Description
Classic chicken divan casserole with broccoli, creamy chicken sauce and cheddar, topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (approx. 560g) cooked chicken, boneless, skinless breasts
- 24 ounces (680g) frozen broccoli florets, thawed or fresh parboiled
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup (120ml) mayonnaise, full-fat
- 1/4 cup (60ml) white wine
- 11/2 teaspoon (5ml) lemon juice
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) panko breadcrumbs, unseasoned
- 1 tablespoon (15g) salted butter, melted
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly coat a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Step 2: Spread the cooked chicken and broccoli evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Distribute uniformly for consistent cooking and flavor in every bite. Season lightly with salt and pepper if desired.
- Step 3: In a bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, white wine, and lemon juice. Stir well to create a creamy mixture. Taste and add additional salt and pepper as preferred.
- Step 4: Evenly pour the soup mixture over the chicken and broccoli layers. Use a spatula to spread it out, ensuring full coverage to meld flavors while baking.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the grated sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the soup mixture. Uniform distribution will provide a consistent, melty cheese layer.
- Step 6: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the panko breadcrumbs until crumbs are well coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese layer to form a crunchy topping.
- Step 7: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown. Visual cues of doneness include bubbling edges and a nicely browned top.
Notes
- Storage Tips – Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep covered to prevent drying.
- Storage Tips – Refrigeration: Use an airtight container and refrigerate at 40 degrees F or below for up to 5 days. Always reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Storage Tips – Freezing: Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Expert Tips – If the casserole appears too dry during baking, add 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken broth about 15 minutes into cooking and continue baking.
- Expert Tips – To achieve a browner topping, switch on the broiler for 4 minutes at the end of baking. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Expert Tips – Check broccoli tenderness about 20 minutes into baking. If still firm, extend baking 10 minutes until tender.
- Expert Tips – Ensure even cheese distribution immediately after spreading the soup mixture to avoid patchy coverage.
- Expert Tips – If the casserole is watery after baking, let it rest for 5 minutes to thicken before serving.
- Serving Suggestions – Serve alongside quinoa or brown rice for a substantial meal.
- Serving Suggestions – Pair with a mixed greens salad or roasted Brussels sprouts for balanced sides.
- Serving Suggestions – Use leftovers to make wraps with gluten-free tortillas or serve on sauteed spinach.
- Serving Suggestions – Fill baked potatoes or stuffed bell peppers with casserole for a filling variation.
- Serving Suggestions – Add toppings such as a drizzle of ranch dressing, crushed red pepper flakes, lemon zest, or fresh parsley for added flavor and brightness.
- Recipe Variations – Substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile.
- Recipe Variations – Swap mayonnaise with plain yogurt to lighten the dish.
- Recipe Variations – Replace white wine with chicken broth or omit entirely for a non-alcoholic version.
- Recipe Variations – Use fresh broccoli instead of frozen; blanch briefly before adding.
- Recipe Variations – Try different cheeses like Gruyere or Monterey Jack in place of cheddar for taste variations.
- Recipe Variations – Replace panko breadcrumbs with crushed crackers if desired.
- Recipe Variations – Use olive oil instead of butter for topping to create a dairy-free version.
- Ingredient Notes – Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and juicy texture.
- Ingredient Notes – Fresh broccoli florets are preferred; look for vibrant green color and firm texture. Frozen florets must be thawed first.
- Ingredient Notes – Use good quality condensed cream of chicken soup. Homemade cream soups allow control over ingredients and flavor.
- Ingredient Notes – Full-fat mayonnaise provides richness and helps bind ingredients well.
- Ingredient Notes – Grate cheese freshly to ensure best melting and texture; pre-shredded may be rubbery.
- Ingredient Notes – Select unseasoned panko breadcrumbs for a clean, crispy top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg