why make this recipe
Chicken Divan Casserole is a comforting and creamy dish that brings together chicken, broccoli, and cheese all in one delightful casserole. This recipe is not only delicious, but it’s also a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken and incorporate some veggies into your meal. It’s a family-friendly option that is easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or for serving guests. The creamy texture and crunchy topping make for a satisfying meal that will please everyone at the table.
how to make Chicken Divan Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of broccoli cheese soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray an 8×8-inch baking dish with cooking spray or brush it lightly with olive oil.
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Toss them with garlic powder, onion powder, curry powder, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the seasoned chicken cubes for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are browned and cooked through. Set them aside on a plate.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for about 5 minutes until tender but still firm. Drain the broccoli well.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine both canned soups, sour cream, milk, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Add the cooked chicken, blanched broccoli, and 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese to the cream sauce mixture. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with crushed Ritz crackers, then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until the crackers are golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges.
- Let the casserole rest for 8-10 minutes before serving so it can set up. Serve as is or over rice with a side salad.
how to serve Chicken Divan Casserole
Chicken Divan Casserole can be served straight from the baking dish. It pairs well with a side salad or some steamed rice. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. This dish is versatile and can be enjoyed as a hearty meal on its own or accompanied by other side dishes.
how to store Chicken Divan Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store it for a longer time, you can freeze it. Just make sure to wrap it tightly and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, and then reheat it in the oven or microwave.
tips to make Chicken Divan Casserole
- For extra flavor, add some grated Parmesan cheese to the topping along with the cheddar.
- If you want to add more vegetables, consider mixing in some bell peppers or sliced mushrooms.
- You can use rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking the chicken.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for a unique twist, such as Monterey Jack or gouda.
variation
For a lighter version, you can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt. You can also use cauliflower rice in place of the rice for a low-carb alternative. If you’re looking to spice things up, add a dash of hot sauce to the cream mixture for a bit of heat.
FAQs
Can I make Chicken Divan Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Just assemble it and cover it tightly. You can store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the casserole.
How do I reheat leftovers?
To reheat, simply cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Chicken Divan Casserole
A comforting and creamy dish combining chicken, broccoli, and cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of broccoli cheese soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray an 8×8-inch baking dish with cooking spray or brush it lightly with olive oil.
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Toss them with garlic powder, onion powder, curry powder, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the seasoned chicken cubes for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are browned and cooked through. Set them aside on a plate.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for about 5 minutes until tender but still firm. Drain the broccoli well.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine both canned soups, sour cream, milk, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Add the cooked chicken, blanched broccoli, and 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese to the cream sauce mixture. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with crushed Ritz crackers, then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until the crackers are golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges.
- Let the casserole rest for 8-10 minutes before serving so it can set up. Serve as is or over rice with a side salad.
Notes
For extra flavor, add grated Parmesan cheese to the topping. You can also substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken casserole, creamy casserole, broccoli cheese, family dinner, comfort food
