Description
Chicken Divan is a comforting and creamy casserole featuring tender broccoli florets and shredded chicken in a flavorful sauce made from cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and a blend of spices including curry powder. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and a buttery breadcrumb crust, this classic dish is baked to golden perfection and makes a hearty meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 pound broccoli florets (about 8 cups)
Soup and Dairy
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- ¾ cup sour cream
- â…“ cup whole milk
- 2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for water
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 2 teaspoons Better Than Bouillon chicken base or 2 chicken bouillon cubes
Protein
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
Toppings
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, gluten-free panko, or crushed Ritz crackers
Optional
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F with a rack in the center position. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for about 3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain thoroughly to remove excess water.
- Prepare Sauce and Mix: In a large bowl, combine ½ teaspoon kosher salt, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, whole milk, garlic powder, onion powder, curry powder, and chicken bouillon until well mixed. Add the shredded chicken and 1¼ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Gently fold in the cooked broccoli, ensuring everything is evenly incorporated without mashing the broccoli.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese (1¼ cups) evenly over the top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish loosely (with foil or a lid) and bake for 20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese on top has melted.
- Prepare Topping: While the casserole bakes, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter in a small bowl until the crumbs are well coated.
- Add Topping and Finish Baking: Remove the casserole from the oven and increase the temperature to 400°F. Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the melted cheese layer. Return the dish to the oven and bake for 5 to 8 minutes more, or until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken Divan warm, optionally over cooked rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- To make the dish gluten-free, use gluten-free panko or gluten-free crackers for the topping.
- For a richer flavor, you can use a combination of sharp and mild cheddar cheeses.
- Ensure broccoli is drained very well to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time, assembled, refrigerated, and then baked just before serving.
