Curry Chicken And Broccoli Divan Recipe

Honestly, this chicken and broccoli casserole hits every spot for me—it’s the ultimate comfort food with a bit of nostalgia thrown in. The cheesy, creamy goodness mixed with a hint of curry takes me back to cozy family dinners, plus, who doesn’t love a dish that’s basically like a warm, delicious hug?

I love constructing meals that marry rich flavor with good nutrition. My Chicken and Broccoli Divan with Curry is that kind of dish.

It pairs tender, shredded chicken with fresh broccoli, whose flavor and green color shine through in this dish. Curry powder gives the Divan its warming, wonderful flavor.

The powder itself is a blend of spices that usually includes turmeric, cumin, fenugreek, and coriander, among others. Curry powder adds not just flavor but also lovely golden color.

Ingredients

Cooked Chicken:
Protein is high; it is essential for the growth and repair of muscles.

Broccoli:
High in fiber and packed with vitamins; strengthens digestive and immune systems.

Cheddar Cheese:
Supplies calcium and protein; contributes creamy richness.

Cream of Chicken Soup:
Imparts a smooth mouthfeel; provides a rich, savory base note.

Mayonnaise:
Contributes creaminess and tangy flavor; is rich in healthful fats.

Lemon Juice:
Enhances taste; an excellent source of vitamin C.

Curry Powder:
Lends warmth and spiciness; has anti-inflammatory turmeric.

Breadcrumbs:
Provides a crunchy texture; increases the dish’s contrast.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 lb (16 oz) fresh broccoli, chopped
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and apply a light coating of grease to it.

2. In a big saucepan, heat a pot of water until it’s at a rolling boil. Toss in the broccoli florets, and parboil for 2-3 minutes—they should turn a vibrant green and be tender yet still slightly crisp. Drain them thoroughly in a colander, and keep them close at hand.

3. In a mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and curry powder. Mix until smooth.

4. In the baking dish, layer the evenly blanched broccoli at the bottom.

5. Distribute the shredded chicken on top of the broccoli.

6. Evenly pour the soup mixture over the chicken, using a spatula if necessary to ensure an even coating.

7. Evenly distribute the torn cheddar cheese over the top of the chicken and soup mixture.

8. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Make sure the breadcrumbs are fully coated with the butter.

9. Evenly distribute the buttery breadcrumb mixture over the layer of cheese.

10. Place in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese bubbles and the top turns a nice golden brown. You can taste this dish before seasoning, but if you do season, use salt and pepper—that’s all it needs.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 9×13-inch baking dish
3. Saucepan
4. Colander
5. Mixing bowl
6. Spatula
7. Small bowl
8. Measuring cups
9. Measuring spoons

FAQ

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?Certainly! Thawed and well-drained, frozen broccoli can be used in this recipe.
• Is there an alternative to canned cream of chicken soup?A homemade version can be created by whisking together 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of flour, ½ cup chicken broth, and ½ cup milk until thickened.
• Can I substitute the mayonnaise?A healthier alternative to mayonnaise is Greek yogurt or sour cream.
• How can I make this dish spicier?To increase the heat, add more curry powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• What’s the best way to cook the chicken?Excellent methods are roasting and poaching. For convenience, you can also use rotisserie chicken.
• How long can leftovers be stored?Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, provided they are stored in an airtight container.

Substitutions and Variations

You can use shredded, cooked turkey in place of the cooked chicken.
To yield a flavor that is not so sharp, substitute Monterey Jack cheese for the cheddar.
The cream of chicken soup can be replaced with cream of mushroom soup if you desire a different flavor.
Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise to make it healthier.
For additional crunch, try using panko breadcrumbs instead of standard breadcrumbs.

Pro Tips

1. Broccoli Preparation After parboiling the broccoli, immediately transfer it to an ice bath. This will halt the cooking process and help maintain the bright green color and crisp texture of the broccoli.

2. Enhanced Flavor Add a bit of garlic powder or onion powder to the soup mixture for added depth of flavor. A 1/2 teaspoon of either can bring out more richness in the sauce.

3. Cheese Blend Consider mixing the cheddar cheese with another type, such as Monterey Jack or mozzarella, for a creamier texture and a more complex flavor profile.

4. Breadcrumb Options Replace standard breadcrumbs with panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier topping, or mix in some grated Parmesan cheese with the breadcrumbs before topping to add a touch of savory richness.

5. Make Ahead This dish can be assembled a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before baking, or allow a few extra minutes of cuisson time if baking straight from the fridge.