Simple Joy: Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe for Busy Nights

Creamy comfort cuisine meets nutritious delight in this classic broccoli chicken divan recipe that promises to satisfy every palate.

Tender chicken nestles perfectly with vibrant green broccoli florets in a rich, velvety sauce.

The dish blends simple ingredients into a harmonious meal that feels both elegant and comforting.

Cheese melts into golden perfection, creating a delectable top layer that adds irresistible texture.

You adore this straightforward yet impressive casserole for its versatility and crowd-pleasing flavors.

Each forkful delivers a balanced combination of protein, vegetables, and decadent sauce that makes dinnertime special.

This easy one-pan wonder will quickly become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.

FAQs

• Is broccoli chicken divan a healthy meal?

While not a low-calorie dish, it provides protein from chicken, nutrients from broccoli, and calcium from cheese. It’s a balanced meal with vegetables and lean protein.

• Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Thaw and drain it completely before adding to the dish to prevent excess moisture. Pat dry with paper towels for best results.

• What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for the best flavor. However, you can also use mild cheddar, monterey jack, or a cheese blend for variety.

• Do I need to cook the chicken before adding it to the dish?

Yes, always pre-cook the chicken completely. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken, ensuring it’s fully cooked and cut into cubes before assembling the dish.

Why Broccoli Chicken Divan Stands Out

• Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with lean protein from chicken and fiber-rich broccoli, this recipe offers a balanced and wholesome meal.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying, this casserole appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a breeze.
• Versatile Meal Option: Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences, this recipe can be customized with alternative ingredients or served as a main course or side dish.

What’s in Broccoli Chicken Divan

• Broccoli: Fresh green florets that add a nutritious crunch.
• Chicken: Tender protein that makes the dish hearty and satisfying.

• Butter: Creamy base that adds rich flavor.
• Flour: Thickening agent for smooth sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Savory liquid that enhances depth.
• Milk: Silky component that creates creaminess.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts into a delicious sauce.
• Salt: Flavor enhancer that balances the dish.
• Black Pepper: Warm spice that adds a subtle kick.

• Bread Crumbs: Crispy golden layer that provides delightful texture.

Steps to Make Broccoli Chicken Divan

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Get your oven warming to a cozy 350°F (175°C).

This will create the perfect environment for our delicious casserole.

Step 2: Prep the Cooking Vessel

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Create the Protein and Veggie Base

Spread out your tender chicken pieces and bright green broccoli florets across the baking dish.

Make sure they’re distributed evenly for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Craft the Creamy Sauce Magic

• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Chicken broth
• Whole milk
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk the ingredients together, letting the mixture thicken and become gloriously smooth.

This sauce will be the heart of your casserole.

Step 5: Combine and Cover

Pour the velvety cheese sauce over the chicken and broccoli.

Use a spatula to ensure every morsel gets a luxurious coating.

Step 6: Add the Crispy Topping

Sprinkle a generous layer of breadcrumbs across the surface.

This will create a delightful golden crunch.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for 25 minutes.

You’re looking for a bubbling sauce and a beautifully bronzed top.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes.

This helps the sauce set and makes serving easier.

Dig in and enjoy your comforting meal!

Tips for Creamy Chicken Divan Perfection

• Swap chicken with turkey, tofu, or shrimp for varied dietary preferences and flavor profiles.
• Whisk sauce continuously to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy texture that coats ingredients evenly.
• Add extra vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, or spinach to increase nutrient density and vegetable intake.
• Toast bread crumbs briefly before sprinkling to enhance crunchiness and add a golden, appetizing color.
• Prepare the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Broccoli Chicken Divan: Save or Reheat

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover dish with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Heat in microwave-safe dish for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent sauce from separating.

Ideal Sides for Chicken Divan

• Savor Tangy White Wine Complement: Pair a crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the creamy cheese sauce, cutting through the richness with its bright acidity.
• Enhance with Hearty Grain Side: Serve alongside fluffy quinoa or wild rice pilaf to add textural contrast and soak up the delicious cheese sauce, creating a more substantial meal.
• Match with Fresh Green Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a zesty, peppery counterpoint that refreshes the palate between creamy bites.
• Complement with Crusty Bread: Add warm, rustic sourdough or French baguette slices to help diners mop up every last drop of the luxurious cheese sauce, maximizing flavor enjoyment.

New Spins on Broccoli Chicken Divan

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace broccoli with cauliflower florets and use almond flour instead of bread crumbs for a keto-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Friendly: Substitute dairy milk with coconut milk, use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese, and opt for dairy-free margarine.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace chicken with firm tofu or white beans, and use vegetable broth for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour for the roux, swap regular bread crumbs with gluten-free panko, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comforting broccoli chicken divan brings classic casserole magic straight from home kitchens to dinner tables. Cheesy, creamy layers of tender chicken and fresh broccoli create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed

Protein and Dairy:

• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Seasoning and Binding Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Orchestrate the culinary environment by heating the oven to a precise 350°F (175°C), creating an optimal cooking atmosphere.
2. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a delicate layer of grease to prevent adherence.
3. Construct a foundational layer by meticulously distributing tender chicken cubes and verdant broccoli florets across the dish’s surface.
4. Initiate the sauce creation by melting butter in a saucepan, transforming it into a velvety roux through careful flour integration and continuous whisking.
5. Gradually introduce chicken broth and milk, stirring consistently to achieve a luxurious, smooth consistency that thickens elegantly.
6. Enhance the sauce’s flavor profile by incorporating salt, pepper, and cheddar cheese, stirring until a seamless, creamy texture emerges.
7. Cascade the rich cheese sauce over the chicken and broccoli, ensuring complete and uniform coverage of all ingredients.
8. Sprinkle a crisp blanket of bread crumbs across the surface, creating a golden, textural crown.
9. Transfer the assembled dish to the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 25 minutes until the sauce bubbles enthusiastically and the topping achieves a beautiful golden-brown hue.
10. Remove from the oven and permit a brief resting period, allowing flavors to settle and intensify before serving.

Notes

• Opt for fresh broccoli florets to ensure crisp texture and vibrant green color, avoiding soggy or overcooked vegetables.
• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for leaner protein and easier cutting, trimming any excess fat before cubing.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère or sharp white cheddar to add unique depth and complexity to the sauce.
• Consider gluten-free alternatives by using cornstarch instead of flour and gluten-free bread crumbs for a celiac-friendly version of the dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg