Creamy & Comforting: Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe
Broccoli Chicken Divan. Just the name evokes a sense of warmth, comfort, and classic family dinners. This iconic dish, known for its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli, is a timeless favorite for a reason. It’s easy to make, satisfying to eat, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight meal that pleases everyone or a dish to bring to a potluck, Broccoli Chicken Divan is always a good choice.
This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to creating the perfect Broccoli Chicken Divan, with tips and variations to make it your own. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food!
What is Chicken Divan?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore the origins of this beloved casserole. Chicken Divan was created in the early 20th century at the Divan Parisienne Restaurant in the Chatham Hotel in New York City. Named after its place of origin, the dish quickly gained popularity and has been adapted and enjoyed in countless variations ever since. The core elements – chicken, broccoli, and a creamy sauce – remain the same, making it a recognizable and comforting classic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy cooking techniques. It’s perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Comfort Food Classic:** The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and slightly crunchy broccoli create a comforting and satisfying meal.
* **Versatile:** You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or spices.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it later, making it ideal for entertaining.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Even picky eaters tend to enjoy the creamy texture and mild flavors of this dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for this Broccoli Chicken Divan recipe:
* **Chicken:** 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, poached chicken breasts, or grilled chicken.
* **Broccoli:** 2 (10-ounce) packages frozen broccoli florets, thawed (or about 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, steamed until tender-crisp).
* **Cream of Chicken Soup:** 2 (10.75-ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup. This forms the base of the creamy sauce.
* **Mayonnaise:** 1 cup mayonnaise. Adds richness and tang to the sauce.
* **Sour Cream:** ½ cup sour cream. Contributes to the creamy texture and adds a slight tang.
* **Lemon Juice:** 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Brightens the flavors and balances the richness.
* **Curry Powder:** ½ teaspoon curry powder. Adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor (optional, but highly recommended).
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season the sauce to your liking.
* **Cheddar Cheese:** 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Adds a cheesy topping that melts beautifully.
* **Bread Crumbs:** ½ cup bread crumbs. Provides a crispy topping.
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons melted butter. Mixes with the bread crumbs to create a golden-brown topping.
Equipment You’ll Need
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Large bowl
* Small bowl
* Whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! Here’s a detailed guide to making Broccoli Chicken Divan:
**1. Prepare the Broccoli:**
* If using frozen broccoli, thaw it completely and drain any excess water. You can gently squeeze the broccoli to remove excess moisture.
* If using fresh broccoli, steam it until tender-crisp. Be careful not to overcook it, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
**2. Prepare the Chicken:**
* If you’re not using pre-cooked chicken, you’ll need to cook it first. Poaching chicken breasts is a great option for tender, juicy chicken. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken or grill chicken breasts.
* Once the chicken is cooked, shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces.
**3. Make the Creamy Sauce:**
* In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, curry powder (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
**4. Assemble the Casserole:**
* In the large bowl with the sauce, gently fold in the cooked chicken and broccoli until everything is evenly coated.
* Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
* Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
**5. Prepare the Bread Crumb Topping:**
* In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and melted butter. Toss until the bread crumbs are evenly coated with butter.
* Sprinkle the buttered bread crumbs over the cheese layer.
**6. Bake the Casserole:**
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the bread crumb topping is golden brown.
**7. Let it Rest and Serve:**
* Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly.
* Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Broccoli Chicken Divan
* **Don’t Overcook the Broccoli:** Overcooked broccoli will become mushy and lose its vibrant color. Aim for tender-crisp broccoli.
* **Drain the Broccoli Well:** Excess moisture from the broccoli can make the casserole watery. Be sure to drain the broccoli thoroughly.
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** Using good-quality chicken, cheese, and mayonnaise will make a noticeable difference in the flavor of the dish.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment:** Feel free to adjust the seasonings and ingredients to your liking. Add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika for extra flavor.
* **Make it Ahead of Time:** You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if necessary.
* **Prevent Soggy Breadcrumbs:** To avoid soggy breadcrumbs, you can toast them lightly in a dry skillet before mixing them with the melted butter. This will help them stay crispy during baking.
Variations and Additions
The beauty of Broccoli Chicken Divan is its versatility. Here are some ideas for customizing the recipe:
* **Add Different Vegetables:** Substitute or add other vegetables such as cauliflower, asparagus, mushrooms, or peas.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Swiss, or Monterey Jack. You can also use a combination of cheeses.
* **Add Spice:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Use Different Soup:** Substitute cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup for the cream of chicken soup.
* **Add a Crunchy Topping:** Instead of bread crumbs, use crushed crackers, potato chips, or fried onions for a different texture.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping. Ensure that the cream of chicken soup is also gluten-free.
* **Add Nuts:** Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans over the casserole for added crunch and flavor.
* **Make it Lighter:** Use light mayonnaise, light sour cream, and reduced-fat cheese to lighten up the dish.
* **Add Wine:** A splash of dry sherry or white wine to the cream sauce will add depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Broccoli Chicken Divan is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with:
* **A Simple Salad:** A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy casserole.
* **Rice or Quinoa:** Serve the casserole over a bed of rice or quinoa for a more substantial meal.
* **Garlic Bread:** Garlic bread is a classic accompaniment to casseroles.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes complement the flavors of the dish.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
* **Storage:** Store leftover Broccoli Chicken Divan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Add a little milk or cream to the sauce if it seems dry.
* **Freezing:** While you can freeze Broccoli Chicken Divan, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. The sauce may become a bit grainy. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe
This is the full recipe:
**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
* 2 (10-ounce) packages frozen broccoli florets, thawed and drained (or 4 cups fresh broccoli, steamed)
* 2 (10.75-ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
* 1 cup mayonnaise
* ½ cup sour cream
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* ½ teaspoon curry powder (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* ½ cup bread crumbs
* 2 tablespoons melted butter
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain well. If using fresh, steam until tender-crisp.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, curry powder (if using), salt, and pepper.
4. Gently fold in the cooked chicken and broccoli.
5. Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
7. In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle over cheese.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly, and bread crumbs are golden brown.
9. Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your delicious and comforting Broccoli Chicken Divan!
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)
* Calories: 400-500
* Protein: 25-30g
* Fat: 30-40g
* Carbohydrates: 15-20g
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.*
This Broccoli Chicken Divan recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a dish. Its simplicity, versatility, and comforting flavors make it a go-to recipe for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a truly classic and satisfying casserole!
Bon appétit!