Savory Chicken Divan Using Frozen Broccoli

Getting a home-cooked dinner on the table during busy weeknights can feel like an uphill battle. Between after-school activities, work deadlines, and the general chaos of everyday life, pulling together a meal that’s both comforting and nutritious often seems out of reach.

That’s where this classic chicken divan comes to the rescue – it’s a cozy, filling casserole that uses convenient frozen broccoli, can be prepped ahead, and brings the kind of warmth and satisfaction that everyone craves after a long day.

What Kind of Frozen Broccoli Should I Use?

For this casserole, you’ll want to look for bags labeled “broccoli florets” rather than “broccoli cuts” or “chopped broccoli,” since florets give you those nice tree-like pieces that hold up well in the dish. Most major brands like Birds Eye, Green Giant, or store brands will work just fine – just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. While you could use fresh broccoli, frozen florets are actually perfect for casseroles since they’re already blanched and partially cooked, which helps them maintain their shape without getting mushy. If your frozen broccoli comes in larger pieces than you’d like, you can always give them a quick chop while they’re still frozen.

Options for Substitutions

This classic casserole is pretty forgiving when it comes to substitutions. Here’s what you can swap out:

• Cooked chicken: While rotisserie chicken is super convenient, you can use any cooked chicken – grilled chicken breasts, leftover roasted chicken, or even canned chicken in a pinch. Turkey works great too!
• Frozen broccoli: Fresh broccoli works just as well – just steam it until crisp-tender before using. You could also mix it up with cauliflower or a combo of both vegetables.
• Cream of chicken soup: Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup make good alternatives. For a lighter version, try using one can of soup plus one cup of chicken broth mixed with 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt.
• Mayonnaise: Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream can replace mayo for a lighter option. You might want to add an extra pinch of salt if using yogurt.
• Sharp cheddar: Any good melting cheese works here – try Monterey Jack, Colby, or a cheese blend. Just avoid pre-shredded cheese as it doesn’t melt as smoothly.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs, crushed Ritz crackers, or crushed cornflakes all make good substitutes for the topping. You can even use crushed potato chips for extra crunch!

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest mistake when making Chicken Divan is not properly draining the thawed broccoli, which can lead to a watery casserole – make sure to pat the florets dry with paper towels before adding them to your dish. Another common error is overcooking the casserole, causing the broccoli to become mushy and the sauce to separate – aim for just golden brown on top, usually about 25-30 minutes at 350°F. To prevent a grainy sauce, make sure to combine the soup, mayonnaise, and wine at room temperature, stirring until completely smooth before adding to the other ingredients. For the crunchiest topping, wait until the last 10 minutes of baking to add the panko-butter mixture, which gives you that perfect golden-brown crust without burning.

What to Serve With Chicken Divan?

Since chicken divan is already packed with protein and veggies, you’ll want simple sides that complement without overwhelming the creamy casserole. A basic white or brown rice works perfectly to soak up all that delicious sauce – I usually make extra rice because everyone always wants more! For something fresh on the side, try a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or some sliced tomatoes. If you’re feeding a bigger crowd, warm dinner rolls or a crusty French bread are great for mopping up any extra sauce from your plate (trust me, you won’t want to leave any behind!).

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: This cozy chicken divan will stay good in the fridge for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually get better after a day or two as everything melds together! It’s perfect for making on Sunday and enjoying throughout the week.

Freeze: You can freeze chicken divan for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Just skip the breadcrumb topping for now – you can add fresh ones when you’re ready to reheat. Pro tip: divide it into smaller portions before freezing for easier reheating later!

Reheat: To warm up your chicken divan, pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. If it’s frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge first. For the best results, sprinkle some fresh breadcrumbs and cheese on top before reheating to get that nice crispy top again.

Make Ahead: You can assemble this casserole up to 24 hours before baking – just keep it covered in the fridge. Wait to add the breadcrumb topping until right before you pop it in the oven, so it stays nice and crunchy.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	25-30 minutes
Total Time	35-45 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 2200-2400
• Protein: 160-180 g
• Fat: 130-150 g
• Carbohydrates: 150-170 g

Ingredients

• 4 cups cooked chicken, either diced or shredded (like from a rotisserie chicken)
• 1 1/2 pounds frozen broccoli florets, thawed
• 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup white wine (or replace with chicken broth)
• 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon salted butter, melted
• Salt and black pepper to your liking
• Optional topping: chopped parsley

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking.

Next, spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent any sticking.

Arrange the chicken and broccoli evenly in the bottom of the prepared dish.

If you wish, season them with a little bit of salt and pepper for extra flavor.

Step 2: Make the Soup Mixture

In a separate bowl, combine the condensed soup, mayonnaise, wine, and lemon juice.

Stir these ingredients together until well mixed.

Taste the mixture and add additional salt and pepper, if desired, to suit your preference.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the prepared soup mixture over the chicken and broccoli in the dish, ensuring it covers them evenly.

Once the soup mixture is added, top the casserole with grated cheese of your choice for a rich, tasty layer.

Step 4: Prepare and Add the Breadcrumb Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and melted butter until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.

Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture over the top of the casserole, which will create a crispy and golden top layer.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven.

Bake uncovered for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the top is golden brown.

Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.

Step 6: Finishing Touches and Serve

Once baked to perfection, remove the casserole from the oven.

If desired, garnish the casserole with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve hot and enjoy your delicious, savory meal!