Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe

This Chicken Divan Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for a cozy and satisfying meal! Imagine tender chicken, fresh broccoli florets, and a creamy sauce, all topped with a buttery breadcrumb topping and baked to bubbly perfection. This recipe is easy to make and delivers a delicious and heartwarming dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy and Cheesy: The combination of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and a blend of cheeses creates a rich and creamy sauce that complements the chicken and broccoli beautifully.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
• Versatile: Serve this Chicken Divan Casserole as a main dish with your favorite sides, or use it as a base for a vegetarian meal by omitting the chicken. It’s also great for meal prepping or freezing for later.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This casserole is always a hit with both kids and adults. It’s perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any occasion where you want to serve a crowd-pleasing dish.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• Fresh broccoli: Chopped into bite-sized pieces, it adds a healthy dose of greens and a vibrant color.
• Condensed cream of chicken soup: Adds a creamy base and enhances the flavor of the sauce.
• Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Adds a creamy and cheesy texture.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp and cheesy flavor.
• Milk: Thins the sauce to the desired consistency.
• Sour cream: Adds a tangy and creamy element to the sauce.
• Whole grain mustard: Adds a touch of tanginess and complexity to the sauce.
• Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor.
• Ground black pepper: Adds a touch of heat.
• Cooked chicken: Use leftover or rotisserie chicken for convenience. You can also cook chicken breasts or thighs specifically for this recipe.
• Breadcrumbs: Adds a crispy and golden brown topping to the casserole.
• Unsalted butter: Melted and adds richness and flavor to the breadcrumb topping.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Chicken Divan Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Cook Broccoli

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart (8×8-inch) casserole dish with nonstick spray. Chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the broccoli. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Drain well and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, ½ cup of Monterey Jack cheese, cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, mustard, garlic powder, and pepper until well combined.

Step 3: Combine and Assemble

Gently stir in the cooked broccoli and cubed chicken until coated in the sauce. Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese over the top. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.

Step 4: Bake and Serve

Bake the casserole for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and the topping is lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and serve hot as is, or over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use fresh broccoli: Fresh broccoli is best for this recipe, but you can use frozen broccoli if needed. Make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the casserole.
• Adjust the consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin it out.
• Don’t overbake: Overbaking can dry out the casserole. Bake just until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the topping is lightly golden brown.
• Make ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Double the recipe: Easily double this recipe and bake it in a 4-quart (9×13-inch) baking dish to feed 8 people. Increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes.

How to Serve

This Chicken Divan Casserole is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions:

• Rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice.
• Noodles: Toss with your favorite noodles, such as egg noodles or pasta.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for chicken and a great way to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Chicken Divan Casserole is great for making ahead of time or storing leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or reheat individual portions in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can! Chicken thighs are more flavorful and forgiving than chicken breasts, so they’re a great option for this recipe.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses.

3. Can I make this recipe without the breadcrumb topping?
Yes, you can! The breadcrumb topping adds a nice crispy texture, but you can omit it if you prefer.

4. Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or frozen peas.

This Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make and always satisfying. With its creamy sauce, cheesy topping, and tender chicken and broccoli, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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