: After baking, let the casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set up a bit and makes it easier to serve.
Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar is fantastic, don’t hesitate to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a fun twist!
Make Ahead: If you want to prep this dish in advance, you can assemble it and store it in the fridge for a day before baking. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

With these tips, your broccoli chicken divan will be a total show-stopper! Enjoy every cheesy, comforting bite!

Variations of Broccoli Chicken Divan

One of the best things about my broccoli chicken divan is how easy it is to customize! You can really make this dish your own with a few simple tweaks. Here are some of my favorite variations:

Veggie Power: Mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or even cauliflower for added color and nutrition. Just make sure to steam them slightly before adding to the mix!
Cheesy Twist: Experiment with different cheeses! Try adding some mozzarella for a gooey texture or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Honestly, the more cheese, the better!
Protein Swap: If you’re not a fan of chicken, feel free to substitute with cooked turkey, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just make sure they are cooked through before mixing.
Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to the mixture for a fragrant touch. It adds a lovely freshness that complements the creamy sauce beautifully!
Spicy Kick: For those who love heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to give your casserole a spicy twist.
Asian Flair: Switch things up by using a combination of soy sauce and sesame oil instead of the cream of chicken soup and mayonnaise. Top with crispy fried onions for a unique flavor!
Whole Grain Goodness: Swap out the breadcrumbs for whole grain or seasoned breadcrumbs for a healthier twist that still gives you that delightful crunch!

These variations are just the tip of the iceberg! Feel free to get creative and make this dish your own. Each time you tweak it, you’ll discover new favorites that your family will love just as much!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Okay, let’s talk about what to do with those delicious leftovers! First off, if you find yourself with any broccoli chicken divan left after dinner (which is a big if because it’s so good!), you’ll want to store it properly to keep that creamy goodness intact.

To store, just let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you want to save it for a longer time, you can freeze it! Just make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It’ll be good for about 2-3 months in the freezer.

Now, when it comes to reheating, you’ve got a couple of options. For the best results, I recommend reheating in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then cover the casserole with foil to keep it from drying out. Bake it for about 20-30 minutes or until it’s heated through and bubbly. If you’re in a rush, you can also use the microwave! Just scoop out a serving, pop it on a microwave-safe plate, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Just be cautious not to overheat it, or it could get a bit rubbery.

Whether you choose the oven or microwave, just know that your broccoli chicken divan will taste great the second time around. Enjoy those leftovers; they’re just as comforting as the first serving!

Nutritional Information

Alright, let’s talk numbers! While I always think of broccoli chicken divan as a comforting dish that warms the soul, it’s also good to know what’s going into our tummies. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving:

Calories: 400
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 800mg
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 25g

Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and how you customize your dish. It’s always a good idea to check the labels if you’re keeping an eye on your intake. But for me, it’s all about balance—enjoying a hearty meal while also savoring those delicious flavors!

FAQ About Broccoli Chicken Divan

Got questions about making the perfect broccoli chicken divan? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear along with my best answers to help you out:

Can I substitute the chicken?

Absolutely! If you’re looking for a different protein, cooked turkey, shrimp, or even tofu work great! Just make sure whatever you use is fully cooked before mixing it into the casserole.

What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?

If you want to switch things up, you can use homemade cream of chicken soup or even a can of cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that it will change the overall taste a bit!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Just prepare everything up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to a day. When you’re ready to eat, just pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

How do I store leftovers?

After enjoying your meal, let any leftovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you want to save it longer, wrap it well and freeze for 2-3 months.

Can I add other vegetables?

Of course! Feel free to toss in veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or even cauliflower. Just remember to steam them slightly first to ensure they cook well in the casserole.

What’s the best way to reheat broccoli chicken divan?

The oven is my go-to for reheating! Just cover it with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just be careful not to overheat it!

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to use gluten-free breadcrumbs and confirm that your cream of chicken soup and other ingredients are gluten-free. It’s an easy way to enjoy this delicious dish without the gluten!

Got more questions? Feel free to drop me a message! I love helping fellow cooks create their own broccoli chicken divan masterpiece!

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O mnie

Cześć, nazywam się Julia, jestem sercem Vihaad Rrzepisy i pasjonatką dobrej kuchni. Moja miłość do gotowania zaczęła się w dzieciństwie, inspirowana pysznymi posiłkami mojej babci. Dziś dzielę się smacznymi przepisami, które łączą ludzi poprzez wspólne delektowanie się jedzeniem.