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
Scale
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.
