Zesty Chicken Divan Delight

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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Zesty Chicken Divan Delight is a delightful twist on a classic casserole. With its creamy, cheesy layers and a touch of lemony brightness, this dish brings comfort and zing to your dinner table. Perfect for a cozy family meal or a casual dinner party.

Ingredients for Zesty Chicken Divan Delight

The star of the show is the chicken breasts, providing a lean, protein-rich base. Meanwhile, broccoli florets add a fresh, nutritious crunch. Sharp cheddar cheese brings rich depth and gooey texture, while Greek yogurt offers creaminess with a tangy edge, lightening up the dish compared to traditional creamy casseroles. Mayonnaise rounds out the creaminess, while lemon juice and lemon zest add a refreshing brightness. Garlic infuses aromatic flavor, and chicken broth ensures everything stays moist and flavorful. Parmesan cheese provides a touch of savory nuttiness. Bread crumbs create a crispy, golden topping. Lastly, olive oil is used to sear the chicken to perfection.

Tips & Tricks

  • For even cooking, make sure chicken strips are cut uniformly.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F for safety.
  • Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
  • If you like a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a light side salad drizzled with a lemon vinaigrette to complement the zesty flavors. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside fluffy rice or buttery mashed potatoes. A crisp glass of white wine, like Chardonnay, would also be a delightful accompaniment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just thaw and drain it well before using to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
You can substitute with more Greek yogurt or even sour cream for a different flavor profile.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them entirely for a crustless version.

Zesty Chicken Divan Delight Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that once your dish is assembled, it's ready to bake immediately. While the oven heats, grab a skillet and drizzle in a tablespoon of olive oil. Warm it over medium heat, then place your chicken breasts in the pan. Cook them until they’re golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Once they're done, remove them from the skillet and slice into strips.

Now, let's make the creamy sauce. In a large bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, and chicken broth. Stir until everything is well combined. This mixture will coat the chicken and broccoli, giving them a delicious, tangy flavor.

Time to assemble! In a baking dish, arrange the sliced chicken strips and broccoli florets evenly. Pour the yogurt mixture over the top, ensuring it's spread out evenly so every bite is flavorful. To finish, sprinkle on the sharp cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, and lemon zest. Season everything with a pinch of salt and pepper, then top with breadcrumbs for that irresistible crispy crust.

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden. Once done, let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
  • Combines creamy and cheesy goodness with a fresh citrus kick.
  • A healthier take using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
  • Perfect for using up leftover chicken or veggies.
  • Kid-friendly yet sophisticated enough for adults.

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup Greek yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp lemon zest

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side.
3. Remove chicken from skillet and slice into strips.
4. In a large bowl, mix Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, and chicken broth until well combined.
5. In a baking dish, arrange chicken strips and broccoli florets evenly.
6. Pour yogurt mixture over the chicken and broccoli.
7. Sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, and lemon zest over the top.
8. Season with salt and pepper.
9. Top with breadcrumbs for a crispy crust.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
11. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

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