Name: Irresistible Chicken Divan Broccoli Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (shredded); 2 cups fresh broccoli florets; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; ½ cup mayonnaise; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

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The aroma of a bubbling, cheesy casserole wafts through the air, and suddenly your taste buds are dancing with anticipation. This Irresistible Chicken Divan Broccoli Casserole Recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that wraps you up in warmth and comfort like your favorite blanket on a chilly day.

Picture this: it’s a cozy family gathering, laughter fills the room, and someone shouts, “Who wants seconds?” as the creamy goodness of Chicken Divan disappears faster than you can say “seconds.” It’s the kind of dish that turns strangers into friends, one hearty bite at a time. For more inspiration, check out this hearty dinner options recipe.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This irresistible Chicken Divan Broccoli Casserole recipe is simple enough for weeknight dinners yet special enough for gatherings
The flavor profile combines tender chicken with vibrant broccoli and a creamy sauce for ultimate satisfaction
Visually appealing with its golden-brown topping, it brings joy to any table
Versatile enough to accommodate leftover chicken or veggies, it’s a dinner hero!

The moment I served this casserole at my family reunion, my cousin declared it “the best thing since sliced bread,” which is quite an achievement considering the number of carbs involved!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: For more inspiration, check out this delicious lunch ideas recipe.

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work best, but feel free to adjust based on your crowd size.
Fresh Broccoli: Look for bright green florets; they add both color and nutrients to your casserole.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A must for that gooey, melty goodness that makes every bite unforgettable.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This adds creaminess and depth; opt for low-fat if you’re watching calories.
Mayonnaise: Adds richness; using full-fat mayonnaise provides the best flavor.
Lemon Juice: A splash of acidity brightens everything up; fresh is always better!
Garlic Powder: Just a sprinkle gives an aromatic kick; don’t skip this!
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; taste as you go to find your perfect balance.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These create a crispy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to avoid any sticky situations later.

Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli: In a large pot of boiling water, cook the broccoli florets until they’re bright green and slightly tender—about 3 minutes should do it. Drain them well and set aside.

Mix That Creamy Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth—this will be your casserole’s secret weapon for flavor.

Add Chicken and Broccoli to Sauce: Toss shredded chicken and cooked broccoli into the sauce mixture. Make sure everything gets coated nicely; this is where things start to look deliciously decadent.

Transfer to Baking Dish and Top with Cheese: Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top—because life is too short to skimp on cheese!

Add Panko Topping and Bake Away!: Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs all over the cheese layer for that crunchy contrast. Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Trust me; you’ll know it’s ready when you can’t resist peeking inside anymore!

Now you have not only whipped up a delightful meal but also created an enticing aroma that’ll have everyone flocking to the kitchen like moths to a flame!

Enjoy every comforting bite of this Irresistible Chicken Divan Broccoli Casserole Recipe. Whether it’s feeding a crowd or indulging solo after a long day, this casserole has got your back!

You Must Know

This irresistible chicken divan broccoli casserole recipe is comfort food at its best
It’s creamy, cheesy, and combines tender chicken with vibrant broccoli for a perfect meal
The delightful aroma fills your kitchen and makes it hard to resist seconds

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To create this irresistible chicken divan broccoli casserole, cook the chicken first, steam the broccoli while mixing the sauce, and layer everything in a baking dish for even cooking.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the chicken for turkey or add some crunchy breadcrumbs on top for an extra texture. Experimenting keeps things exciting!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain that delicious creaminess.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For this irresistible chicken divan broccoli casserole recipe, chopping the veggies evenly ensures they cook uniformly
Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor
Always taste for seasoning before baking to ensure perfection!

Cooking this casserole takes me back to family gatherings where everyone would come together over a warm dish filled with love and laughter. The joy on my kids’ faces when they take their first bite is priceless.

FAQ

Can I use frozen broccoli in this casserole?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well; just thaw and drain excess water before using.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour for a delicious gluten-free version.

What can I serve with chicken divan?

Serve it alongside a fresh green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.