Oh, do I have a treat for you today! I can almost smell the cheesy goodness wafting through the kitchen as I imagine making this Easy Broccoli Chicken Divan. This dish has been a staple in my household for years, and I have to say, it’s hard to beat that delicious combination of chicken, broccoli, and creamy goodness all baked to perfection.
I remember the first time I made this for my family. It was a busy weeknight, and I was looking for something simple yet satisfying to whip up. As I pulled the dish out of the oven, my kids rushed in, drawn by the irresistible aroma. Let’s just say it was a hit! Now, every time I make it, I’m met with smiles and big bowls scraped clean. Plus, it’s such a handy recipe for using up leftover chicken, which, let’s face it, I sometimes have a little too much of—oops!
What’s in Easy Broccoli Chicken Divan?
Cooked Chicken: Diced cooked chicken is the star of this dish. I usually use leftovers from a roast chicken or a rotisserie chicken from the store for convenience.
Broccoli Florets: Steamed to vibrant green perfection, broccoli adds not only color but also a good dose of nutrients and flavor.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This pantry staple creates that irresistible creamy base. I go for the low-sodium version whenever possible.
Sour Cream: Adds a tangy creaminess that takes this dish to the next level. Full-fat or low-fat, it’s your choice!
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: You can never have too much cheese, right? This provides that melty goodness we all crave.
Mayonnaise: It might seem a bit unconventional, but it adds moisture and richness to the dish.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: Because every dish deserves a little flavor boost, these are my go-to spices!
Salt and Pepper: Simple but essential for enhancing the taste.
Breadcrumbs: These create a delightful crunch on top. I recommend using plain breadcrumbs, but you could mix in some herbs for an extra flavor kick.
Melted Butter: For binding those breadcrumbs and adding flavor—you know it’s going to be good.
Fresh Parsley: Just a sprinkle on top brightens up the dish and makes it look fancy without any extra effort!
Is Easy Broccoli Chicken Divan Good for You?
Now, before we dive into this creamy concoction, let’s chat about health. This dish has its pros and cons!
Chicken is a fantastic source of protein, helping you stay full and energized.
Broccoli is a veggie superhero, packed with vitamins K and C, fiber, and a host of antioxidants.
But, I must caution you—while it’s delicious, the combination of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and mayonnaise does ramp up the calories and fat content. Enjoy in moderation, or consider lighter substitutes if you’re watching your intake.
The beauty of this dish lies in its flexibility; you could easily switch out some of the creamy components for lighter versions if desired!
Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
– 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Yields: 6 servings
How to Make Easy Broccoli Chicken Divan?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Let the anticipation begin!
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until it’s smooth and creamy.
3. Stir in the diced chicken, steamed broccoli, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Transfer this delicious mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
5. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter until well coated. Then sprinkle this heavenly mixture over the chicken and broccoli.
6. Feel free to add more shredded cheddar cheese on top if you want to be extra cheesy!
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is beautifully golden brown.
8. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool slightly and then garnish with some chopped parsley. Voilà!
Delicious Variations and Tips
Let’s get creative! This dish lends itself wonderfully to variety. You can mix in other veggies like carrots or bell peppers if you’re feeling adventurous. Want to make it a bit more hearty? Serve it over cooked rice or pasta.
For a little crunch, try adding some crushed crackers on top instead of breadcrumbs. And if you’re a fan of spice, a dash of hot sauce in the mixture can give it a delightful kick.
I hope you give this Easy Broccoli Chicken Divan a try! It’s so comforting, satisfying, and perfect for a cozy family dinner. After you make it, be sure to come back and share how it turned out—I can’t wait to hear about your experience! Happy cooking, my friends!
