Description
Comfort meets elegance in this classic broccoli chicken divan, blending tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a creamy sauce that promises pure satisfaction. Rich with cheesy goodness and baked to golden perfection, you’ll savor every comforting bite of this timeless casserole.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
Vegetables:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Soup and Seasoning:
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Topping:
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Seasoning:
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley
- Fresh chives
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.
- Create a luxurious sauce by whisking together cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-combined.
- Fold in the cheddar and parmesan cheeses to enhance the sauce’s rich, creamy texture.
- Arrange a uniform layer of steamed broccoli across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Distribute the cooked chicken evenly over the broccoli layer to ensure consistent flavor in each serving.
- Gently pour the seasoned cheese sauce over the chicken and broccoli, carefully spreading to cover the entire surface.
- Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter, creating a golden, crispy topping mixture.
- Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb mixture across the top of the casserole for a crunchy texture contrast.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and bubbling edges indicating the dish is thoroughly heated.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the sauce set and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Swap mayo for Greek yogurt to lighten up the dish and add protein, creating a healthier version that doesn’t sacrifice creamy texture.
- Toast breadcrumbs beforehand in a skillet for extra crunch and deeper golden color, enhancing the overall texture and flavor profile.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saving option that adds more complex, roasted flavor without additional cooking steps.
- Consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley on top after baking to bring brightness and fresh aromatics to the rich casserole.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 355 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg