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

Scale

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.

Notes

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.