Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 4 cups chicken breast, cooked and diced
- 4 cups broccoli florets
Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Topping
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz Crackers
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Steam Broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 2–3 minutes until just tender, then drain and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Make Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy, forming the flavorful sauce base.
- Combine Ingredients: Fold the cooked diced chicken and steamed broccoli into the sauce gently until everything is well coated and evenly mixed.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the chicken and broccoli mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the Panko breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz Crackers with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheddar cheese layer to create a golden, crunchy topping.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered for 25–30 minutes until hot, bubbly, and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the chicken divan to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it with a side salad or over rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Broccoli can be lightly steamed ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to use.
- For a richer flavor, try mixing in some grated Parmesan cheese with the cheddar topping.
- Make sure not to overcook the broccoli to keep it tender-crisp and vibrant green.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American