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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Combine Protein and Vegetables: Gently fold shredded chicken and drained broccoli into the creamy mixture, ensuring complete and even coating of all ingredients.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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