Easy Chicken Divan

$- Shredded chicken - Broccoli florets - Creamy sauce components: - 1 cup mayonnaise - 1 cup sour cream - Seasoning essentials: - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon black pepper - Topping ingredients: - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - ½ teaspoon paprika (for garnish) To make Easy Chicken Divan, you need some key ingredients. Start with shredded chicken. You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for ease. Broccoli florets add a bright color and nutrition. The creamy sauce is made from mayonnaise and sour cream. This combination gives the dish richness and flavor. Next, seasoning is vital. Dijon mustard adds a tangy note, while garlic powder and onion powder bring depth. Black pepper adds just the right kick. Finally, for that crunchy topping, use shredded cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are best for a crunchy texture. Drizzle them with olive oil to help them brown nicely. A touch of paprika on top adds a pop of color. When you gather these ingredients, you set the stage for a simple yet flavorful dish. Follow the Full Recipe to create your own delicious Chicken Divan. First, take your cooked chicken and shred it into bite-sized pieces. You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for ease. Next, steam the broccoli florets until they are bright green and tender but still crisp. This usually takes about 3–5 minutes. Make sure not to overcook them; we want them to keep their shape and flavor. In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. This creamy sauce adds richness to the dish. You can taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like it tangier, add a bit more mustard. Gently fold the shredded chicken and steamed broccoli into the creamy mixture. Make sure each piece is well coated. Once combined, transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly across the dish. This ensures every bite will be tasty and creamy. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil until they are well coated. This step helps achieve a golden, crunchy topping. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the chicken and broccoli. The breadcrumbs will add a nice texture contrast to the creamy filling. Now it’s time to bake! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden, bubbly top. If you want a little extra color, add a sprinkle of paprika before serving. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes. Enjoy your creamy Chicken Divan! For the full recipe, you can refer to the earlier sections. 1. Overcooking the broccoli Broccoli should stay bright green and crisp. If you cook it too long, it will turn mushy. Aim to steam it just until tender. This will keep the flavor fresh and vibrant. 2. Skipping the breadcrumb coating Breadcrumbs add a nice crunch. If you skip this step, your dish may feel flat. Mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil to enhance their flavor and texture. 3. Using unseasoned chicken Chicken needs flavor to shine. Use seasoned chicken or add spices to the mixture. This way, every bite is full of taste. - Substitutions for ingredients You can change up the ingredients based on what you have. Try Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangy twist. You can swap chicken for turkey or even a plant-based option. - Adding more vegetables or spices Feel free to toss in other veggies like bell peppers or carrots. Adding different spices can also elevate your dish. A pinch of cayenne pepper will add a nice kick. {{image_2}} You can make Chicken Divan in fun ways. One classic way is to serve it with rice. This adds a nice base to soak up the creamy sauce. Just cook your rice as the Chicken Divan bakes. The flavors mix well together. Another idea is to add different cheeses. You can try mozzarella for a stretchy texture. Or use Swiss cheese for a nutty taste. Mixing cheeses can make your dish even more special. If you need a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs. These will give you that same crunchy topping. Just check the label to ensure they are certified gluten-free. You can also use other thickening agents for the sauce. Cornstarch or arrowroot powder can work well. Mix them with a little water before adding to your sauce. This will help it thicken nicely without any flour. For the full recipe, check out the Creamy Chicken Divan Delight. To keep your Easy Chicken Divan fresh, you should refrigerate it right away. Place it in an airtight container. This helps prevent it from drying out. It’s best to eat it within three days for the best taste. For freezing, let the dish cool first. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. You can also use a freezer-safe container. Properly stored, it can last up to three months in the freezer. When reheating, I recommend using the oven for the best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place your Chicken Divan in a baking dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until warm. If you use the microwave, place a single portion on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out. Heat in intervals, checking every minute to ensure even heating. This way, you enjoy a warm, tasty meal every time! If you don't have mayonnaise, you can use Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. Both options give a creamy texture. They also add a nice tang to your dish. You might want to adjust the seasoning a bit. If you like a lighter taste, sour cream is another good choice. You can store Chicken Divan in the fridge for about three to four days. Make sure to put it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. To enjoy it later, simply reheat it in the oven or microwave. Yes, you can prepare Chicken Divan ahead of time. Just follow these tips for the best results: - Prepare in advance: Assemble the dish but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly and keep it in the fridge. Bake it later when you're ready to eat. - Freezing instructions: To freeze, wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can stay in the freezer for about two months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking. This way, you will have a quick and tasty meal ready to go! For the full recipe, check out the Creamy Chicken Divan Delight. This blog post covered all you need for a tasty Chicken Divan. We went over essential ingredients like chicken, broccoli, and creamy sauce components. I shared step-by-step instructions to guide you in the kitchen. You learned tips to avoid common mistakes and ways to customize your dish. Don’t forget about variations, storage, and reheating methods to enjoy later. In summary, you can make this meal your own. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and sharing it with others!$

Discover the deliciousness of Creamy Chicken Divan Delight with this easy recipe! Combining tender chicken and fresh broccoli in a creamy, cheesy sauce, topped with crunchy breadcrumbs, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. In just 45 minutes, you can serve a comforting meal that everyone will love. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this creamy classic to your table!

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Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

2 cups broccoli florets, steamed

1 cup mayonnaise

1 cup sour cream

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)

2 tablespoons olive oil

½ teaspoon paprika (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken and steamed broccoli, mixing them together gently.

In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth.

Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken and broccoli, folding carefully until everything is well coated.

Transfer the chicken and broccoli mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with olive oil, mixing them until the breadcrumbs are well coated. This will give them a nice crunch.

Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the chicken and broccoli in the baking dish.

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the breadcrumbs.

Optional: Sprinkle a little paprika over the cheese for color.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6