Classic Chicken Divan Casserole

{'@type': 'HowToStep', 'name': 'Prepare the Chicken', 'text': 'Place chicken, broth/water, bay leaf, peppercorns, onion, celery, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a large pot. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook 25-30 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F. Remove chicken, let rest 10-15 minutes, then discard skin/bones and shred into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.'}

{'@type': 'HowToStep', 'name': 'Prepare the Broccoli', 'text': 'Wash and cut broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces. Blanch in a large pot of salted boiling water for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp. Immediately drain and optionally plunge into an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain very well and pat dry. Set aside.'}

{'@type': 'HowToStep', 'name': 'Craft the Creamy Divan Sauce', 'text': 'In a large bowl, combine condensed cream of chicken and mushroom soups, mayonnaise, lemon juice, curry powder, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Whisk until completely smooth. If too thick, whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of milk/half-and-half. Taste and adjust seasonings.'}

{'@type': 'HowToStep', 'name': 'Assemble the Casserole', 'text': 'Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread blanched broccoli evenly across the bottom. Top with shredded chicken. Pour the creamy Divan sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheeses over the sauce.'}

{'@type': 'HowToStep', 'name': 'Prepare and Add Topping', 'text': 'In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and an optional pinch of paprika. Stir to coat. Sprinkle remaining cheddar and Gruyère cheese over the casserole, then evenly scatter the buttered panko breadcrumbs on top.'}

{'@type': 'HowToStep', 'name': 'Bake to Golden Perfection', 'text': 'Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown and crispy. If the topping browns too quickly, loosely tent with aluminum foil.'}

{'@type': 'HowToStep', 'name': 'Rest and Serve', 'text': 'Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set. Serve warm and enjoy!'}