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Easy Chicken Divan Casserole

Easy Chicken Divan Casserole
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Easy Chicken Divan Casserole is a comforting and family-friendly dish that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce, all baked to golden perfection. Ready in under an hour, this one-dish meal is perfect for weeknight dinners, blending convenience with rich flavors and nutritious ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed

Vegetables

  • 3 cups fresh broccoli florets

Cheese Sauce

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of nutmeg

Topping (Optional)

  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (to mix with breadcrumbs)
  • Additional shredded cheese for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli: Cook the chicken thoroughly by boiling or baking, then shred or cube it into bite-sized pieces. Meanwhile, steam or lightly boil the broccoli florets until bright green but still crisp-tender to maintain texture.
  2. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and nutmeg. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy, ensuring it will bind the casserole well.
  3. Assemble the Casserole: Grease a baking dish and evenly layer the steamed broccoli and shredded chicken. Pour the cheese sauce over the top, spreading it to cover all the ingredients. If desired, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top along with extra cheese for a crunchy golden crust.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes to thicken and set before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh broccoli and good-quality cheese for best flavor.
  • Do not overcook broccoli; keep it slightly crisp to avoid mushiness.
  • Adjust sauce creaminess by varying amounts of mayonnaise, sour cream, or Greek yogurt.
  • Allow casserole to rest briefly after baking for easier slicing and serving.
  • For a crunchy topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter before sprinkling on top.
  • Frozen broccoli can be used if thawed and drained well to prevent sogginess.
  • Mayonnaise can be substituted with Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.
  • For gluten-free option, omit breadcrumbs or use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken casserole, chicken divan, baked chicken, broccoli casserole, creamy chicken dish, family dinner, quick chicken dinner, one dish meal

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/easy-chicken-divan-casserole/