Welcome, food lovers! Today, I am excited to share with you one of the most comforting, easy-to-make dishes: Chicken Divan. This delightful recipe combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy sauce topped with crispy Ritz crackers for a meal that your family will adore. Whether you’re a fan of traditional casserole dishes or looking for a new chicken recipe, this Chicken Divan will quickly become a favorite!
Introduction
Chicken Divan is a classic American dish that originated in the early 20th century. Known for its creamy texture and the perfect balance of chicken and broccoli, it is a fantastic choice for weeknight dinners or potlucks. Whether you are preparing it from scratch or using a convenient can of cream of chicken soup, this dish is quick to make and offers rich, satisfying flavors that make it a must-try for all comfort food lovers. Not only is it easy to prepare, but Chicken Divan also brings a sense of nostalgia and warmth to the dinner table, making it a beloved dish for generations.
Related Recipe: Check out this Cowboy Casserole for another hearty meal idea.
Ingredients for Chicken Divan
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Chicken Divan:
- 2 lbs. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Salt/Pepper to taste
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 stick celery, diced
- 4 cups broccoli florets (about ½ lb.)
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 10.5 oz. cream of chicken soup (use homemade or store-bought)
- 2/3 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- 2 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
topping:
- ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs
- 2 Tablespoons butter, melted
Optional substitutions:
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or gluten-free crackers.
- Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version.
- Add mushrooms or carrots for an extra vegetable boost.
How to Make Chicken Divan – Step by Step
Step1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step2: Cut the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step3: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and chicken pieces, tossing to coat evenly. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the chicken is partially cooked.
Step4: Add the broccoli florets and a tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Continue cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
Step5: Remove from heat and stir in the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
Step6: Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Step7: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Step8: After 20 minutes, remove the foil, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C), and bake for another 8-10 minutes.
Step9: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture over the casserole and bake until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Step10: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or even with a side of biscuits for an ultimate comfort meal.
Helpful Tips for Chicken Divan
- Use fresh broccoli for the best texture, but if you’re in a pinch, frozen broccoli works just fine.
- To avoid overcooking, blanch the broccoli before adding it to the dish if you like it firmer.
- For extra creaminess, you can add a splash of heavy cream or extra cheddar cheese to the sauce.
- If you love a bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chicken Divan
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a richer flavor. You can even mix in some gruyere or parmesan for added depth.
- For a crispier topping, bake the casserole uncovered for the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- If you have leftovers, this dish reheats well in the oven or microwave. Simply cover it to maintain moisture.
Related Recipe: Try these Sausage Balls for a tasty appetizer option.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Divan
Chicken Divan pairs beautifully with simple side dishes like:
- Steamed white or brown rice
- Buttery mashed potatoes
- Warm biscuits or crusty bread
For beverages, serve it with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or a refreshing iced tea.
Nutritional Information
Chicken Divan is not only delicious but also provides a wholesome balance of protein, fiber, and calcium from the chicken, broccoli, and cheese.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 425
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 34g
- Vitamin C: 36mg
- Calcium: 250mg
Storage and Leftovers for Chicken Divan
To store Chicken Divan:
- Refrigerate: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Tips:
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Chicken Divan
Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli for Chicken Divan? A1: Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just be sure to thaw and drain it before using to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
Q2: How can I make Chicken Divan dairy-free? A2: Substitute the cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free version, use vegan butter, and replace the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free alternative.
Q3: Can I make Chicken Divan ahead of time? A3: Yes! Assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, follow the recipe instructions.
Q4: What can I use instead of Ritz crackers for the topping? A4: Panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or even crushed pretzels make great substitutes.
Related Recipes for Chicken Lovers
Conclusion
There you have it—a creamy, comforting Chicken Divan that is sure to become a family favorite! Give this recipe a try and let us know in the comments if you added any personal twists. Your feedback is always welcome, and we’d love to hear how this dish turned out for you. Enjoy!
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Chicken Divan Recipe – Creamy, Cheesy, Easy to Make Meal
Description
Welcome, food lovers! Today, I am excited to share with you one of the most comforting, easy-to-make dishes: Chicken Divan. This delightful recipe combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy sauce topped with crispy Ritz crackers for a meal that your family will adore. Whether you’re a fan of traditional casserole dishes or looking for a new chicken recipe, this Chicken Divan will quickly become a favorite!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Salt/Pepper to taste
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 stick celery, diced
- 4 cups broccoli florets (about ½ lb.)
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 10.5 oz. cream of chicken soup (use homemade or store-bought)
- 2/3 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- 2 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
For the topping:
- ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs
- 2 Tablespoons butter, melted
Optional substitutions:
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or gluten-free crackers.
- Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version.
- Add mushrooms or carrots for an extra vegetable boost.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Cut the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 3: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and chicken pieces, tossing to coat evenly. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the chicken is partially cooked.
Step 4: Add the broccoli florets and a tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Continue cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
Step 6: Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Step 7: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Step 8: After 20 minutes, remove the foil, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C), and bake for another 8-10 minutes.
Step 9: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture over the casserole and bake until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Step 10: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or even with a side of biscuits for an ultimate comfort meal.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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- Use fresh broccoli for the best texture, but if you’re in a pinch, frozen broccoli works just fine.
- To avoid overcooking, blanch the broccoli before adding it to the dish if you like it firmer.
- For extra creaminess, you can add a splash of heavy cream or extra cheddar cheese to the sauce.
- If you love a bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick.
