Broccoli Chicken Divan

Broccoli Chicken Divan is a classic comfort food dish that combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. This recipe offers a simple way to create this satisfying and flavorful casserole, making it a perfect choice for a family dinner or potluck gathering.

Ingredients:

For the Broccoli Chicken Divan:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, blanched
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
• 1/4 cup melted butter

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli

1. Cook the chicken if it’s not already cooked. You can poach it, bake it, or use leftover roasted chicken.
2. Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until they are tender-crisp. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes in boiling water, followed by a quick rinse in cold water to stop the cooking process.

Step 3: Assemble the Broccoli Chicken Divan

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and diced chicken with the blanched broccoli florets.
2. In another bowl, mix together the condensed cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the sauce is smooth and well blended.
3. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and broccoli and stir to coat all the ingredients evenly.
4. Fold in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, reserving the rest for later.
5. Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

1. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Mix until the breadcrumbs are well-coated.

Step 5: Bake the Broccoli Chicken Divan

1. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
2. Evenly distribute the breadcrumb topping on top of the cheese.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Let the Broccoli Chicken Divan cool for a few minutes before serving.
2. Serve as a comforting and delicious meal.

Notes:

• You can customize this recipe by adding extras like sliced mushrooms, diced onions, or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
• If you prefer a crispy topping, broil the casserole for a couple of minutes at the end of the cooking time.
• This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or a side salad.

Broccoli Chicken Divan is a hearty and delicious dish that’s perfect for bringing comfort to your table. The combination of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce is sure to please both kids and adults. Enjoy this classic casserole for a satisfying and flavorful meal.