Description
Craving a comforting, cheesy casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks? Creamy Chicken Divan is a classic dish that combines tender shredded chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a rich, creamy sauce, topped with golden breadcrumbs. With a hint of curry powder for optional flair, this casserole is easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
Creamy Chicken Divan uses straightforward ingredients to create a rich, comforting casserole. Here’s what you need and why each one matters:
- Cooked Rotisserie Chicken (2 cups, shredded): Adds tender, flavorful protein; rotisserie saves time and enhances taste.
- Broccoli Florets (2 cups, steamed): Provides vibrant color, crunch, and nutrition, balancing the richness of the sauce.
- Sour Cream (1 cup): Adds tangy creaminess to the sauce, creating a luscious texture.
- Mayonnaise (1 cup): Enhances the sauce’s richness and binds the casserole together.
- Milk (½ cup): Thins the sauce for a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Shredded Cheese (1 cup, cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice): Brings melty, savory flavor; cheddar adds sharpness, mozzarella adds stretch.
- Curry Powder (1 tablespoon, optional): Introduces a warm, earthy depth for a unique flavor twist.
- Breadcrumbs (½ cup): Creates a crispy, buttery topping for texture contrast.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Enhances and balances all flavors.
Substitutions and Variations
- Chicken: Swap for cooked turkey, canned chicken (drained), or shredded poached chicken breasts. For vegetarian, use cooked mushrooms or tofu.
- Broccoli: Replace with cauliflower, asparagus, green beans, or a frozen mixed vegetable blend (steamed).
- Sour Cream: Use Greek yogurt for a tangy, lighter option or crème fraîche for richer flavor.
- Mayonnaise: Substitute with additional sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a light mayo for fewer calories.
- Milk: Use half-and-half for a creamier sauce, or plant-based milk (e.g., almond, oat) for dairy-free (pair with dairy-free substitutes).
- Cheese: Try Swiss, Gruyère, or a Mexican blend for different flavors; use dairy-free cheese for lactose-free.
- Curry Powder: Omit for a classic version, or use paprika, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
- Breadcrumbs: Swap for panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch, crushed Ritz crackers, or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Pro Tip: Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor, and steam broccoli just until bright green to retain a slight crunch.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a deep casserole dish (e.g., 9×9-inch or 2-quart) with cooking spray or butter.
- Tip: Greasing prevents sticking and eases cleanup.
- Combine Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups shredded cooked rotisserie chicken, 2 cups steamed broccoli florets, 1 cup sour cream, 1 cup mayonnaise, ½ cup milk, 1 cup shredded cheese, and 1 tablespoon curry powder (if using).
- Mix well with a spatula until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Tip: Taste the mixture before baking to adjust seasoning, as cheese and mayo add saltiness.
- Assemble Casserole:
- Transfer the chicken-broccoli mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Tip: Ensure an even layer for consistent baking and texture.
- Add Topping:
- Sprinkle ½ cup breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Season the breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt and pepper for extra flavor.
- Tip: For a richer topping, mix breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter before sprinkling.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
- Check at 30 minutes to avoid over-browning; cover with foil if the top browns too quickly.
- Tip: The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F for food safety.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes to set, making it easier to serve.
- Scoop or slice into portions and serve warm (makes 4-6 servings).
- Tip: Use a large spoon or spatula to capture all layers in each serving.
Cooking Tips:
- Steam Broccoli Properly: Steam for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp to avoid mushiness after baking.
- Prevent Dryness: Don’t skimp on the sauce ingredients; the milk ensures a creamy consistency.
- Crisp Topping: Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end (watch closely!) for an extra-crispy breadcrumb topping.