Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe: Family Favorite in Minutes

Comfort food meets culinary elegance in this irresistible broccoli chicken divan recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with wholesome ingredients, this dish brings together tender chicken and vibrant broccoli in a harmonious blend.

The classic casserole transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a memorable meal that everyone will adore.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of protein and vegetables, creating a satisfying and nutritious experience.

Layers of rich sauce, succulent chicken, and crisp broccoli meld together in a delightful symphony of flavors.

You’ll love how easily this recipe comes together, making it a go-to solution for busy evenings.

Grab your baking dish and get ready to savor every delicious bite of this comforting classic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 330 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients Breakdown for Broccoli Chicken Divan

• Chicken: Tender protein that provides hearty substance and rich flavor to the casserole, choose boneless skinless chicken breasts for easiest preparation.
• Broccoli: Vibrant green vegetable that adds nutritional punch and crisp texture, select fresh florets with deep green color and tight, compact clusters.

• Butter: Creates silky smooth base for sauce and adds luxurious richness, use unsalted for better control of seasoning.
• Flour: Thickening agent that helps sauce develop perfect consistency, all-purpose flour works best for smooth integration.
• Chicken Broth: Delivers savory depth and helps create light, flavorful sauce, low-sodium varieties allow more seasoning control.
• Milk: Provides creamy texture and helps bind sauce ingredients, whole milk ensures richer, more indulgent result.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, use kosher or sea salt for more nuanced taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity, freshly ground offers more vibrant flavor.
• Cheese: Melts into sauce for extra creaminess and tangy note, sharp cheddar provides most robust flavor.

• Bread Crumbs: Creates golden, crunchy exterior that adds textural contrast, use panko for extra crispy finish.

Equipment Essentials for Broccoli Chicken Divan

• Large Baking Dish (9×13 inch): Essential for layering chicken, broccoli, and sauce.
• Medium Saucepan: Perfect for creating the creamy, cheesy sauce.
• Measuring Cups: Helps measure ingredients accurately for the sauce.
• Wooden Spoon or Whisk: Great for stirring sauce and preventing lumps.
• Cheese Grater: Useful if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.
• Cutting Board: Helps prepare and chop ingredients if needed.
• Oven Mitts: Protects hands when handling hot dishes.

Instructions for Making Broccoli Chicken Divan

• Prep Zone

Warm up your kitchen by setting the oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab a spacious baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

• Chicken and Broccoli Base

Layer tender chicken pieces and vibrant green broccoli florets across the bottom of the baking dish, creating a colorful foundation for your meal.

• Creamy Sauce Magic

In a saucepan, melt butter until it’s silky smooth. Sprinkle in flour and stir gently, creating a golden roux that will thicken your sauce beautifully. Slowly pour in chicken broth and milk, whisking continuously to create a luxurious, velvety mixture.

• Flavor Boost

Once the sauce reaches a perfect consistency, remove from heat and fold in sharp cheese, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper. This will elevate the flavor profile and make your dish irresistibly delicious.

• Assembly and Topping

Pour the rich, creamy sauce over the chicken and broccoli, ensuring every morsel is generously coated. Sprinkle a layer of crispy bread crumbs on top for a delightful crunch.

• Baking Finale

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges that signal your masterpiece is ready.

• Serving

Bring this comforting dish straight from the oven to the table, letting the enticing aroma fill the room. Serve immediately while it’s hot and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors.

Cooking Tips and Personalizations for Chicken Divan

• Swap chicken with turkey, shrimp, or tofu for a delightful twist on the classic recipe.
• Add extra vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, or mushrooms to increase nutritional value and create more depth of flavor.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or pepper jack to intensify the dish's taste profile.
• Try alternative toppings such as crushed almonds, panko breadcrumbs, or crushed crackers for an exciting textural contrast.
• Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Presentation Tips for Broccoli Chicken Divan

• Pair with Fluffy Rice: Serve the creamy chicken divan over a bed of steamed white or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Add Fresh Greens: Complement the dish with a crisp side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy casserole.
• Garnish with Herbs: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and extra layer of flavor that brightens the entire dish.
• Create a Complete Meal: Round out the dinner with a slice of crusty bread to mop up any remaining sauce and add a satisfying crunch.

Storing & Reheating of Broccoli Chicken Divan

• Refrigerate Smartly: Store leftover Broccoli Chicken Divan in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Reheat with Care: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and ensure even heating.
• Portion and Pack: Divide leftovers into individual servings for quick lunch or dinner options. Small containers make reheating and meal prep a breeze.

Cozy Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Classic broccoli chicken divan delivers comfort and flavor in one satisfying casserole. Home cooks can enjoy this creamy, cheesy dish that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich sauce for a delightful family meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (480 ml) cooked chicken, cubed
• 2 cups (480 ml) broccoli florets
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk
• ½ cup (120 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (120 ml) bread crumbs
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) butter
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Base Layer: Distribute cooked, chopped chicken evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish, then cover with fresh broccoli florets in a uniform layer.
3. Sauce Creation: In a medium saucepan, craft a velvety sauce by melting butter and whisking in flour to form a smooth roux, gradually blending chicken broth and whole milk while stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
4. Sauce Refinement: Cook the mixture until it thickens and reaches a gentle boil, then remove from heat and incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and ground black pepper until fully melted and integrated.
5. Assembly: Pour the luxurious cheese sauce over the chicken and broccoli, ensuring complete coverage, then generously sprinkle seasoned bread crumbs across the top for a crisp, golden texture.
6. Baking: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the surface achieves a rich golden-brown color and the edges are bubbling with appetizing intensity.
7. Finishing: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, enabling the sauce to set and flavors to meld, then serve hot alongside rice or a crisp salad for a satisfying meal.

Notes

• Cheese Selection Matters: Choose a sharp cheddar for deeper flavor complexity and better melting properties.
• Prevent Soggy Texture: Pat broccoli florets dry before layering to avoid excess moisture and maintain crisp texture.
• Sauce Consistency Control: Whisk continuously while adding liquid to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce without burning.
• Bread Crumb Boost: Toast bread crumbs briefly before sprinkling to enhance their crunchiness and add a nutty depth to the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg