Campbell’s Kitchen Chicken Broccoli Divan: A Comfort Food Classic
Chicken Broccoli Divan is a timeless casserole that has graced dinner tables for generations. This creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish is a perfect weeknight meal, especially when you’re craving something warm and satisfying. The Campbell’s Kitchen version offers a delightful twist, utilizing Campbell’s condensed soups to create a rich and flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the chicken and broccoli. This recipe is easy to customize, making it a family favorite that can be adapted to suit different dietary needs and preferences. Let’s dive into the details of creating this delicious classic.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of Chicken Broccoli Divan lies in its simplicity and harmonious blend of flavors. Here’s why this Campbell’s Kitchen version is a winner:
* **Creamy Comfort:** The combination of Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom and Cream of Chicken soups creates a luxuriously creamy sauce that coats the chicken and broccoli beautifully. This base is enriched with mayonnaise and lemon juice, adding a tangy depth that cuts through the richness.
* **Easy Preparation:** This recipe is incredibly straightforward, making it ideal for busy weeknights. With minimal prep time and simple steps, you can have a satisfying meal on the table in under an hour.
* **Versatile Customization:** The recipe is easily adaptable to suit your taste and dietary needs. You can substitute different types of cheese, add extra vegetables, or use leftover cooked chicken.
* **Kid-Friendly Appeal:** The cheesy sauce and familiar flavors of chicken and broccoli make this dish a hit with kids. It’s a great way to get them to eat their vegetables!
* **Freezable:** Chicken Broccoli Divan freezes well, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days or when you want to have a backup dinner on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make Campbell’s Kitchen Chicken Broccoli Divan:
* **2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts:** Cut into bite-sized pieces. Using chicken breasts ensures the dish is lean and cooks quickly.
* **2 (10.75 ounce) cans Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom soup:** This forms the base of the creamy sauce, adding a rich mushroom flavor.
* **1 (10.75 ounce) can Campbell’s Cream of Chicken soup:** This complements the mushroom soup and adds another layer of creamy chicken flavor.
* **1 cup mayonnaise:** Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce. You can use light mayonnaise to reduce the fat content.
* **1 tablespoon lemon juice:** Provides a tangy contrast to the richness of the sauce and brightens the overall flavor.
* **1 teaspoon curry powder (optional):** Adds a subtle warmth and complexity to the dish. If you’re not a fan of curry, you can omit it or substitute with a pinch of paprika.
* **1/2 teaspoon garlic powder:** Enhances the savory flavors of the dish.
* **1/4 teaspoon black pepper:** Adds a touch of spice.
* **2 (10 ounce) packages frozen broccoli florets:** Thawed and drained. You can also use fresh broccoli florets, blanched for a few minutes.
* **1 cup shredded cheddar cheese:** Adds a cheesy topping that melts beautifully. You can substitute with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby.
* **1/2 cup bread crumbs:** Provides a crunchy topping. You can use plain bread crumbs or seasoned bread crumbs for added flavor.
* **2 tablespoons melted butter:** Mixed with the bread crumbs to create a golden-brown topping.
Equipment Needed
* **9×13 inch baking dish:** To bake the casserole.
* **Large bowl:** To mix the ingredients.
* **Small bowl:** To mix the bread crumbs and melted butter.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Whisk or spoon:** To mix the sauce ingredients.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own delicious Campbell’s Kitchen Chicken Broccoli Divan:
**1. Preheat the Oven:**
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the casserole cooks evenly and the cheese melts properly.
**2. Prepare the Chicken:**
* If using raw chicken breasts, cut them into bite-sized pieces. You can also use leftover cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken, to save time.
* If using raw chicken, you can lightly sauté it in a pan with a little oil until it’s mostly cooked but not fully browned. This will help prevent it from being dry in the casserole.
**3. Prepare the Broccoli:**
* If using frozen broccoli florets, thaw them completely and drain any excess water. This will prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
* If using fresh broccoli florets, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender-crisp. Then, drain them well.
**4. Make the Sauce:**
* In a large bowl, combine the Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom soup, Campbell’s Cream of Chicken soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, curry powder (if using), garlic powder, and black pepper. Whisk or stir until well combined.
* Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add a pinch of salt if desired, but be mindful that the soups already contain salt.
**5. Assemble the Casserole:**
* In the same bowl with the sauce, add the cooked chicken and broccoli florets. Gently toss to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
* Pour the chicken and broccoli mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
**6. Add the Cheese Topping:**
* Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and broccoli mixture.
**7. Prepare the Bread Crumb Topping:**
* In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and melted butter. Mix well until the bread crumbs are evenly coated with butter.
* Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
**8. Bake the Casserole:**
* Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
* If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
**9. Let it Rest:**
* Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and prevents it from being too runny.
**10. Serve and Enjoy:**
* Serve the Campbell’s Kitchen Chicken Broccoli Divan hot. It pairs well with a side salad, rice, or crusty bread.
Tips for Success
* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** If you’re using raw chicken, make sure to sauté it lightly before adding it to the casserole. Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough.
* **Thaw and Drain Broccoli Properly:** Frozen broccoli florets can release a lot of water as they thaw. Make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess water to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
* **Adjust Seasonings to Taste:** Taste the sauce before adding the chicken and broccoli and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add more lemon juice for tanginess, garlic powder for savory flavor, or curry powder for warmth.
* **Use Freshly Grated Cheese:** Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese. If possible, grate your own cheese for the best results.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking the casserole can dry it out. Bake it until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Variations and Substitutions
Here are some variations and substitutions you can try to customize your Chicken Broccoli Divan:
* **Vegetables:** Add other vegetables like sliced mushrooms, chopped onions, or bell peppers to the casserole.
* **Cheese:** Substitute cheddar cheese with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or Swiss cheese.
* **Soup:** Use Campbell’s Cream of Celery soup or Cream of Cheddar Cheese soup in place of the Cream of Mushroom or Cream of Chicken soup.
* **Meat:** Use cooked turkey or ham in place of the chicken.
* **Topping:** Substitute bread crumbs with crushed crackers or potato chips for a different texture.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free bread crumbs and ensure that the soups are gluten-free.
* **Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Broccoli Divan is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. Here are some serving suggestions:
* **Side Salad:** Serve with a simple green salad or a Caesar salad.
* **Rice:** Serve over cooked white rice or brown rice.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Serve with roasted vegetables like asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
**Make-Ahead:**
* You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap.
* Add the bread crumb topping just before baking to prevent it from getting soggy.
**Storage:**
* Store leftover Chicken Broccoli Divan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
**Reheating:**
* Reheat leftover Chicken Broccoli Divan in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
* You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, as it can become dry.
**Freezing:**
* Chicken Broccoli Divan freezes well. To freeze, assemble the casserole but do not add the bread crumb topping. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
* Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
* When ready to bake, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Add the bread crumb topping and bake as directed.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 400-500 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams
Conclusion
Campbell’s Kitchen Chicken Broccoli Divan is a comforting and easy-to-make casserole that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy topping, it’s sure to be a family favorite. The versatility of this recipe allows you to customize it to suit your taste and dietary needs. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy this classic dish!