Description
This comforting Chicken Divan Casserole combines tender broccoli and cooked chicken in a creamy cheese sauce, topped with a buttery breadcrumb crust and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, this casserole offers a delicious blend of flavors and textures with minimal prep and cook time.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 pound fresh broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces
Cheese and Dairy
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- â…“ cup milk
- â…“ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Protein
- 2 ½ cups cubed cooked chicken
Pantry Staples
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Steam Broccoli: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart (8×8-inch) casserole dish to prevent sticking. Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the chopped broccoli until it is tender-crisp. Drain the broccoli thoroughly to remove excess water.
- Make Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, ½ cup of the Monterey Jack cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, whole grain mustard, garlic powder, and ground black pepper until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the steamed broccoli and cubed cooked chicken into the cheese sauce mixture, ensuring an even distribution without breaking up the broccoli too much.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top. In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and melted butter, then sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer to form a crunchy topping. Bake the casserole for 15-20 minutes or until the dish is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the Chicken Divan casserole hot. It pairs wonderfully as a standalone dish or served over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Ensure you drain the broccoli well after steaming to avoid a watery casserole.
- You can substitute cooked turkey or leftover rotisserie chicken in place of the chicken.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cheese mixture.
