When the weeknight sun sets, I have the perfect dinner ready – my homemade broccoli chicken divan. This classic casserole is loved by all. It has tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy sauce that everyone enjoys.
My mom used to make this creamy chicken dish when we needed comfort. The mix of juicy chicken, green broccoli, and smooth sauce was always a hit. Now, I make it for my family, knowing it brings us all together for a tasty meal.
What Makes This Classic Chicken Divan So Special
The classic chicken divan is a favorite in many families. It’s made with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. This mix makes a meal that’s both nutritious and comforting, ideal for family dinners.
History of the Iconic Dish
The chicken divan has its roots in the early 20th century. It was first served at the Divan Parisien restaurant in New York City’s Chatham Hotel. Since then, the recipe has evolved, but the core ingredients of chicken, broccoli, and creamy sauce have stayed the same.
Why It’s Perfect for Family Dinners
The chicken divan is a true comfort food. It combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a velvety sauce. This makes it a hit with both kids and adults, perfect for family meals. Plus, it’s easy to make, saving you time in the kitchen and more time together.
Health Benefits of Main Ingredients
The classic chicken divan is not just tasty, but also healthy. Chicken is a lean protein that’s good for you, and broccoli is packed with vitamins and minerals. Even the creamy sauce, when made with low-fat dairy, adds to the dish’s nutritional value.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chicken Divan
Creating the ultimate Broccoli Chicken Divan requires top-notch ingredients. This dish is all about the right mix of flavors and textures. Let’s explore the key components for chicken divan perfection.
Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They’re lean and tender, letting other ingredients take center stage. Then, pick fresh, vibrant broccoli florets. Choose ones that are tight and deep green, avoiding any yellow or brown spots. Broccoli adds a nice crunch and health benefits to the dish.
A rich, creamy sauce is essential. Use a can of cream of chicken soup as the base. It’s smooth and velvety. Add shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy, melted goodness.
For extra flavor, have mayonnaise, lemon juice, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder ready. These simple ingredients blend together beautifully, creating a dish that’s hard to resist.
With chicken, broccoli, cheese, and creamy sauce, you’re set to make a delicious Broccoli Chicken Divan. Next, we’ll dive into the full recipe to see how it all comes together.
Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe
Preparation Time and Servings
Making the classic chicken divan casserole is easy and quick. It takes about 45-60 minutes to cook. This recipe makes 6-8 servings, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Kitchen Tools Needed
To make this tasty chicken divan, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. You’ll need a large skillet or saucepan, a baking dish, a sharp knife, a cutting board, a mixing bowl, and a whisk. With these tools, you’re ready to make a delicious chicken divan casserole.
Tips for Best Results
- Use fresh, high-quality broccoli florets for the best texture and flavor.
- Make sure to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For a creamy sauce, use full-fat sour cream or mayonnaise.
- Top it with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese for a golden-brown crust.
- Adding a crunchy topping, like panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, adds texture.
Follow these simple tips to make sure your chicken divan casserole is perfect. It will have tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, creamy sauce.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making a tasty broccoli chicken divan is easy. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious casserole ready for your family in no time.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, sauté the chicken breasts over medium-high heat until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Once cooled, dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked broccoli, diced chicken, condensed soup, sour cream, and shredded cheese. Stir until well incorporated.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread the chicken divan mixture evenly into the dish.
- Top the casserole with additional shredded cheese and breadcrumbs, if desired.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Remove the broccoli chicken divan from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
With these easy steps, you can make a delicious broccoli chicken divan. It’s a classic dish that everyone will love. Impress your family with your cooking skills.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Broccoli Chicken Divan is a classic casserole that tastes great and is easy to prepare ahead. It’s perfect for freezing or adding to your meal plan. This dish is very flexible.
Freezing Instructions
This casserole can be frozen for later use. Just make it as instructed but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake as usual.
Reheating Guidelines
Leftover Broccoli Chicken Divan can be reheated in the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake, covered, for 20-30 minutes. In the microwave, heat a portion on a safe plate in 1-minute intervals, stirring between, until hot.
Meal Prep Suggestions
- Make the casserole ahead, but don’t bake it. Refrigerate it for up to 3 days and bake when you’re ready.
- Cook the chicken and broccoli ahead of time. Then, assemble the casserole when you need it.
- Portion out individual servings of the baked casserole. Store them in the freezer for quick meals.
Using the make-ahead and storage tips for this Broccoli Chicken Divan recipe can make meal planning easier. You’ll have a delicious, home-cooked dinner ready whenever you need it.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
Broccoli Chicken Divan is a delightful main dish. To make it a complete meal, I pair it with tasty sides and drinks. A fresh garden salad, steamed asparagus, or roasted Brussels sprouts are great choices. These chicken divan sides add variety and balance out the flavors.
For a complete meal ideas, try adding buttery mashed potatoes or herbed rice pilaf. A crusty bread is also perfect for soaking up the sauce. A crisp white wine or iced tea makes a refreshing pairing. This dish is versatile, so you can customize it for your family’s taste.
Broccoli Chicken Divan is a crowd-pleaser at any family gathering or special occasion. Its comforting flavors and easy preparation make it a great choice. It’s a fuss-free, satisfying meal that everyone will love.
