Can I make Broccoli Chicken Divan Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, Broccoli Chicken Divan Casserole is an excellent make-ahead meal. You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply bake it as directed. If baking straight from the refrigerator, you may need to add an extra 5–10 minutes to the cooking time.

Can I freeze Broccoli Chicken Divan Casserole?

Broccoli Chicken Divan Casserole freezes very well. Assemble the casserole without baking it, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to two months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake according to the recipe instructions.

What type of chicken works best for Broccoli Chicken Divan Casserole?

Cooked shredded chicken breast is the most common choice for Broccoli Chicken Divan Casserole because it absorbs the creamy sauce well. However, rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or even diced chicken thighs can also work well and add extra flavor to the casserole.

Can I make a healthier version of Broccoli Chicken Divan Casserole?

Yes, there are several ways to lighten Broccoli Chicken Divan Casserole. You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream or mayonnaise, use reduced-fat cheese, and choose a low-sodium or homemade cream of chicken soup. Adding extra broccoli or other vegetables can also increase the nutritional value while maintaining the comforting flavor of the dish.

Broccoli Chicken Divan Casserole – Easy Creamy Recipe

Name: Broccoli Chicken Divan Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 4 cups broccoli florets, steamed; 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup (1 can); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers; 2 tablespoons melted butter

Description

Broccoli Chicken Divan Casserole is a creamy and comforting baked dish made with tender shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, rich cream sauce, and melted cheese, finished with a buttery cracker topping. This classic chicken casserole is easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
4 cups broccoli florets, steamed
10.5 oz cream of chicken soup (1 can)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers
2 tablespoons melted butter

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Steam the broccoli florets until tender but still slightly firm, then set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Spread the steamed broccoli evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Layer the shredded cooked chicken evenly over the broccoli.
Pour the prepared creamy sauce over the chicken and broccoli, spreading it evenly to coat all ingredients.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the casserole.
In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until well coated.
Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation.
Do not overcook the broccoli before baking to avoid a mushy texture.
Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
The casserole can be assembled ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 420 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 780 mg
Fat: 27 g
Saturated Fat: 11 g
Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 32 g
Cholesterol: 105 mg