Quick Family Favorite: Pioneer Woman Chicken Divan Recipe

Pioneer Woman’s chicken divan elevates weeknight cooking from mundane to magnificent with its irresistible blend of flavors.

Creamy cheese blankets succulent chicken and vibrant broccoli in a comforting embrace.

This culinary gem transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary feast that sparks joy at the dinner table.

Generations of home cooks have cherished its straightforward yet delectable composition.

Layers of rich, velvety sauce intermingle with tender protein and crisp vegetables, creating a symphony of taste.

Each forkful promises a delightful journey through classic American comfort food.

You’ll fall in love with this soul-warming dish that turns simple ingredients into a masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need to Prepare Pioneer Woman Chicken Divan

• Chicken: Choose boneless, skinless breasts for easy preparation and lean protein.
• Condensed Soup: Select cream-based varieties for rich, smooth texture.

• Cheddar Cheese, Milk: Pick sharp cheddar for robust flavor and whole milk for creaminess.
• Sour Cream: Opt for full-fat version to enhance richness and tanginess.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Use freshly ground for more vibrant taste.
• Dry Mustard, Black Pepper, Seasoning Salt: Select high-quality spices for depth of flavor.

• Broccoli: Select fresh, bright green florets with tight, crisp heads.

• Panko Bread Crumbs, Butter: Choose Japanese-style panko for extra crispiness and unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.

Tools That’ll Help You Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Divan

• Large Pot: Perfect for boiling broccoli and creating a tender-crisp texture.
• Medium Mixing Bowl: Ideal for whisking together the creamy cheese mixture smoothly.
• Small Bowl: Handy for mixing bread crumbs and butter for the crunchy topping.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Essential for layering and baking the entire casserole.
• Whisk: Great for blending cheese ingredients until silky and well-combined.
• Colander: Necessary for draining broccoli after blanching.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for precise ingredient measurements.
• Oven: Required for baking the casserole to golden, bubbly perfection.

Your Guide to Making Pioneer Woman Chicken Divan

• Warm Up The Cooking Station

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400°F, creating the perfect backdrop for a mouthwatering meal.

• Transform Broccoli Into Tender Goodness

Dunk fresh broccoli into boiling water, letting it dance for a quick 2-3 minutes until it’s vibrant and crisp. Drain and set aside your green treasure.

• Craft Magical Cheese Sauce

Whip together a dreamy blend of creamy cheeses, rich milk, tangy sour cream, and a splash of condensed soup. Sprinkle in garlic, onion, and mustard powders with a pinch of pepper to awaken the flavors. Stir until the mixture becomes silky smooth and irresistible.

• Build Your Flavor Masterpiece

Fold succulent chicken and those perfectly cooked broccoli florets into your cheese wonderland. Slide the entire mixture into a waiting baking dish, crowning it with an extra shower of sharp cheddar.

• Create Crispy Crown

Marry golden panko crumbs with melted butter, transforming them into a crunchy, buttery topping that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Bake To Bubbly Perfection

Slide your creation into the heated oven. Watch magic happen as the casserole turns golden and bubbles with excitement for about 18-20 minutes.

• Serve With Love

Scoop out steaming portions onto plates, optional rice or noodles waiting beneath. Let the comfort food hug your soul and bring pure joy to the dinner table.

Ideas to Customize Your Pioneer Woman Chicken Divan

• Smart Substitution Strategies: Swap chicken with turkey, shredded beef, or plant-based protein like tofu for a personalized twist on this classic casserole.
• Texture Enhancement Tricks: Double the panko breadcrumbs and mix with crushed cornflakes or sliced almonds to create an extra-crunchy golden topping that adds delightful texture.
• Spice Level Boosters: Kick up the flavor by adding red pepper flakes, cayenne powder, or diced jalapeños to the cheese mixture for those craving a spicy kick without overwhelming the dish.
• Healthy Ingredient Swaps: Replace full-fat dairy with Greek yogurt, low-fat milk, and reduced-sodium condensed soup to create a lighter version that doesn't compromise on incredible taste and creamy consistency.

How to Present and Pair Pioneer Woman Chicken Divan

• Pair with Pillowy Sides: Serve this cheesy chicken broccoli casserole over fluffy mashed potatoes for a comforting, hearty meal that hugs your taste buds.
• Create Veggie Companions: Add a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables on the side to balance the rich, creamy casserole and boost nutritional value.
• Build a Hearty Plate: Complement the dish with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious cheese sauce and complete the dining experience.
• Add Fresh Garnishes: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and a light, herbal touch that brightens the entire dish.

Prep Ahead and Store Your Pioneer Woman Chicken Divan

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours before baking, covering tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerating until ready to cook.
• Portion Control Technique: Divide the casserole into individual serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners during busy weeks.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Store unbaked casserole in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, adding 10-15 minutes to original cooking time.
• Leftover Love Method: Refrigerate any remaining casserole in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through.

Comforting Pioneer Woman Chicken Divan Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty pioneer woman chicken divan combines creamy sauce, tender chicken, and broccoli in a classic casserole. Comfort cooking from midwestern kitchens promises rich flavors with simple ingredients you can savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups chicken, cooked and cubed
• 1 ½ lbs (680 g) broccoli, fresh, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
• 10 ½ oz (300 g) condensed cream of mushroom or chicken soup
• ½ cup milk
• ⅔ cup sour cream
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp dry mustard
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp seasoning salt
• 3 tbsps panko bread crumbs
• 1 tbsp butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Prepare Components: Blanch broccoli florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until bright green, then immediately cool in cold water to preserve crisp texture and halt cooking process.
2. Create Creamy Base: Whisk together cheddar cheese, whole milk, sour cream, condensed cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard, ground black pepper, and seasoning salt until smooth and uniformly blended.
3. Combine Protein and Vegetables: Gently fold shredded chicken and drained broccoli into the creamy mixture, ensuring complete and even coating of all ingredients.
4. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the combined mixture to a three-quart casserole dish, spreading evenly and topping with remaining cheddar cheese to create a uniform layer.
5. Prepare Crispy Topping: Mix Panko bread crumbs with melted unsalted butter until thoroughly moistened, then sprinkle evenly over the cheese layer to create a golden, crunchy surface.
6. Bake and Finish: Place casserole in a center-positioned oven preheated to 400°F (204°C) and bake for 18-20 minutes until bread crumbs turn golden brown and edges begin to bubble.
7. Serve and Rest: Remove from oven, allow to settle for 5 minutes, then serve hot alongside preferred accompaniments like mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or egg noodles.

Notes

• Blanch with Precision: Perfectly blanch broccoli by timing 2-3 minutes to maintain bright color and crisp texture, preventing overcooking and preserving nutritional value.
• Whisk for Smoothness: Thoroughly whisk dairy and soup ingredients to create a creamy, lump-free sauce that coats chicken and broccoli evenly for maximum flavor distribution.
• Bread Crumb Magic: Toast Panko bread crumbs with melted butter to create a golden, crispy topping that adds delightful crunch and elevates the entire casserole’s texture.
• Rest and Settle: Allow the casserole to rest 5 minutes after baking, letting flavors meld and sauce thicken, ensuring a more cohesive and satisfying dining experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg