Easy Chicken Divan is a creamy casserole made with tender chicken, bright broccoli, and a cheesy sauce. It’s like a warm hug in a dish, perfect for busy weeknights!
Honestly, who can resist gooey cheese and fluffy rice? I usually throw in some extra broccoli for good measure—it’s like a sneaky health move! 😂
Making this dish is super easy. Just mix everything together, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen. You’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: I like using rotisserie chicken for this recipe. It’s super handy and saves time. If you don’t have any, leftover chicken or turkey can work great too. You can even use canned chicken in a pinch!
Broccoli: Fresh is always nice, but frozen broccoli works just as well, especially when you thaw and drain it properly. For a twist, you could substitute the broccoli with cauliflower or asparagus if that’s more your thing.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: The soup is key for the creaminess, but you can use cream of chicken soup if you prefer. If you want a healthier version, try a homemade mushroom sauce or a white sauce made with flour and milk.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives lots of flavor, but feel free to swap it out for Monterey Jack or even mozzarella if you love melty cheese. You can also mix in some Parmesan for added depth!
How Do You Get the Broccoli Just Right for the Casserole?
Getting your broccoli tender but not mushy is essential. Follow these steps for perfect broccoli:
- Start with fresh broccoli and trim it into florets. If using frozen, make sure it’s fully thawed and drained.
- Blanch the broccoli by cooking it in boiling water for 3-4 minutes. You want it bright green and just tender.
- Immediately transfer it to ice water to stop the cooking process. This keeps it crisp and vibrant!
These simple steps ensure your broccoli retains a nice bite in the casserole and adds a lovely pop of color!
How to Make Easy Chicken Divan
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or panko
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes of prep time and 25-30 minutes of baking time. So, in total, you can expect to spend around 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and delicious dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, lightly grease a casserole dish, so the cheesy goodness doesn’t stick!
2. Cook the Broccoli:
Next, steam or blanch the broccoli florets. This means just cooking them until they’re tender but still a bit crunchy—about 3-4 minutes. After cooking, drain them well and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s nice and smooth. Then, fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese for extra creaminess!
4. Combine Ingredients:
Add your cooked chicken pieces and the broccoli to the bowl with the sauce. Gently fold everything together so the chicken and broccoli are nicely coated with the sauce.
5. Pour into Casserole Dish:
Now it’s time to pour the chicken and broccoli mixture into your greased casserole dish. Spread it out evenly so every bite is delicious!
6. Prepare the Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Mix until the breadcrumbs are coated. This will give a nice crunchy topping! Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole and then top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
7. Bake It Up:
Pop the casserole in your preheated oven and bake it uncovered for about 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for it to be bubbly and for the topping to turn a lovely golden brown.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for just a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy, and comforting Easy Chicken Divan!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in Chicken Divan?
Absolutely! While broccoli is traditional, you can easily substitute or mix in veggies like cauliflower, asparagus, or even spinach. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed for different textures.
What Type of Chicken Should I Use?
You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, leftover grilled chicken, or even poach chicken breasts yourself. Any cooked chicken works well in this recipe!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the casserole ahead of time! Just assemble it without baking and cover it tightly. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time for it to heat through properly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or bake it in the oven until warmed through, adding a splash of cream if it seems dry.
