Description
Classic Chicken Divan is a comforting casserole featuring tender chicken and broccoli in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, topped with buttery breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or family gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound broccoli, chopped
- 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- â…“ cup milk
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Topping
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (Panko recommended)
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Cook Broccoli: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the chopped broccoli until it is tender-crisp, then drain thoroughly to remove excess water.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked chicken cubes, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, milk, salt, and black pepper. Gently stir in the cooked broccoli until fully incorporated.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and transfer the chicken and broccoli mixture into it. Evenly spread the mixture in the dish and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter, mixing until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this buttery breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese layer on the casserole.
- Bake: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked chicken or leftover roasted chicken for best flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or use low-fat cheese and milk.
- To make ahead, assemble the casserole up to the breadcrumb topping, cover, and refrigerate. Add breadcrumbs and bake just before serving.
- Panko breadcrumbs add extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs work fine as well.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier serving.
