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Chicken Divan Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 76 reviews

Chicken Divan is a classic comforting casserole featuring tender chicken breast cubes and broccoli florets enveloped in a creamy, tangy sauce and topped with a crispy buttery breadcrumb crust. This baked dish combines savory flavors and textures, making an easy and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Broccoli

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, divided
  • 16 ounces frozen broccoli florets, thawed

Sauce Mixture

  • 2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Topping

  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly and set it aside for later use.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken breast pieces and season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Prepare Broccoli: Thaw the frozen broccoli florets according to package instructions. Once thawed, drain excess water and pat dry with paper towels to ensure no moisture is left, which would affect the casserole’s texture.
  4. Make the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the two cans of cream of chicken soup, 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 cup sour cream, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, ½ cup milk, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Mix until smooth and fully blended.
  5. Combine Chicken and Broccoli with Sauce: Fold the cooked chicken and well-drained broccoli into the sauce mixture. Be sure to evenly coat all the pieces.
  6. Assemble the Casserole: Spread the chicken and broccoli mixture evenly into the prepared greased baking dish, smoothing the surface for even baking.
  7. Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup plain breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated and crumbly.
  8. Add the Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
  9. Rest Before Serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes before serving. This lets the casserole set and makes it easier to portion out.

Notes

  • Ensure broccoli is well-drained and patted dry to avoid a watery casserole.
  • You can substitute cream of chicken soup with homemade cream sauce for a fresher taste.
  • To add a crunchy cheese topping, sprinkle extra cheddar cheese before adding the breadcrumbs.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 3-4 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
  • For a lower fat version, use light sour cream and mayonnaise.

Keywords: Chicken Divan, casserole, baked chicken, broccoli casserole, creamy chicken, family dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://islawhite.com/chicken-divan-recipe/