Description
Chicken Divan is a classic baked casserole featuring tender chicken, fresh broccoli florets, and a flavorful creamy sauce, topped with melted cheddar and crispy Ritz cracker crumbs. This comforting dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a hearty family dinner or potluck.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Casserole
-
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of broccoli cheese soup
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Topping
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and spray or brush an 8×8-inch casserole dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken cubes with garlic powder, onion powder, curry powder, salt, and black pepper, making sure the pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Brown the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken cubes and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until slightly browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
- Blanch the broccoli: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for around 5 minutes until they are fork-tender. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of broccoli cheese soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and lemon juice. Add the cooked chicken and blanched broccoli florets, stirring until everything is well coated.
- Add cheese: Fold in 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture, making sure it is evenly distributed throughout the casserole base.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the chicken, broccoli, and sauce mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it into an even layer.
- Add topping: Evenly sprinkle the crushed Ritz crackers over the casserole. Then top with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Add extra cheese if desired for a cheesier finish.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling hot.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole sit for 8-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy it on its own, or pair with dinner rolls, salad, or serve over rice for a hearty meal.
Notes
- Pre-cooking the chicken and broccoli ensures they’re both fully cooked and flavorful in the final casserole.
- Substitute rotisserie chicken to save time on prep.
- For extra crunch, double the Ritz cracker topping.
- Add a bit of cayenne or red pepper flakes for some heat.
- The casserole can be assembled ahead and refrigerated before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6th of casserole
- Calories: 435
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
