Easy Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe: Comfort in Minutes

Broccoli chicken divan refines ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that sings with comfort and flavor.

Creamy, cheesy goodness mingles with tender protein and vibrant green vegetables in this classic casserole.

Hearty and satisfying, the dish whispers promises of warmth and nostalgia from first glance.

Perfectly balanced textures create a harmonious blend that makes this recipe a family favorite across generations.

Nutritious elements combine with rich, indulgent components to craft a meal that feels both wholesome and decadent.

The magic happens when simple ingredients merge into something extraordinary, elevating weeknight dinners from mundane to memorable.

Layers of deliciousness promise a dining experience that will have everyone requesting seconds.

Tips to Keep Broccoli Tender and Not Mushy

• Optimize Chicken Tenderness: Slice chicken breasts into even, thin pieces to ensure uniform cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
• Boost Sauce Smoothness: Whisk sauce ingredients continuously to prevent lumps and create a silky, creamy texture.
• Customize Cheese Selection: Experiment with sharp cheddar, gruyère, or parmesan for different flavor profiles and richer taste.
• Enhance Bread Crumb Crunch: Mix bread crumbs with melted butter before sprinkling to create a golden, crispy topping that adds delightful texture.
• Control Moisture Balance: Cover with foil for first 15 minutes of baking to prevent excessive drying and maintain juicy consistency.

How to Store and Reheat Divan Just Right

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dish will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate portions help maintain quality and make reheating easier.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Frozen Broccoli Chicken Divan maintains best quality for up to 2 months. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Reheat: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, restore crispness by placing in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep the dish moist and prevent sauce separation.

Why Broccoli Chicken Divan Never Gets Old

• Savor Creamy Comfort: A delightful combination of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a luxuriously smooth cheese sauce creates the ultimate comfort food experience that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• Whip Up Effortless Elegance: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a sophisticated dish with minimal prep time and basic cooking skills, making it perfect for busy home cooks looking to impress family and friends.
• Enjoy Nutritious Indulgence: Packed with protein from chicken and vitamins from broccoli, this casserole offers a balanced meal that doesn't compromise on flavor, letting you feel good about what you're eating while still enjoying every delicious bite.

What Goes Into This Cozy Classic

• Chicken: Lean protein that provides the main substance of the dish, opt for boneless skinless chicken breasts for easiest preparation.
• Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and texture, choose bright green florets with tight, firm clusters.

• Butter: Creates rich, smooth base for the sauce and helps develop flavor.
• Flour: Thickens the sauce and provides smooth consistency.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps create creamy sauce.
• Milk: Provides creaminess and helps create silky sauce texture.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall dish flavor.
• Cheese: Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps bind the sauce, sharp cheddar works best.

• Bread Crumbs: Provides crispy, golden brown topping that adds texture and visual appeal.

How to Bake the Creamiest Chicken Divan

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Arrange the Base Ingredients

Lightly grease the baking dish and layer chicken and broccoli across the bottom.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

• Flour

Cook and stir for 1 minute until the mixture becomes smooth.

Step 4: Build the Sauce Liquid

• Chicken broth
• Milk

Continuously stir the mixture until it thickens and starts to bubble.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce

• Salt
• Pepper
• Cheese

Stir until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 6: Combine and Top

Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli in the baking dish.

Sprinkle bread crumbs across the top for a crispy finish.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.

Look for a golden brown top and bubbling edges to know it’s ready.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.

Serve warm and savor the delicious combination of chicken, broccoli, and creamy sauce.

What to Pair with This Savory Casserole

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the creamy sauce, balancing the rich flavors of the chicken and cheese with its bright, refreshing notes.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Warm, toasted bread soaks up the delicious sauce, adding a crunchy texture and complementary garlic undertones that enhance the dish's savory profile.
• Complete with Fresh Citrus Salad: A light, zesty side salad with mixed greens, orange segments, and a lemon vinaigrette provides a tangy contrast to the creamy chicken divan, brightening the entire meal.
• Match with Roasted Vegetable Medley: A simple side of roasted carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini adds extra nutrition and color, creating a well-rounded and satisfying dinner plate.

Twists on the Classic You’ll Enjoy

• Seafood Sensation: Swap chicken with succulent shrimp or tender white fish for a maritime-inspired casserole that brings ocean flavors to your table.
• Low-Carb Comfort: Replace bread crumbs with crushed almonds or pork rinds to create a protein-packed version that's keto-friendly and satisfyingly crunchy.
• Vegetarian Harvest: Eliminate chicken and add extra vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, and zucchini for a hearty plant-based alternative that doesn't compromise on taste or nutrition.
• Mediterranean Magic: Incorporate feta cheese, oregano, and sun-dried tomatoes to transform the classic recipe into a Greek-inspired culinary experience with bright, zingy notes.

Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Broccoli Chicken Divan brings classic comfort to dinner tables with its rich cheesy sauce and tender ingredients. Layers of succulent chicken and garden-fresh broccoli create a satisfying meal that welcomes hungry diners to savor each delicious forkful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 cups (480 ml) cooked chicken, cubed

Vegetables:

• 2 cups (480 ml) broccoli florets

Sauce and Topping Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) butter
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ½ cup (120 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (120 ml) bread crumbs

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray or butter.
2. Arrange cooked, chopped chicken pieces evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Layer fresh broccoli florets on top of the chicken, ensuring a uniform distribution.
4. Create a creamy sauce by melting butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisking in flour to form a smooth roux.
5. Slowly incorporate chicken broth and whole milk into the roux, continuously stirring to prevent lumps and achieve a silky consistency.
6. Continue cooking the sauce until it thickens and reaches a gentle boil, which typically takes 3-4 minutes.
7. Remove the sauce from heat and gently fold in shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and ground black pepper until the cheese melts completely.
8. Pour the rich, creamy cheese sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli, ensuring full coverage.
9. Sprinkle seasoned bread crumbs across the top of the dish for a crispy, golden finish.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the surface turns golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
11. Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help the sauce set and enhance flavor melding.
12. Serve hot as a comforting main course, accompanied by rice or a light salad.

Notes

• Prep ahead by cutting chicken and broccoli into uniform pieces for even cooking and consistent texture.
• Use freshly grated cheese for maximum melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
• Let the sauce simmer and thicken gradually to ensure smooth, lump-free consistency.
• Opt for whole wheat bread crumbs for added nutrition and a slightly nutty topping.
• Ensure chicken is fully cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg