Name: Classic Chicken Divan Casserole with Broccoli and Cheese Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed; 4 cups broccoli florets, steamed; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup milk; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)

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Chicken Divan is a timeless casserole featuring cooked chicken breast layered with tender broccoli and smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Baked until bubbly and golden, this dish is a comforting and complete meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please a crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe for its comforting texture, nostalgic flavor, and convenience. It uses simple ingredients, can be made ahead of time, and is the perfect combination of protein, vegetables, and creamy cheese. It’s also easily customizable for different dietary preferences and remains a staple in American home cooking.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
fresh or frozen broccoli florets
condensed cream of chicken soup (or homemade)
sour cream or mayonnaise
shredded cheddar cheese
garlic powder
onion powder
salt and pepper
lemon juice
breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers (for topping)
unsalted butter, melted

directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Steam or blanch the broccoli until just tender (bright green and slightly firm). Drain and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream (or mayonnaise), lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and half of the shredded cheese. Mix well.
Spread the cooked broccoli evenly in the prepared dish. Layer the cooked chicken over the broccoli.
Pour the cheese sauce mixture over the chicken and broccoli, spreading to cover evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the casserole.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves 6.
Prep time: 15 minutes.
Cook time: 30 minutes.
Total time: approximately 45 minutes.

Variations

Low-carb version: Omit the breadcrumbs and use more cheese or crushed pork rinds for topping.
Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free condensed soup and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
From scratch: Make your own cream of chicken sauce with a roux and chicken broth.
Add rice or pasta: Stir in cooked rice or noodles before baking to make it a one-dish meal.
Use turkey: Swap the chicken for leftover turkey, especially after holidays.

storage/reheating

To store: cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To freeze: assemble the unbaked casserole, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat: warm leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw it and pat it dry before layering to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.

What type of chicken works best?

Cooked, shredded or cubed chicken breast or thighs both work well. Rotisserie chicken is also a great shortcut.

Can I make Chicken Divan ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate it, then bake when ready.

Is it necessary to use canned soup?

Not necessarily. You can make a homemade cream sauce with butter, flour, and broth for a cleaner version.

What cheese is best for Chicken Divan?

Sharp cheddar is traditional, but you can use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend.

How do I avoid a soggy topping?

Make sure the broccoli is well-drained and don’t cover the dish while baking, so the topping stays crisp.

Can I use mayonnaise instead of sour cream?

Yes, many traditional recipes use mayonnaise for richness. You can also do a 50/50 split.

How do I freeze this casserole?

Assemble it unbaked, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.

What can I serve with Chicken Divan?

It pairs well with rice, egg noodles, or a simple side salad and crusty bread.

Can I make it without the breadcrumb topping?

Yes, you can skip the topping altogether or just use extra cheese for a golden finish.

Conclusion

Chicken Divan casserole is a beloved, time-tested recipe that offers creamy comfort and hearty nutrition in every bite. Its layers of chicken, broccoli, and cheese make it both wholesome and indulgent. Whether served for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering, this dish is sure to satisfy and bring a taste of tradition to the table.

Classic Chicken Divan Casserole with Broccoli and Cheese Sauce

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Classic Chicken Divan Casserole is a comforting, creamy baked dish featuring tender chicken, broccoli, and a rich cheese sauce, all topped with a golden breadcrumb crust.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
Stir in sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese; stir until melted and smooth.
In the prepared baking dish, layer the broccoli and chicken evenly.
Pour the cheese sauce over the chicken and broccoli, spreading to cover evenly.
In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter and sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.