Creamy Chicken Divan Casserole – Easy Family Dinner Recipe

Craving a comforting and flavorful meal that will please the whole family without hours of kitchen prep? Look no further than this Chicken Divan Casserole! This easy-to-make dish combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, creamy sauce topped with buttery Ritz crackers for a taste that’s both simple and indulgent.

Discover the secret to getting your picky eaters to enjoy their veggies as they rave about how the broccoli “tastes like cheese” in this delectable casserole. Perfect for a stress-free weeknight dinner or a cozy Sunday meal, this Chicken Divan Casserole has become a regular feature on many family dining tables.

Don’t miss out on this versatile recipe that allows for customization with your favorite vegetables and cheeses. Whether you stick to the classic version or get creative with your additions, this casserole is sure to become a beloved go-to dish that you’ll want to make again and again. Get ready to experience the wholesome joy of homemade comfort food with this delightful Chicken Divan Casserole!

Quick Benefits

• Quick and easy weeknight dinner option
• Kid-friendly way to enjoy broccoli
• Customizable with different vegetables and cheeses
• Can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Divan Casserole – Easy Family Dinner Recipe Recipe

• Family-Friendly: Perfect for pleasing both kids and adults, making it a great option for family dinners.
• Easy Weeknight Meal: Convenient and quick to prepare, ideal for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without a lot of effort.
• Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters enjoy this dish, with the rich, creamy sauce helping to disguise the taste of vegetables.
• Comfort Food: Provides that warm, comforting feeling with the creamy sauce, tender chicken, and crunchy Ritz cracker topping.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable with different vegetables, cheeses, or additional ingredients to suit your preferences or use what you have on hand.
• Make-Ahead Option: Can be prepared in advance and reheated, with the flavors developing even more the next day, making it a great meal prep option.
• Versatile Serving Options: Can be served on its own for a complete meal, paired with sides like dinner rolls or rice, or with a fresh salad to balance out the richness.
• Foolproof Results: Helpful tips ensure perfectly cooked broccoli and a delicious casserole every time, even for less experienced cooks.
• Crowd-Pleaser: A dish that is sure to impress guests or bring the family together around the dinner table with its comforting flavors and satisfying textures.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Divan Casserole – Easy Family Dinner Recipe

Protein & Vegetables

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets

Seasonings

• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon curry powder

Creamy Sauce Base

• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of broccoli cheese soup
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup whole milk
• ½ cup sour cream

Toppings

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers

How to Make Creamy Chicken Divan Casserole – Easy Family Dinner Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Preheat oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Dice chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and coat with garlic powder, onion powder, curry powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook seasoned chicken cubes for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally. Transfer to a plate.

Step 4: Blanch the Broccoli

Boil water in a pot, then cook broccoli florets for 5 minutes until tender yet slightly crisp. Drain thoroughly.

Step 5: Make the Cream Sauce

Combine both canned soups, sour cream, milk, and lemon juice in a large mixing bowl, stirring until smooth and well blended.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Combine the cooked chicken, blanched broccoli, and 1½ cups of cheddar cheese with the cream sauce. Stir gently to coat evenly.

Step 7: Assemble the Casserole

Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with crushed Ritz crackers and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top.

Step 8: Bake Until Bubbly

Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until the crackers are golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly on the edges.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 8-10 minutes before serving to set. Serve alone or over rice with a side salad.

Storage Tips

After preparing the Chicken Divan Casserole, store any leftovers properly to maintain its flavor and texture. Place the cooled casserole in an airtight container or cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing it in the refrigerator. The casserole can be kept in the fridge for up to four days, allowing you to enjoy it for several meals.

When reheating the casserole, you have a couple of options. You can warm individual portions in the microwave for a quick meal, making sure to cover the dish with a microwave-safe cover to prevent splatters. Alternatively, to reheat the whole casserole, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F until it is heated through. This method helps maintain the integrity of the dish and ensures that the flavors meld together even more, making it taste even better the next day.

By storing and reheating the Chicken Divan Casserole properly, you can continue to enjoy its delicious flavors and comforting textures, whether you’re having a quick weekday dinner or serving it as a special Sunday family meal.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a lighter version of this Chicken Divan Casserole, you can swap the condensed cream of broccoli cheese soup and cream of chicken soup with low-fat or reduced-sodium versions. Additionally, you can use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a healthier twist without sacrificing the creamy texture. If you have dietary restrictions, such as lactose intolerance, you can opt for dairy-free alternatives like almond milk and dairy-free cheese for a lactose-free version of the casserole.

To cater to different taste preferences, feel free to experiment with various seasonings in place of curry powder. For example, you can use Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or a blend of herbs like thyme and oregano to add a different flavor profile to the dish. If you’re not a fan of Ritz crackers, you can substitute them with crushed cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed pretzels for a unique topping that adds a crunchy texture to the casserole. Remember, the flexibility of this recipe allows you to get creative with ingredient substitutions to suit your preferences and dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try layering individual portions of the Chicken Divan Casserole in small mason jars or ramekins for a charming presentation. This works especially well for dinner parties or picnics, allowing guests to enjoy their own perfectly portioned creamy and cheesy casserole.

Another fun idea is to serve the Chicken Divan Casserole in mini bread bowls. Simply hollow out small dinner rolls or bread bowls, fill them with the casserole mixture, and top with the crushed Ritz crackers before baking until golden brown. This unique presentation adds a delightful twist to the classic casserole and makes for a fun and interactive dining experience.

FAQs for Creamy Chicken Divan Casserole – Easy Family Dinner Recipe

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh broccoli in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain the broccoli before adding it to the casserole.

Can I substitute the cream of broccoli cheese soup with another type of soup?

Yes, you can substitute the cream of broccoli cheese soup with another creamy soup like cream of mushroom or cream of celery if you prefer.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time and bake it later?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Just add the crushed Ritz crackers on top right before baking.

Can I freeze the Chicken Divan Casserole for later use?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking it. Just cover it tightly with foil and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake according to the recipe instructions.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making and sharing this Chicken Divan Casserole with your loved ones as much as I have. It’s amazing how a few simple ingredients can come together to create such a comforting and delicious dish that pleases even the pickiest of eaters. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked broccoli make this casserole a surefire hit at any dinner table.

Remember, don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables, cheeses, or toppings to make this Chicken Divan Casserole your own. It’s a versatile recipe that can easily adapt to your family’s preferences and whatever ingredients you have on hand. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or as leftovers the next day, this casserole is sure to warm both your heart and your belly. Happy cooking and savoring every bite of this delightful Chicken Divan Casserole!