Oh, let me tell you about my beloved broccoli chicken divan! This dish is the epitome of comfort food, with its creamy texture and delightful flavors that blend together in perfect harmony. I remember the first time I made it for my family; it was a chilly evening, and the smell wafting from the oven had everyone gathering in the kitchen, eagerly anticipating dinner. It’s become a staple in our home—everyone just loves how the tender broccoli and juicy chicken come alive under that golden, cheesy topping. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why it’s a family favorite. It’s creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying—exactly what you need for a cozy night in!
Ingredients for Broccoli Chicken Divan
Gather these simple ingredients to whip up a delicious broccoli chicken divan that will have everyone asking for seconds!
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed until tender
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped (using leftover chicken makes this even easier!)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup mayonnaise for that rich creaminess
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus a bit extra for topping
- 1/2 cup milk to thin out the mixture
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder for flavor
- 1 teaspoon onion powder to add depth
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper for a little kick
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs to create a crunchy topping
These ingredients come together beautifully, creating a creamy and cheesy casserole that’s just bursting with flavor. Don’t be afraid to tweak the cheese or add your own favorite seasonings; this dish is all about making it your own!
How to Prepare Broccoli Chicken Divan
Alright, let’s get cooking! Making this broccoli chicken divan is as easy as pie—well, easier, actually! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s crucial to get that heat going so your casserole can bubble up perfectly. While that’s warming up, go ahead and steam your broccoli florets until they’re tender; this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You want them vibrant and bright green!
Now, in a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, and milk. Whisk it all together until it’s nice and smooth. Here’s where the magic happens: sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Give it a good stir to blend those flavors. Once that’s done, gently fold in your cooked chicken and steamed broccoli. Make sure everything gets coated in that creamy goodness!
Next, transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. This is where I like to top it off with the shredded cheddar cheese—don’t be shy, add a bit more if you’re feeling cheesy! Finally, sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top for that irresistible crunchy finish. Now, pop it into the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell heavenly, and you’ll know dinner is just around the corner!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Steam the broccoli until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, and milk until smooth.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper; stir to combine.
- Fold in the cooked chicken and steamed broccoli until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This broccoli chicken divan is not just another casserole; it’s a meal that warms your heart and fills your belly! Here are a few reasons why you’re going to adore it:
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for weeknight dinners!
- Creamy, cheesy goodness that everyone in the family will love.
- A comforting dish that brings back fond memories of family meals.
- Flexible with ingredients, making it easy to customize to your taste.
- Leftovers heat up beautifully for a delicious next-day lunch!
Trust me, this dish will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!
Tips for Success
To make sure your broccoli chicken divan turns out absolutely perfect, here are some handy tips! First off, using leftover chicken not only saves time but also enhances the flavor. If you prefer a cheesier dish (and who doesn’t?), feel free to adjust the amount of cheddar cheese to your liking. Another tip is to ensure your broccoli is bright green and tender but not mushy; we want that lovely texture! And don’t forget to let it cool for a few minutes after baking—it’ll set up a bit and be easier to serve. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Variations of Broccoli Chicken Divan
One of the best things about this broccoli chicken divan is how easy it is to customize! If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a mix of colorful veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or even some fresh spinach for a pop of color and nutrition. For a little spice, toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy mixture. If you want to switch up the flavor, consider using different cheeses like Monterey Jack or adding some grated Parmesan for an extra kick. The options are endless, so have fun making it your own!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying a hearty dish like broccoli chicken divan, it’s always good to know what you’re putting on your plate! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information per serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 25g
Remember, these values are estimates and can vary depending on the exact ingredients you use. But hey, with all that creamy, cheesy goodness packed in, you’re also getting your protein and fiber from the chicken and broccoli! Enjoy every delicious bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Don’t worry, your broccoli chicken divan will taste just as delicious the next day! To store, simply cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy those tasty leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and pop the dish in for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s heated through and bubbly again. If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal—just make sure to cover it to keep it moist. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
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’ve encountered:
Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup?
Absolutely! You can use homemade cream of chicken soup or even cream of mushroom if you prefer. Just keep in mind that it will change the flavor a bit, but it’ll still be delicious!
What can I serve with broccoli chicken divan?
This casserole is a meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for soaking up all that creamy goodness!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare everything up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy it!
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Definitely! Frozen broccoli works just fine. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the mixture, so you don’t end up with a watery casserole.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply swap out the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones, and you’re good to go! Enjoy a comforting meal without the gluten!
Broccoli Chicken Divan: 7 Creamy Comfort Food Secrets
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A creamy chicken and broccoli casserole topped with cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Steam the broccoli until tender.
- In a bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Add broccoli and chicken to the mixture and stir well.
- Transfer to a baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Use leftover chicken for quicker prep.
- Adjust cheese quantity to taste.
- Can be prepared a day in advance and baked before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: broccoli chicken divan, chicken casserole, broccoli recipe
