Description
Hearty Pioneer Woman Chicken Divan brings creamy comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen. Cheesy broccoli and tender chicken nestle under a golden breadcrumb blanket, promising rich flavors and warm memories for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, cubed
Vegetables:
- 1 ½ pounds fresh broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup milk
- ⅔ cup sour cream
- 10 ½ ounces (300 grams) condensed cream of mushroom soup or condensed chicken soup
Seasonings and Toppings:
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon seasoning salt
- 3 tablespoons Panko bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even heating.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Carefully submerge the broccoli florets and blanch for 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green and become slightly tender while maintaining a crisp texture. Immediately drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together one cup of shredded cheddar cheese, whole milk, sour cream, condensed cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard, ground black pepper, and seasoning salt until the mixture is smooth and well-incorporated.
- Fold the cooked, shredded chicken and drained broccoli into the creamy cheese mixture, ensuring every piece is evenly coated. Transfer the combined ingredients to a three-quart casserole dish or a 9-by-13-inch baking pan, spreading them out in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole, creating a uniform cheese layer.
- In a separate small bowl, combine Panko bread crumbs with melted unsalted butter, stirring until the crumbs are thoroughly moistened and slightly clumpy.
- Distribute the buttered bread crumbs evenly over the cheese-topped casserole, creating a golden, crispy topping.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, watching for a light golden-brown bread crumb crust and bubbling edges that indicate the dish is heated through.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to allow the ingredients to settle. Serve piping hot, optionally accompanied by mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or egg noodles.
Notes
- Meal planning becomes effortless with this make-ahead casserole that can be prepped in advance and baked when ready.
- Condensed soup acts as a magical binding agent, creating a luxurious sauce that elevates the entire dish’s flavor profile.
- Panko breadcrumbs deliver an irresistible golden crunch, transforming an ordinary chicken casserole into a texture-packed experience.
- Versatile protein options like rotisserie or leftover chicken make this recipe a lifesaver for busy home cooks seeking quick dinner solutions.
- Strategic seasoning blend with garlic powder, onion powder, and dry mustard introduces complex layers of flavor that dance across your taste buds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg