The Ultimate Chicken Divan Recipe with Rice: A Delightful Culinary Experience
Written By Avi Green
Discover the best chicken divan recipe with rice, a mouth-watering and soul-satisfying dish that promises to delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more. This classic comfort food is perfect for any dinner occasion, be it a family gathering, a festive celebration, or a simple weekday meal. With its rich and creamy texture combined with tender chicken and fluffy rice, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You Will Love This Chicken Divan Recipe with Rice
This chicken divan recipe with rice is a timeless favorite for many reasons. First and foremost, the combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible. The creamy sauce made from soup, mayonnaise, and a touch of lemon juice perfectly complements the tender chicken and al dente broccoli. Served over a bed of fluffy white rice, every bite bursts with comfort and satisfaction.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions. Swap out the chicken for turkey or tofu, or use a different vegetable like cauliflower or asparagus. This dish also lends itself well to meal prepping, making it a great option for busy weeks when you need something quick and delicious.
Lastly, this chicken divan recipe with rice is highly beginner-friendly. Even if you're new to the kitchen, you'll find that the steps are easy to follow and the ingredients are readily available at any grocery store. Plus, you'll only need basic cookware items like a rice cooker, knife, and cutting board, ensuring that you can whip up this dish without any hassle.
Ingredients for Your Perfect Chicken Divan Recipe with Rice
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked white rice (use a rice cooker for best results)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced (use a sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board for easy cutting)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Sliced almonds
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken and Broccoli
To begin your chicken divan recipe with rice, start by preparing the chicken and broccoli. If you haven't done so already, cook and dice the chicken breast. The easiest way to do this is by using pre-cooked chicken or boiling chicken breasts until they are fully cooked. Once cooked, allow the chicken to cool before dicing it into small, bite-sized pieces using your knife and cutting board.
Next, steam the broccoli florets until they are tender but still crisp. This can be done using a steamer or simply by boiling them in water for a few minutes. Drain the broccoli and set it aside.
Step 2: Cooking the Rice
While preparing the chicken and broccoli, cook the rice using a rice cooker for perfect results. Simply follow the instructions on your rice cooker to achieve fluffy, well-cooked rice. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Making the Creamy Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well blended and smooth. This creamy sauce will be the heart and soul of your chicken divan recipe with rice, adding that unmistakable rich and tangy flavor that everyone loves.
Step 4: Assembling the Dish
Preheat your oven to 350F (175C). In a large casserole dish, spread the cooked rice evenly at the bottom. Add the diced chicken and steamed broccoli over the rice, ensuring that they are distributed evenly. Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and broccoli, using a spatula to spread it out and ensure that everything is coated thoroughly.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the sauce, followed by an even layer of breadcrumbs. These ingredients will create a deliciously crispy and golden crust that will elevate your chicken divan recipe with rice to new heights.
Step 5: Baking the Casserole
Place the assembled casserole dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Once cooked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your chicken divan recipe with rice hot and fresh out of the oven. For an added touch of elegance, garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, or sliced almonds. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
For additional inspiration, check out these related recipes:
Cleaning Up
After enjoying your delicious chicken divan recipe with rice, it's time to clean up. Make sure to use a quality cookware cleaner for your pots and pans, and don't forget to treat your cutting board with cutting board oil to keep it in pristine condition.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
