This creamy casserole combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich cheese sauce topped with golden breadcrumbs. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy family gathering, it’s a dish that brings everyone to the table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Comfort Food Classic: Creamy, cheesy, and deliciously satisfying.
Balanced Meal: Includes protein, veggies, and dairy all in one dish.
Quick and Easy: Simple steps make this dish approachable even for beginner cooks.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep or storing for later.
Customizable: Add your favorite seasonings or toppings to make it your own.
Key Ingredients
Chicken: Use pre-cooked, cubed chicken for convenience, or shred leftover rotisserie chicken for extra flavor.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets provide vibrant color and a mild crunch, perfectly complementing the creamy sauce.
Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the sauce for a rich, tangy flavor. Use sharp cheddar for a bolder taste.
Bread Crumbs: Adds a golden, crispy topping for texture and contrast.
Homemade Cheese Sauce: A creamy blend of butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth seasoned with salt and pepper.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Steps
1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
This ensures even cooking, with a bubbly and golden finish.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Greasing also makes cleanup a breeze later.
3. Layer the Chicken and Broccoli
Arrange cubed chicken and broccoli florets evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Spread them out so each bite is packed with flavor.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce
Create the Roux:
In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Once melted, whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
Thicken the Sauce:
Gradually add 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of milk to the roux.
Whisk continuously to prevent lumps.
Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
Season and Add Cheese:
Stir in:
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
5. Assemble the Dish
Pour the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli in the baking dish.
Make sure all the ingredients are well-coated to ensure even flavor.
6. Add the Crunchy Topping
Sprinkle ½ cup of bread crumbs evenly over the top.
This topping creates a golden, crispy texture.
7. Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
Bake for 25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the bread crumbs are golden brown.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Let the dish cool for a few minutes to allow the sauce to set.
Portion and serve warm for a comforting, satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions
With Rice or Pasta: Serve over white rice, wild rice, or egg noodles for a hearty meal.
Side Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread for a comforting side.
Steamed Veggies: Add extra steamed carrots, green beans, or zucchini for a more veggie-packed plate.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
Before Baking: Assemble the dish but skip the bread crumb topping. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, add the bread crumbs, and bake as directed.
After Baking: Allow the casserole to cool completely, then freeze individual portions for easy reheating.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
Variations
Extra Veggies: Add carrots, mushrooms, or cauliflower for more variety.
Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Different Cheeses: Experiment with Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella for unique flavors.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and bread crumbs to make the dish gluten-free.
Topping Swap: Replace bread crumbs with crushed Ritz crackers or cornflakes for a different texture.
Conclusion
Broccoli Chicken Divan is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and crispy topping, it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to your family’s preferences.
So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to create a casserole that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy!
Broccoli Chicken Divan
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken cubed
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking with a bubbly, golden finish.
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Arrange cubed chicken and broccoli florets evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add chicken broth and milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Stir in salt, pepper, and cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Pour the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli in the baking dish, ensuring all ingredients are well-coated.
- Sprinkle bread crumbs evenly over the top to create a golden, crispy texture.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the bread crumbs are golden brown.
- Let the dish cool for a few minutes to allow the sauce to set. Portion and serve warm for a comforting, satisfying meal.
