Vidalia Divan
A creamy, comforting casserole that blends tender chicken, sweet Vidalia onions, and buttery breadcrumbs, finished with a golden poppy seed crust—perfect for family dinners and potlucks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F.
- Spray a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, chopped Vidalia onions, sour cream, cream of broccoli soup, and shredded Cheddar cheese.
- In a small bowl, mix bread crumbs, melted margarine, and poppy seed.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the casserole filling.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crumbs are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken or experimenting with different cheeses, such as Gruyère or Monterey Jack. If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. For added texture, incorporate some sautéed mushrooms or spinach into the filling. Always ensure your chicken is thoroughly cooked and diced evenly for consistent baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Vidalia Divan with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Honey-Glazed Baked Chicken for a delightful dinner spread. For a heartier side, consider baked potatoes or rice pilaf. Leftovers also make a great filling for wraps or sandwiches the next day.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but be cautious not to overcook it to maintain creaminess.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vidalia Divan contains roughly 1288 calories, with 41g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 94g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (131% of the Daily Value), protein (81% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1407mg per serving (61% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble all the ingredients in the casserole dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and follow the baking instructions, adding a few extra minutes if necessary.
What can I substitute for cream of broccoli soup?
If you don't have cream of broccoli soup, you can use cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup as an alternative. For a homemade option, blend cooked broccoli with chicken broth and cream until smooth, then use it in place of the canned soup for a fresher taste.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, this dish can be frozen before baking. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover with foil, and freeze for up to two months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. Note that the texture may change slightly after freezing.
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).