Broccoli Chicken Divan

Ingredients:

4 chicken breasts (about 2 lb or 3 c cooked chicken), cut into bite-size pieces

1 tbsp olive oil (if starting with raw chicken breasts)

1 ½–2 lb broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 ½ c cheddar cheese, shredded, divided

10 ½ oz condensed cream of mushroom soup (1 can) or cream of chicken soup

⅔ c sour cream

½ c milk

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp onion powder

½ tsp dry mustard powder

½ tsp pepper

¼ tsp kosher salt

Breadcrumb Topping:

3 tbsp Panko bread crumbs or buttery crackers (like Ritz), crushed

1 tbsp melted butter

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F. And grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

If using raw chicken. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Over medium-high heat. Cook chicken pieces until done. About 10 minutes. Set aside.

Boil broccoli for 2-3 minutes. Until it’s slightly tender. But still crisp. Drain. Place it in the baking dish.

In a bowl. Mix 1 cup of cheese with the cream soup. Sour cream, milk, and all seasonings. Stir in the cooked chicken. Spread this mixture over the broccoli in the dish. Top with the remaining cheese.

Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter. And sprinkle over the top.

Bake for 20-22 minutes. Until the breadcrumb topping is golden. And the dish is bubbling.

Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Broccoli Chicken Divan over rice. Noodles, or mashed potatoes if desired.

Notes:

To transform this cozy Broccoli Chicken Divan. Into a gluten-free delight. Swap a few key ingredients. Without losing any of the comforting flavors you love.

First, ensure your cream of mushroom. Or chicken soup is labeled gluten-free. Many brands offer delicious alternatives. That caters to your needs.

Next, replace the traditional breadcrumbs. With a gluten-free variant. Or get creative with crushed gluten-free crackers. For that perfect. Crunchy topping.

Lastly, double-check your seasonings. And cheese for hidden gluten. As it can sneak. Into the most unexpected places. With these simple tweaks.

You’ll have a gluten-free version of this beloved dish. Ensuring everyone at the table. Can dive into its creamy. Cheesy goodness. Without a worry.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute frozen broccoli for fresh in this recipe.

Just ensure it’s thawed and drained before placing it in the baking dish.

You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to account for the difference in texture between fresh and frozen broccoli.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this dish ahead of time, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Simply remove it from the refrigerator, uncover, and bake as directed when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Certainly! While cheddar cheese adds a deliciously sharp flavor to this dish, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Swiss, or even Gruyère for a different flavor profile.

Choose a cheese that melts well for the best results.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can make a vegetarian version of this dish by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of cream of mushroom or chicken soup.

You can also add extra vegetables like cauliflower or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and texture.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers of this dish for future enjoyment.

Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer individual portions or the entire dish to airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake in a preheated oven until heated through.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be a flavorful alternative to chicken breasts in this recipe.

Just ensure they are cooked thoroughly and cut into bite-sized pieces similar to the chicken breasts.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt can be a suitable substitute for sour cream in this recipe.

It will provide a tangy flavor similar to sour cream while adding some additional protein.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.

When ready to bake, simply remove it from the refrigerator, uncover, and bake as directed.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, ensure that all ingredients, including cream of mushroom or chicken soup and breadcrumbs, are labeled gluten-free.

You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping.

Can I add extra vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to add extra vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas to enhance the flavor and nutrition of the dish.

Just ensure they are cooked and drained before adding them to the baking dish.

Can I adjust the seasonings to my taste?

Of course! Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences.

You can increase or decrease the amounts of garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, pepper, and salt to suit your flavor preferences.