Description
Chicken Divan is a classic American casserole featuring tender broccoli and cooked chicken baked in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, topped with buttery breadcrumbs for a deliciously crunchy finish. This comforting dish is perfect for a quick family dinner, combining simple ingredients for a hearty and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 pound broccoli, chopped
Protein
- 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed
Dairy
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- â…“ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Seasonings
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Topping
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (Panko recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Broccoli: Boil water and cook the chopped broccoli until it is tender-crisp. Drain thoroughly to remove excess water, ensuring the broccoli is not soggy.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, milk, salt, and black pepper. Gently fold the cooked broccoli into this mixture to evenly distribute all components.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and transfer the combined mixture into it. Evenly sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Make Topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter, mixing to coat the breadcrumbs evenly. Sprinkle this buttery breadcrumb mixture over the top of the casserole to create a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- For best texture, make sure to drain the broccoli well after boiling to avoid a watery casserole.
- Panko breadcrumbs are recommended for a crunchier topping, but regular breadcrumbs can be used if preferred.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Feel free to substitute cooked turkey or leftover rotisserie chicken for the chicken to vary the protein source.
- If desired, add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor in the cheese mixture.
