Quickie Chicken Divan
A creamy, cheesy chicken casserole with broccoli and rice, topped with almonds, perfect for a quick and satisfying family dinner with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 6 chicken breasts ⓘ
- 1 roll garlic cheese
- 1 stick margarine ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 large bag frozen chopped broccoli ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked rice ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds ⓘ
Instructions
- Boil the chicken breasts, then remove the meat from the bones.
- Sauté the chopped celery and onion in 1 stick of margarine until transparent.
- Melt the garlic cheese into the vegetable mixture and add the cream of mushroom soup.
- Cook the frozen chopped broccoli until tender.
- Mix the chicken, vegetable-cheese mixture, broccoli, cooked rice, Tabasco sauce, salt, and pepper in a large casserole dish.
- Top with grated cheese and slivered almonds.
- Bake at 350°F until the cheese melts and the top is golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, use rotisserie chicken instead of boiling your own. You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade white sauce for a fresher flavor. If you prefer a lighter version, replace margarine with olive oil and use low-fat cheese. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice can elevate the dish, similar to flavors found in Fried Chicken With Herbs.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad or garlic bread. For an added crunch, serve with a side of roasted vegetables. You could also complement it with a glass of white wine. It’s a comforting meal perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners, making it one of the delightful American recipes to enjoy.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but ensure the dish is covered to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quickie Chicken Divan contains roughly 1017 calories, with 27g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 84g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2361mg per serving (103% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack for added flavor. Just ensure they melt well to create that creamy texture you want in your casserole.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes! You can replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas for protein. Additionally, consider adding more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to enhance the dish's flavor and texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Certainly! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).