If you are craving a comforting, hearty casserole that perfectly balances creamy, cheesy goodness with the fresh bite of broccoli and tender chicken, this Chicken Divan with Broccoli and Cheddar Crispy Topping Recipe is going to become one of your all-time favorites. This dish combines juicy, seasoned chicken and vibrant broccoli in a luscious blend of cream soups and sharp cheddar, all topped with a golden, buttery Ritz cracker crust that adds just the right crunch. It promises a delightful mix of textures and flavors that make every bite satisfying and memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this crave-worthy Chicken Divan with Broccoli and Cheddar Crispy Topping Recipe, you’ll want to gather some simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role, from seasoning the chicken perfectly to adding richness with the cream soups and a crispy, cheesy topping that brings the whole dish together.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 pounds): Cubed to bite-sized pieces, this provides the hearty protein base for the casserole.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle, savory depth to the chicken seasoning.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with gentle sweetness.
- Curry powder (1 teaspoon): Gives a mild, warming spice that sets this divan apart from traditional recipes.
- Salt (½ teaspoon) and black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Basic seasonings that balance and highlight the other flavors.
- Broccoli florets (3 cups): Blanched until just tender, they add color and a fresh crunch to the creamy mixture.
- Condensed cream of broccoli cheese soup (10.5 ounces): Brings rich, cheesy creaminess with a hint of broccoli flavor.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces): Adds a silky texture and savory undertone to the sauce.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Introduces tang and richness, balancing the cream soups perfectly.
- Milk (¼ cup): Smooths out the sauce for luscious consistency.
- Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Adds bright acidity to cut through the richness and lift the flavors.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups, divided): Melds melty, sharp cheesiness inside and on top of the casserole.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For preparing the baking dish and gently browning the chicken.
- Crushed Ritz crackers (1 cup): Provides the irresistible crispy topping with buttery flavor and golden color.
How to Make Chicken Divan with Broccoli and Cheddar Crispy Topping Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, lightly grease an 8×8-inch casserole dish with olive oil or cooking spray. This step ensures your delicious casserole won’t stick to the pan and will come out looking perfect once baked.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken cubes with garlic powder, onion powder, curry powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure every piece is evenly coated with these fragrant spices. This seasoning blend adds a beautiful flavor profile that will shine through in the finished dish.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add the seasoned chicken cubes. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes until they develop a nice golden brown exterior and are fully cooked through. This browning step locks in flavor and adds depth to the overall taste.
Step 4: Blanch the Broccoli
While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook them for approximately 5 minutes until just fork-tender. Drain the broccoli well and set it aside—this ensures the broccoli stays vibrant and perfectly textured in your casserole.
Step 5: Mix the Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the condensed cream of broccoli cheese soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth and creamy. Then, fold in the browned chicken and blanched broccoli florets, mixing until everything is thoroughly coated in the luscious sauce.
Step 6: Add Cheese Into the Mixture
Next, gently fold in 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese into the combination. This cheese melt throughout the casserole ensures each bite is rich, tangy, and extra comforting.
Step 7: Assemble and Top the Casserole
Transfer the creamy chicken and broccoli mixture into your prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the crushed Ritz crackers evenly on top, followed by the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese. If you love cheese (and who doesn’t?), feel free to add a little extra for that perfect golden crust.
Step 8: Bake and Rest
Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the topping turns a beautiful golden brown and the casserole is bubbling hot around the edges. Let the dish rest for 8-10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and the casserole to set.
How to Serve Chicken Divan with Broccoli and Cheddar Crispy Topping Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or a sprinkle of fresh chives add a lovely pop of green and a hint of freshness that beautifully complements the rich chicken divan. A light dusting of extra cheddar cheese right out of the oven also offers a tempting melt on top!
Side Dishes
This Chicken Divan with Broccoli and Cheddar Crispy Topping Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides such as buttery dinner rolls, a crisp garden salad, or fluffy rice. These sides balance the creaminess of the casserole and round out a satisfying meal effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for perfectly portioned servings that look restaurant-worthy. You can also dollop a spoonful of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce on top to add a personal flair that guests will appreciate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from this Chicken Divan with Broccoli and Cheddar Crispy Topping Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making the next-day meal just as delightful.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the casserole before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish, tightly covering with foil and plastic wrap. It stays fresh for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed, adding extra baking time if needed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep that crispy topping intact. Microwaving is faster but may soften the cracker crust. To revive crispness, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two—just watch carefully to avoid burning!
FAQs
Can I substitute other vegetables for broccoli in this recipe?
Absolutely! While broccoli is classic, you can try cauliflower or green beans to add a similar texture and flavor. Just blanch the veggies until tender before mixing them in.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the Ritz crackers with gluten-free cracker crumbs or crushed gluten-free bread to maintain that delicious crispy topping without gluten.
Can I use rotisserie chicken to save time?
Definitely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can cut down prep time. Just skip the browning step and add cooked chicken directly into the sauce mixture.
What type of cheddar cheese works best?
A sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese packs a punch of flavor and melts beautifully. However, mild cheddar also works if you prefer a subtler taste.
How can I make the topping extra crispy?
For a crunchier topping, toss the crushed crackers with melted butter before sprinkling on top. This golden coating enhances the crispy texture and adds a rich flavor boost.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Divan with Broccoli and Cheddar Crispy Topping Recipe is such a wonderful dish to have in your weekly rotation. It’s straightforward to make, packed with comforting flavors, and delivers a perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy textures. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this casserole is pure home-cooked happiness on a plate. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again!
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Chicken Divan with Broccoli and Cheddar Crispy Topping Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Chicken Divan is a classic American casserole featuring tender, seasoned chicken and broccoli baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce topped with a crunchy cracker and cheddar cheese crust. This comforting dish combines savory flavors with a creamy texture for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables
- 3 cups broccoli florets
Sauce
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of broccoli cheese soup
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Topping
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and spray or brush an 8×8-inch casserole dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken cubes with garlic powder, onion powder, curry powder, salt, and black pepper, ensuring even coating.
- Brown the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Blanch the broccoli: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and cook for about 5 minutes until fork-tender. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce mixture: In a bowl, combine cream of broccoli cheese soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and lemon juice. Add cooked chicken and broccoli, stirring to coat evenly.
- Add cheese to mixture: Fold 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese into the chicken and broccoli mixture until well distributed.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading evenly.
- Add topping: Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers evenly over the casserole. Top with remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese. Add extra cheese for a cheesier topping if desired.
- Bake the casserole: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and casserole is bubbling hot.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 8-10 minutes before serving. Serve alone or with dinner rolls, salad, or rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure broccoli is well drained after blanching to avoid watery casserole.
- Use freshly crushed Ritz crackers for a crunchier topping.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce mixture.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
