Chicken Divan With Broccoli and Cheese
A comforting, creamy casserole that brings together tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and melty cheese in a silky sauce. This Chicken Divan is easy to make, freezer-friendly, and perfect for family dinners or weeknight meals with a touch of restaurant-style elegance.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups Fresh broccoli florets
- 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
- 10.5 oz Cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar bakeware so the casserole releases cleanly.
- Poach or lightly cook the chicken just until opaque and barely cooked through, then slice into bite-sized pieces. This helps keep the chicken tender and prevents it from drying out in the bake.
- Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling salted water for 2–3 minutes until crisp-t tender, then drain and cool slightly to stop the cooking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. This will be your creamy sauce.
- Layer the chicken and broccoli in the prepared baking dish. Pour the sauce over the top, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar over the mixture. Dot the top with small pieces of butter for extra richness, and sprinkle breadcrumbs for a gentle, golden crust.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until bubbling around the edges and the cheese is melted and lightly golden. If you’d like a crisper topping, broil for an additional 1–2 minutes watching carefully.
- Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes every scoop creamy and satisfying.