When it comes to satisfying comfort food, few dishes deliver like a creamy, cheesy Broccoli Chicken Divan. This beloved casserole combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a luscious cheese sauce, all crowned with a crispy breadcrumb topping. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and indulgence.
PrintBroccoli Chicken Divan
🍽️💚 Comfort food at its finest! This Broccoli Chicken Divan is the ultimate cozy casserole. Tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce come together in this hearty dish—perfect for any occasion! 🧀🥦 Easy to make and even easier to love, this meal is a crowd-pleaser everyone will rave about. 👨‍🍳✨ Serve it up for dinner and watch your family devour it in minutes!
#ChickenDivan #ComfortFood #CasseroleLove #CreamyGoodness #CheeseLovers #DinnerTimeDelight #HealthyAndTasty #BakedGoodness #FamilyFavorite #EasyMeals 🥦🍗🧀💚
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed: Tender, pre-cooked chicken serves as the protein base. Use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience or poach chicken breasts for a homemade touch.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli adds vibrant color, a pleasant crunch, and nutritional value. You can also use frozen broccoli for added convenience.
- 2 tablespoons butter: This is the starting point of the roux, giving the sauce its rich flavor and silky texture.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Combined with butter, flour creates the roux, which thickens the sauce to creamy perfection.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds a savory depth of flavor while keeping the sauce light.
- 1 cup milk: Balances the chicken broth for a creamier consistency. Use whole milk for best results.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the sauce without overpowering them.
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper: Adds a subtle kick of warmth to the dish.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: The star ingredient that lends gooey, cheesy goodness. Sharp cheddar works wonderfully for its bold flavor.
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs: Toasted breadcrumbs provide a crispy, golden topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
Instructions
- Prepare Your Baking Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Layer the Chicken and Broccoli:
- Spread the cubed chicken evenly across the bottom of the dish. Top with broccoli florets, distributing them evenly to ensure every bite includes both chicken and broccoli.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a smooth paste (roux). Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquid Ingredients:
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Repeat with the milk, whisking until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken.
- Flavor the Sauce:
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the salt, pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli in the baking dish, ensuring everything is well-coated.
- Add the Breadcrumb Topping:
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly across the top of the dish. For extra crunch, you can toss the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter before sprinkling.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Dish out generous portions and enjoy the comforting flavors of Broccoli Chicken Divan.
Notes
- Chicken Alternatives: Swap chicken with turkey or ham for a twist. Leftover Thanksgiving turkey works particularly well.
- Vegetables: Replace broccoli with cauliflower, green beans, or asparagus for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese: Experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or Parmesan for unique variations.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute butter with plant-based butter, milk with almond or oat milk, and cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
The combination of flavors and textures—crunchy breadcrumbs, creamy sauce, and tender chicken—is pure culinary harmony. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals without compromising on taste. Let’s dive into this heartwarming recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your home.
Ingredients Breakdown
To ensure a perfectly executed dish, let’s look closer at the ingredients and their roles:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed:Â Tender, pre-cooked chicken serves as the protein base. Use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience or poach chicken breasts for a homemade touch.
- 2 cups broccoli florets:Â Fresh broccoli adds vibrant color, a pleasant crunch, and nutritional value. You can also use frozen broccoli for added convenience.
- 2 tablespoons butter:Â This is the starting point of the roux, giving the sauce its rich flavor and silky texture.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour:Â Combined with butter, flour creates the roux, which thickens the sauce to creamy perfection.
- 1 cup chicken broth:Â Adds a savory depth of flavor while keeping the sauce light.
- 1 cup milk:Â Balances the chicken broth for a creamier consistency. Use whole milk for best results.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt:Â Enhances the flavors of the sauce without overpowering them.
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper:Â Adds a subtle kick of warmth to the dish.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese:Â The star ingredient that lends gooey, cheesy goodness. Sharp cheddar works wonderfully for its bold flavor.
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs:Â Toasted breadcrumbs provide a crispy, golden topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking this casserole is a straightforward process, making it accessible even for beginner cooks.
- Prepare Your Baking Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Layer the Chicken and Broccoli:
- Spread the cubed chicken evenly across the bottom of the dish. Top with broccoli florets, distributing them evenly to ensure every bite includes both chicken and broccoli.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a smooth paste (roux). Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquid Ingredients:
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Repeat with the milk, whisking until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken.
- Flavor the Sauce:
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the salt, pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli in the baking dish, ensuring everything is well-coated.
- Add the Breadcrumb Topping:
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly across the top of the dish. For extra crunch, you can toss the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter before sprinkling.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Dish out generous portions and enjoy the comforting flavors of Broccoli Chicken Divan.
Flavors, Textures, and Aromas
The first bite of Broccoli Chicken Divan is a sensory delight. The cheesy sauce is velvety and rich, coating every piece of chicken and broccoli. The broccoli retains a slight crunch, balancing the creamy filling with its freshness. The breadcrumb topping adds a satisfying crispness, while the aroma of melted cheese and baked goodness wafts from the oven, inviting everyone to the table.
Tips for Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken Alternatives:Â Swap chicken with turkey or ham for a twist. Leftover Thanksgiving turkey works particularly well.
- Vegetables:Â Replace broccoli with cauliflower, green beans, or asparagus for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese: Experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or Parmesan for unique variations.
- Gluten-Free Option:Â Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free Version:Â Substitute butter with plant-based butter, milk with almond or oat milk, and cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Chicken Divan:Â Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
- Bacon and Mushroom Twist: Sauté diced bacon and mushrooms and add them to the chicken and broccoli layer for extra flavor.
- Rice or Pasta Base:Â Serve the casserole over cooked rice or pasta to make it a heartier meal.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this dish with a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- For an elegant touch, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Broccoli Chicken Divan is the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and versatility. Its rich, creamy flavors make it a hit with both kids and adults, while its straightforward preparation makes it ideal for busy weeknights or special family dinners. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken or veggies, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
So, gather your ingredients and prepare to savor this timeless classic. One taste, and you’ll understand why Broccoli Chicken Divan remains a beloved favorite in households everywhere.