Broccoli Chicken Divan Casserole with Cheddar Cheese
A creamy, cheesy Broccoli Chicken Divan Casserole with sharp cheddar cheese combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, flavorful sauce for a comforting and easy weeknight meal. Perfect for family dinners and make-ahead meals, this casserole offers balanced nutrition with protein-packed chicken and nutritious broccoli, topped with a crispy buttery breadcrumb crust.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free breadcrumbs are used or topping is omitted)
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice or 1 teaspoon mustard (optional)
Topping
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- Prepare the broccoli and chicken: Steam or boil fresh broccoli florets until just tender to preserve their bright color and crunch. Meanwhile, shred or cube cooked chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Make the creamy sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, and condensed cream of chicken soup. Add onion powder, garlic powder, and a splash of fresh lemon juice or mustard if using, whisking until smooth and flavorful.
- Combine all main ingredients: Gently fold the broccoli and chicken into the creamy sauce, ensuring everything is evenly coated for perfect coverage in every bite.
- Prepare the topping: Mix breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with melted butter, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole for a crispy, golden finish once baked.
- Bake until bubbly and golden: Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the topping is nicely browned.
Notes
- Precook broccoli carefully to avoid overcooking and maintain color vibrancy and texture.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for bold flavor and good melting quality.
- Don’t skip the breadcrumb topping for a delightful crispy texture contrast.
- Let the casserole rest a few minutes after baking to thicken and make slicing easier.
- This recipe is perfect for using leftover chicken or veggies to reduce food waste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Broccoli Chicken Divan, Cheddar Cheese Casserole, Comfort Food, Family Dinner, Make-Ahead Casserole, Easy Weeknight Meal, Gluten-Free Option