Description
Hearty Paula Deen chicken divan combines creamy sauce with tender chicken and broccoli in a classic casserole. Rich layers of comfort showcase Southern cooking comfort that feels like home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups chicken (cooked and shredded)
- 2 packages (10 oz / 284 g) broccoli (chopped, frozen)
- 2 cans (10 ¾ oz / 305 g) cream of mushroom soup (condensed)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (sharp, grated)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- ½ cup white wine (dry)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (soft)
- 2 tbsps butter (melted)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
- 1 tsp curry powder
- salt (to taste)
- black pepper (freshly ground, to taste)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) with the rack positioned centrally for uniform cooking.
- Base Layer: Microwave the frozen broccoli for 2 minutes, drain thoroughly, and spread evenly in an 11×7-inch casserole dish, then top with shredded chicken to create a foundational protein and vegetable layer.
- Sauce Creation: Whisk condensed cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, sharp cheddar cheese, lemon juice, curry powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and white wine until achieving a smooth, harmonious blend.
- Sauce Application: Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken and broccoli, using a spatula to ensure complete coverage and a uniform surface.
- Topping Assembly: Mix Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and melted butter to craft a textured, golden topping, then generously sprinkle across the entire casserole.
- Baking Process: Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, monitoring until the surface turns a rich golden-brown and edges become deliciously bubbly, signaling perfect completion.
Notes
- Prepare Ahead: Can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready, making meal planning effortless.
- Moisture Management: Pat broccoli dry thoroughly to prevent watery texture and maintain the sauce’s creamy consistency.
- Cheese Selection: Use freshly grated sharp cheddar for superior melting and deeper flavor profile compared to pre-shredded alternatives.
- Crumb Coating Tip: Toast breadcrumbs lightly before mixing with Parmesan for extra crunch and enhanced nutty undertones.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg