Divan Chicken Broccoli

Indulge in a comforting classic with this recipe for Divan Chicken Broccoli, a delightful dish that’s as delicious as it is easy to prepare. Featuring tender cubes of cooked chicken, vibrant fresh broccoli, and a creamy blend of cream of broccoli soup and milk, this dish is a symphony of flavors and textures. Topped with a generous layer of sharp cheddar cheese and seasoned bread crumbs, each bite offers a delightful combination of creamy, cheesy goodness and crunchy topping.

Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal, this Divan Chicken Broccoli is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Simple to make and bursting with flavor, it’s a dish that will leave everyone coming back for seconds. Gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Divan Chicken Broccoli

Ingredients

1 ½ cups of cubed, cooked chicken

1 pound broccoli, fresh and chopped

1 can cream of broccoli soup mix

⅓ cup of milk

1 tbsp melted, unsalted butter

½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

2 tbsp seasoned bread crumbs

Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 450*

Place the broccoli in a saucepan and add water to just cover the broccoli

Step 2:

Bring to a boil, let cook until tender. Drain well

Place the broccoli into a baking dish or 9 inch pie plate

Step 3:

Place the cooked chicken over the top of the broccoli

In a small mixing bowl, place the condensed soup mix and the milk

Step 4:

Stir to combine well

Pour the soup mix over the top of the chicken and broccoli

Step 5:

Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the chicken

Mix together the melted, unsalted butter and the seasoned bread crumbs

Step 5:

Sprinkle the bread crumb mix over the cheese

Bake for 15 minutes, or until bubbly and light brown

Notes:

Cooked Chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken saves time and makes this dish convenient for weeknight meals. You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for added flavor and ease.

Fresh Broccoli: Opt for fresh broccoli, as it provides a vibrant color and texture to the dish. Boiling the broccoli until tender ensures it’s cooked perfectly before baking.

Cream of Broccoli Soup Mix: The cream of broccoli soup mix adds richness and creaminess to the dish, infusing it with flavor. Mixing it with milk helps to thin it out and evenly distribute it over the chicken and broccoli.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese adds a bold and tangy flavor to the dish, melting into a creamy layer over the chicken and broccoli during baking.

Seasoned Bread Crumbs: Combining melted butter with seasoned bread crumbs creates a crunchy topping that adds texture and depth of flavor to the dish. Sprinkling this mixture over the cheese before baking adds a golden, crispy finish.

Baking Instructions: Baking the dish at a high temperature (450°F) for a short time helps to quickly heat and brown the cheese and bread crumb topping, resulting in a bubbly and golden-brown finish.

Serving Suggestions: This Divan Chicken Broccoli can be served as a standalone meal or paired with rice, quinoa, or a side salad for a more substantial dish. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated for easy meals throughout the week.

Nutrition Information:

SERVING SIZE: 1

Amount Per Serving:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute frozen broccoli for fresh.

Simply thaw and drain the frozen broccoli before layering it in the baking dish.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

Absolutely! You can omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of cream of broccoli soup to make a vegetarian version.

You can also add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for added flavor.

Can I prepare Divan Chicken Broccoli in advance?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking.

Simply follow all the steps until just before baking, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate.

When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator, uncover, and bake according to the instructions.

Can I use a different type of cheese for the topping?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar cheese adds a delicious flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like Swiss, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers instead of regular seasoned bread crumbs.

Additionally, ensure that the cream of broccoli soup mix is gluten-free or make your own gluten-free cream soup substitute.

Can I use cooked chicken from a rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can save time and add flavor to the dish.

Simply remove the chicken from the bones and cube it before layering it over the broccoli.

Can I use low-fat or skim milk instead of whole milk?

Yes, you can substitute low-fat or skim milk for whole milk in this recipe.

However, using whole milk may provide a creamier texture and richer flavor.

How can I make this dish more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor of this dish, you can add spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika to the soup mixture.

Additionally, seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs before layering can add depth to the flavors.

Can I use different vegetables instead of broccoli?

Absolutely! While broccoli is traditional in this dish, you can experiment with other vegetables such as cauliflower, green beans, or peas.

Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the vegetable you choose.

Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers of Divan Chicken Broccoli.

Store the cooled leftovers in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven or microwave.

Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of this dish by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of cream of broccoli soup.

You can also add tofu or tempeh for added protein.

Can I use store-bought bread crumbs instead of seasoned bread crumbs?

Yes, you can use store-bought bread crumbs instead of seasoned bread crumbs.

Alternatively, you can make your own seasoned bread crumbs by mixing breadcrumbs with dried herbs such as parsley, thyme, or basil.

What can I serve with Divan Chicken Broccoli?

This dish pairs well with a side of rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes.

You can also serve it with a fresh green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking.

Simply follow all the steps until just before baking, cover the dish tightly, and refrigerate.

When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator, uncover, and bake according to the instructions.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free bread crumbs and ensuring that the cream of broccoli soup mix is gluten-free.

Additionally, double-check all other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free, especially if using pre-packaged products.