Easy Southern-Style Broccoli Chicken Divan Casserole is an iconic, much-loved southern recipe, which has been around for many years.
In fact, there was a time many years ago when this delicious dish was served at almost every bridal or baby shower, neighborhood potluck dinner or church supper. It was also one of the first casseroles that every young southern bride learned to make and have in their arsenal of “company” dishes.
What is chicken divan?
Easy Southern Style Broccoli Chicken Divan is filled with succulent chicken and nutritious broccoli. And, if that isn’t enough deliciousness for you, it is then topped with crunchy panko, butter, and cheese mixture.
What is bechamel sauce?
This easy broccoli chicken divan is smothered in a dreamy, creamy bechamel sauce made with sharp white cheddar cheese and tangy sour cream. Bechamel is considered a “mother” sauce because it is the basis for so many sauces and includes butter, flour, and milk.
I’m not sure exactly when chicken divan casseroles fell out of favor. It may have been because several versions of the recipe contained cream of chicken or mushroom soup. Many cooks started avoiding the “cream of” soups when it became in vogue to cook from scratch.
How many calories in chicken divan?
Chicken Divan is rich and has a whopping 574 calories per serving, so it is not something you would eat every night of the week. Of course, you can keep the calorie count down by simply having a smaller portion, and it does supply almost half of your vitamin C daily requirement.
I’m betting you haven’t heard of this old reliable and flavorful casserole in a long time, much less served it. That said, I’m hoping to change that because Easy Southern Style Broccoli Chicken Divan is truly a tasty and easy casserole to make.
I promise it’s not a stretch to call this chicken divan recipe awesome! It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, yet it’s an entree you would be proud to serve guests.
It can also be made up to a day ahead and just popped in the oven when you are ready to eat. And, this chicken divan recipe with fresh broccoli is quicker and easier than ever because I use a deli roasted chicken to save time.
Easy make-ahead chicken casseroles to feed a crowd:
If you like easy make-ahead chicken casseroles as much as I do, I know you will love these chicken casserole recipes: Chicken Sausage and Wild Rice Casserole, Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu, Savory Chicken Crepes with Mushrooms, Ultimate Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas, and Chicken Mushroom Marsala Pasta.
Broccoli Chicken Divan Ingredients:
If you would like to make Easy Southern Broccoli Chicken Divan, you will need two large heads of fresh broccoli. You will also need butter, all-purpose flour, chicken broth, and white wine (you can substitute chicken broth). In addition, you need sour cream, sharp white cheddar cheese, a deli roasted chicken, panko bread crumbs, lemon juice, and salt. Optional, curry powder.
How to make Broccoli Chicken Divan:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
Bring a large pot of water to boil and add 2 teaspoons of salt. When the water is boiling, add the broccoli and cook for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and drain. Set aside.
Melt 4 Tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. When the butter has melted, add the flour and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir in the butter, salt, and flour and mix well. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add chicken broth and wine, whisking the mixture constantly. Cook for 5 minutes or until thickened.
Reduce the heat to low and add the sour cream and one cup of cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth.
Remove the pan from the heat and add the chicken, broccoli, lemon juice, and optional curry powder. Mix well until everything is well combined. Pour this mixture into a 9×13 baking dish which has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
Melt the remaining 2 Tbsp of butter and add it to the panko. Add the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese. Mix well.
How long to bake Broccoli Chicken Divan:
Sprinkle the panko/cheese mixture over the casserole.
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Easy Southern-Style Broccoli Chicken Divan Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 chicken deli-roasted, skin and bones removed, about 3 cups cooked chicken
- 2 broccoli large stalks, cut into small florets
- 3 tsp kosher salt divided
- 6 Tbsp butter divided
- 1 2/3 cups chicken broth
- 1/3 cup white wine or cream sherry may substitute chicken broth
- 16 oz sour cream
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups extra-sharp white cheddar cheese shredded, divided (about a 6 oz block)
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/8 tsp curry powder optional
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Bring a large pot of water to boil and add 2 teaspoons of salt. When the water is boiling, add the broccoli and cook for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and drain. Set aside
- Melt 2 Tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. When the butter has melted, add the flour and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir in the butter, salt, and flour and mix well. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the chicken broth and wine, whisking the mixture constantly. Cook for 5 minutes or until thickened.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the sour cream and one cup of cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Remove the pan from the heat and add the chicken, broccoli, lemon juice, and curry powder if using. Mix well until everything is well combined. Pour this mixture into a 9x13 baking dish, which has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
- Melt the remaining 2 Tbsp of butter and add the panko and remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese. Mix well.
- Sprinkle this mixture over the casserole and bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
We did a trip through the American south and really enjoyed the food there. Looking forward to trying this one out as well.
So good and easy to make. This one is going in my “go to” recipe box!