Description
Chicken Divan Casserole is a comforting, creamy dish featuring tender broccoli and cooked chicken baked in a cheesy sauce with a golden breadcrumb topping. Perfect for a quick family dinner, this casserole combines a savory cream of chicken soup base with Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, whole grain mustard, and a touch of garlic and pepper for balanced flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 pound fresh broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces
Cheese & Dairy
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup milk
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Pantry & Condiments
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
Protein
- 2 ½ cups cubed cooked chicken
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Steam Broccoli: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 2-quart (8×8-inch) casserole dish. Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil and steam or cook the chopped broccoli until it reaches a tender-crisp texture. Drain thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
- Make Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, half (½ cup) of the Monterey Jack cheese, cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, whole grain mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper. This creates a creamy and flavorful sauce base for your casserole.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the steamed broccoli and the cubed cooked chicken into the sauce mixture ensuring everything is evenly coated without mashing the ingredients.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter and sprinkle this buttery topping over the casserole evenly. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot. This dish goes well on its own or served over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
Notes
- Use freshly steamed broccoli for best texture; avoid overcooking to prevent mushiness.
- Leftover cooked chicken can be used to save prep time.
- For a crispier topping, broil for 1-2 minutes after baking.
- This casserole freezes well; cover tightly and freeze before baking for up to 2 months.
- Substitute half-and-half or cream for milk and sour cream for even creamier results.
