Description
This classic Chicken Divan recipe features tender, seasoned chicken and tender broccoli florets baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce and topped with a crispy Ritz cracker and cheddar cheese crust. It’s a comforting casserole perfect for a family dinner or potluck, combining savory spices, creamy soups, and melted cheese baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables
- 3 cups broccoli florets
Sauce
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of broccoli cheese soup
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Cheese and Topping
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch casserole dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken cubes with garlic powder, onion powder, curry powder, salt, and black pepper until well coated.
- Brown the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken cubes and cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Blanch the broccoli: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the broccoli florets for about 5 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of broccoli cheese soup, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and lemon juice. Add the cooked chicken and blanched broccoli and stir to coat evenly.
- Add cheese: Fold 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese into the casserole mixture, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the chicken, broccoli, and sauce mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread into an even layer.
- Add topping: Sprinkle the crushed Ritz crackers evenly over the casserole, then top with the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese. Add extra cheese if desired.
- Bake the casserole: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling hot.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole sit for 8-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy on its own or paired with dinner rolls, salad, or rice for a hearty meal.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free crackers for the Ritz crackers.
- Use low-fat sour cream and soups to reduce calories and fat content.
- Additional vegetables such as cauliflower or carrots can be added for more texture and nutrition.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adding a sprinkle of paprika or fresh herbs on top before baking can enhance flavor and appearance.
