Description
Easy Chicken Divan Casserole is a quick and comforting dish perfect for family dinners and busy weeknights. This casserole features tender cooked chicken, fresh broccoli florets, and a creamy, cheesy sauce topped with a golden, crunchy crust. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it delivers a wholesome, flavorful meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 package (1 oz) onion soup mix
Topping
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Prep the ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Chop fresh broccoli into bite-sized florets and shred or cube the cooked chicken evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
- Make the creamy sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise (or sour cream), lemon juice, shredded cheddar cheese, and onion soup mix. Stir well until smooth and fully blended, creating the casserole’s flavorful base.
- Assemble the casserole: Grease a baking dish. Layer the broccoli and chicken evenly inside. Pour the creamy sauce over the top and gently mix to coat all ingredients thoroughly.
- Add the topping: Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers evenly over the sauce. Dot the topping with small pieces of butter to achieve a golden, crispy crust as it bakes.
- Bake until bubbly and golden: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the topping is crisp and browned. Let it cool slightly before serving to improve texture.
Notes
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even baking and texture.
- Lightly steam or slightly undercook broccoli to keep it tender-crisp.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra flaky, crunchy topping.
- Add 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard to the sauce for additional tang and depth of flavor.
- Allow casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking to set and make serving easier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Chicken Divan, Easy Casserole, Chicken Broccoli Casserole, Comfort Food, Family Dinner, One Dish