Chicken Divan
Indulge in a truly comforting culinary experience with this Classic Creamy Chicken Divan. Tender, perfectly cooked chicken and vibrant broccoli florets are enveloped in a lusciously rich and savory sauce, all crowned with a golden, buttery breadcrumb topping. This timeless casserole is the epitome of home-cooked perfection, ideal for a satisfying weeknight meal or an elegant family gathering.
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
Approximately 1 hour
Servings
6-8 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- A comforting and nostalgic classic, perfect for satisfying family meals.
- Features a rich, velvety sauce expertly balanced with a hint of bright lemon.
- Hearty and incredibly satisfying, packed with protein and wholesome vegetables.
- Offers a delightful textural contrast with its crunchy, golden breadcrumb topping.
- Relatively straightforward to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy evenings.
Ingredients
- 900 g (2 pounds) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) cubes
- 30 ml (2 tablespoons) olive oil
- 2.5 g (½ teaspoon) salt
- 2.5 g (½ teaspoon) black pepper, divided
- 450 g (16 ounces) frozen broccoli florets, thawed
- 2 x 298 g (10.5 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
- 240 ml (1 cup) mayonnaise
- 240 ml (1 cup) sour cream
- 113 g (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese
- 120 ml (½ cup) milk
- 15 ml (1 tablespoon) lemon juice
- 5 g (1 teaspoon) garlic powder
- 2.5 g (½ teaspoon) onion powder
- 120 g (1 cup) plain breadcrumbs
- 30 g (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 23×33 cm (9×13 inch) baking dish with butter or cooking spray to ensure the casserole does not stick and for easy cleanup. Set the prepared dish aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Allow the pan to get sufficiently hot, but not smoking, as this will help create a beautiful sear on the chicken.
- Add the cubed chicken to the hot skillet. Season the chicken generously with the entire amount of salt and ¼ teaspoon (1.25 g) of the black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken pieces are beautifully golden brown on the exterior and fully cooked through, with no raw pink visible. Searing the chicken adds a crucial layer of flavor to the finished dish. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside in a bowl.
- Ensure the frozen broccoli florets are completely thawed. To expedite this, you can run warm water over them in a colander or microwave them according to package instructions. Once thawed, it is critical to drain the broccoli very thoroughly and pat it extensively dry with paper towels. Removing all excess moisture is key to preventing the casserole from becoming watery.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the two cans of condensed cream of chicken soup, the mayonnaise, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon (1.25 g) of black pepper. Whisk all these ingredients together until the sauce is completely smooth, creamy, and homogeneously combined. The lemon juice is vital here; it provides a bright counterpoint to the richness of the creamy sauce.
- Gently fold the cooked chicken cubes and the thoroughly dried broccoli florets into the prepared creamy sauce mixture. Ensure that all the chicken and broccoli pieces are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Transfer the entire chicken and broccoli mixture into the previously greased 23×33 cm (9×13 inch) baking dish. Use a spatula to spread the mixture out evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- In a small, separate bowl, combine the plain breadcrumbs with the melted unsalted butter. Toss them together with a fork until the breadcrumbs are uniformly moistened by the butter. This step creates a delightful crispy texture for the topping.
- Evenly sprinkle the buttered breadcrumb mixture over the entire surface of the casserole in the baking dish. This topping will become golden and provide a wonderful textural contrast to the creamy interior.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the breadcrumb topping is a beautiful rich golden brown and the creamy sauce is visibly bubbling around the edges. This indicates that the casserole is heated through and the flavors have fully melded.
- Once baked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the sauce to set slightly, which makes for cleaner and easier serving.
Tools You’ll Need
- 23×33 cm (9×13 inch) baking dish
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Paper towels
Essential Success Tips
- Thoroughly pat the thawed broccoli dry with paper towels; any excess moisture will thin out your creamy sauce, making the casserole runny.
- Take the time to sear the chicken until it's golden brown before adding it to the sauce. This crucial step develops a deeper, more complex flavor in the dish.
- Avoid overbaking the casserole; bake just until the topping is golden and the edges are gently bubbling. Overbaking can dry out the chicken and alter the sauce's texture.
- For the ultimate creamy texture and flavor, use high-quality mayonnaise and sour cream. Their richness significantly contributes to the sauce.
- Do not omit the lemon juice; it's a secret ingredient that cuts through the richness of the cream sauce, brightening the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- For an even richer and more authentic flavor, consider substituting the canned cream of chicken soup with a homemade béchamel sauce base, infused with chicken broth and a touch of thyme. This elevates the casserole's depth significantly.
- Enhance the breadcrumb topping by toasting them lightly in a dry pan before mixing with butter, then adding a pinch of dried herbs like tarragon or chives for an aromatic, gourmet finish.
- After searing the chicken, deglaze the skillet with a splash of dry white wine or chicken broth. Scrape up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom and incorporate this liquid into your sauce mixture for added complexity.
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 150°C (300°F) or in the microwave until warmed through.
- For a gluten-free adaptation, ensure you use gluten-free condensed cream of chicken soup (or a homemade gluten-free alternative) and certified gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables; sliced mushrooms, frozen peas, or blanched asparagus can be added along with the broccoli for extra texture and nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare Chicken Divan ahead of time?
Yes, you can certainly assemble the entire casserole (excluding the breadcrumb topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. Add the buttered breadcrumbs just before baking. If baking from cold, you may need to add an additional 10-15 minutes to the total baking time.
What kind of cheese is best for Chicken Divan?
While sharp cheddar cheese is traditionally used and offers a wonderful tang, you can experiment with other melting cheeses. Gruyère provides a nutty, complex flavor, while a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack can enhance the overall creaminess and mildness of the dish.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If opting for fresh broccoli, steam or blanch the florets until they are tender-crisp before incorporating them into the casserole. Just like with frozen broccoli, ensure they are exceptionally well-drained and patted dry to prevent a watery casserole.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Estimated per serving (1/6 of casserole): Calories: 650, Protein: 40g, Fat: 45g, Saturated Fat: 15g, Carbohydrates: 25g, Fiber: 3g, Sodium: 1200mg.
Allergy Information
This dish contains common allergens including dairy (from cheese, milk, sour cream, butter, and cream of chicken soup) and gluten (from condensed cream of chicken soup and breadcrumbs). It may also contain soy. For a gluten-free version, ensure all condensed soup and breadcrumbs used are certified gluten-free. For a dairy-free alternative, explore suitable dairy-free substitutes for all dairy-containing ingredients.
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