Jump to Recipe Print Recipe“Comfort food” doesn’t even begin to describe the warm embrace of a homemade Chicken Divan casserole. This classic dish marries tender chicken and vibrant broccoli in a velvety, creamy sauce that’s hard to resist. Best of all, it can be whipped up in a flash, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknight dinners or when you simply want to enjoy a taste of nostalgia without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, this Chicken Divan is a winner for families and guests alike, effortlessly feeding a crowd while providing a delightful mix of textures and flavors. What could be better than a luxurious comfort dish that’s both comforting and quick? Are you ready to dive into this creamy, crowd-pleasing classic? Why Is Chicken Divan So Irresistible? Comforting flavor: This Chicken Divan casserole envelops tender chicken and broccoli in a velvety creamy sauce, making every bite a warm hug. Quick and Easy to prepare: Perfect for busy weeknights, you can whip it up in just a few moments, allowing you to enjoy home-cooked goodness without the hassle. Crowd-Pleaser appeal: Whether you’re serving family or guests, this dish is sure to impress with its mix of textures—from the creamy interior to the crunchy breadcrumb topping. Versatile options: Feel free to swap in turkey or your favorite veggies like green beans or peas for a personalized touch. Nostalgic delight: Bringing back those cherished childhood memories, this Chicken Divan is a comfort food classic that never goes out of style. For more easy dinner ideas, check out my delicious Fried Chicken Street Tacos or the creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup! Chicken Divan Ingredients • Get ready to whip up this comforting classic with the perfect blend of flavors! For the Chicken Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The star protein of your Chicken Divan, ensuring a satisfying and hearty dish. For the Vegetables Frozen broccoli florets – A quick and convenient addition that provides essential nutrients; feel free to use fresh broccoli for even better texture! For the Sauce Cream of chicken soup – This forms the creamy base of the casserole, adding rich flavor; consider making a healthier homemade version if you prefer. Mayonnaise – Adds a delicious creaminess to the sauce, or you can switch it out for light mayonnaise if desired. Sour cream – Balances out the richness with a hint of tartness; plain Greek yogurt works well as a substitute. Milk – Helps adjust the sauce’s consistency for that perfect creamy texture. Lemon juice – A splash of freshness brightens the flavors of the Chicken Divan. Garlic powder and onion powder – Enhances the overall depth of flavor throughout the casserole. For the Topping Plain breadcrumbs – Gives your casserole a wonderful crunchy topping when baked, making each bite exciting. Unsalted butter – When combined with breadcrumbs, it creates a golden, crispy finish on your casserole. Seasoning Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust the amounts to suit your taste preferences. This Chicken Divan recipe is perfect for those cozy dinners and will have everyone asking for seconds! Enjoy the blend of creamy and crunchy textures that make this dish a timeless favorite. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chicken Divan Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray. This will ensure your Chicken Divan doesn’t stick and makes for easy serving later. Set the dish aside to be filled with that creamy, delicious mixture soon! Step 2: Cook the Chicken In a large skillet, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the seasoned, cubed boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cook for approximately 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once ready, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside. Step 3: Prepare the Broccoli If you’re using frozen broccoli florets, thaw them according to package instructions and then drain well. Pat the broccoli dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this is important to keep your Chicken Divan from getting watery. If using fresh broccoli, you can blanch it for a few minutes until crisp-tender, then cool and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce In a large mixing bowl, combine a can of cream of chicken soup, 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1/2 cup of sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup of milk, and a splash of lemon juice. Add in garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper for flavor. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy, creating the rich sauce that will coat your Chicken Divan. Step 5: Combine Chicken and Broccoli Fold the cooked chicken and drained broccoli gently into the creamy sauce in the mixing bowl. Make sure everything is evenly coated with the sauce, as this mixture is what makes Chicken Divan so delicious. Once combined, it’s ready to be transferred to the prepared baking dish. Step 6: Spread the Mixture Pour the creamy chicken and broccoli mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly using a spatula to create a flat layer, ensuring that every corner of your Chicken Divan is filled with that sumptuous filling. This will allow for even baking and ensure each bite is as delightful as the last. Step 7: Prepare the Topping In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of plain breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter until the crumbs are well-coated. This mixture will form a golden topping over your Chicken Divan. Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumbs evenly over the casserole, ensuring to cover all visible areas to create a crunchy texture once baked. Step 8: Bake the Casserole Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. After this time, check whether the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden brown. If it looks like it needs a little extra time, continue baking until that perfect golden crust has formed. Step 9: Let Stand Before Serving Once your Chicken Divan is out of the oven, let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the casserole set, making it easier to slice and serve. Enjoy this comforting dish with your favorite sides or on its own, relishing every creamy, crunchy bite! Make Ahead Options These Chicken Divan casseroles are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the creamy chicken and broccoli mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the steps to cook the chicken and combine it with the sauce and vegetables, then transfer it to your greased baking dish without the breadcrumb topping. Cover tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle the buttery breadcrumbs on top and add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through evenly. This way, you’ll enjoy a warm, comforting dish that’s just as delicious as if you made it fresh! What to Serve with Creamy Chicken Divan Casserole Cozy up your table with delightful sides that enhance the rich, creamy flavors of this classic dish. Garlic Bread: A warm, crunchy accompaniment that perfectly balances the creamy texture of your Chicken Divan, inviting everyone to dig in. Its aromatic allure adds a comforting touch to the meal. Mixed Green Salad: Crisp greens, tossed with a zesty vinaigrette, add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole. The bright flavors will invigorate your palate between bites of creamy heaven. Steamed Green Beans: Tender yet crisp green beans offer a lovely crunch and a pop of color, making your plate feel vibrant and fresh. A sprinkle of lemon zest can enhance their flavor even more! Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes provide a comforting and hearty companion. Their silkiness wraps around the savory elements of the Chicken Divan, creating a harmony of textures. Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Seasoned and roasted to perfection, these sprouts add a delightful crunch and earthy flavor, bringing an elevated taste to your dinner table. Cranberry Sauce: A spoonful of tangy cranberry sauce contrasts beautifully with the rich flavors of the casserole. Its sweetness provides a refreshing counterpoint worth experiencing! Chardonnay: An elegant glass of chilled Chardonnay complements the creamy nature of Chicken Divan, enhancing the dish’s flavors with its fruity and buttery notes. Lemon Sorbet: Finish off the meal with a light, refreshing sorbet. Its citrusy zing helps cleanse the palate, leaving you feeling satisfied but not overloaded. Embrace a full meal that delights the senses and transforms your dinner into a comforting experience! How to Store and Freeze Chicken Divan Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Allow the casserole to cool completely before refrigerating. Freezer: To freeze Chicken Divan, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to 3 months. Reheating: For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 25-30 minutes. Make-Ahead: Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time for even cooking. Expert Tips for Chicken Divan Chicken Cooking: Ensure chicken is cooked thoroughly: Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety and optimal flavor in your Chicken Divan. Broccoli Prep: Pat broccoli dry for best results: Removing excess moisture prevents a watery casserole that can compromise the creamy texture. Flavor Adjustment: Taste and adjust seasonings: Try varying salt and pepper based on your preference; don’t hesitate to make it your own! Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to sit post-baking: This enhances the sliceability of your Chicken Divan, making serving easier. Storage Tip: Save for later enjoyment: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, so you can enjoy this classic multiple times! Chicken Divan Variations & Substitutions Feel free to make this Chicken Divan uniquely yours with these delightful twists and substitutions! Turkey Swap: Use cooked turkey instead of chicken for a delicious post-holiday dish. The flavor pairs wonderfully with a creamy sauce! Veggie Delight: Substitute broccoli with fresh green beans, peas, or even cauliflower for a colorful variation. Each veggie brings its own lovely texture. Cheese Change: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for a unique flavor profile. Mixing cheeses can elevate the richness and surprise your taste buds! Dairy-Free Option: Swap out sour cream and mayonnaise with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream and vegan mayo. You’ll still enjoy a creamy texture without the dairy! Crunchy Topper: For an added crunch, mix in some crushed crackers or nuts with your breadcrumbs. This will give your topping a fun twist! Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. A little heat can really enhance the overall flavor of the dish! Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or parsley into the creamy sauce. This will add a lovely freshness that brightens the casserole beautifully. For more comforting dishes, consider trying my savory French Chicken Mushroom Pie or a hearty batch of Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken. Enjoy the creative process and personalize this Chicken Divan to your heart’s content! Chicken Divan Recipe FAQs How can I select the best chicken for Chicken Divan? Absolutely! When choosing chicken for your Chicken Divan, look for boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are firm and have a pinkish hue without any dark spots. Avoid any chicken that has an off smell or feels slimy, as these could be signs of spoilage. For a twist, consider using leftover rotisserie chicken for added flavor and convenience. What’s the best way to store leftover Chicken Divan? Once your delicious Chicken Divan has cooled completely, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will remain fresh for up to 4 days. Make sure to label the container with the date to keep track of freshness—this way, you’ll enjoy every last bite without worry! Can I freeze Chicken Divan for later? Yes, you can! To freeze your Chicken Divan, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, or transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes until heated through. What if my casserole turns out too watery? Very! If you find that your Chicken Divan is watery, it could be due to excess moisture in the broccoli. Next time, ensure you thoroughly drain and pat dry the broccoli after thawing. Additionally, you can mix in a bit of extra cheese to thicken the sauce or consider reducing the amount of cream of chicken soup for a creamier consistency. Are there any dietary considerations for Chicken Divan? Absolutely! If you’re catering to specific dietary needs, consider swapping out the regular mayonnaise for a vegan or light version. For those watching their calorie intake, plain Greek yogurt can replace sour cream without sacrificing taste. As always, be sure to inform guests of any potential allergens in your Chicken Divan, like dairy. Can I prepare Chicken Divan in advance? Very! You can make the Chicken Divan ahead of time by assembling it up to the baking step and storing it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just remember to add an additional 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge. This is an excellent way to save time on busy weeknights while still enjoying a comforting, home-cooked meal. Comforting Chicken Divan Casserole for Easy Family Dinners This Chicken Divan casserole combines tender chicken and vibrant broccoli in a creamy sauce, perfect for family dinners. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsResting Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 50 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: CasseroleCuisine: AmericanCalories: 400 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts Cubed and cooked.For the Vegetables1 bag frozen broccoli florets Thawed and drained.For the Sauce1 can cream of chicken soup1/2 cup mayonnaise Can substitute with light mayonnaise.1/2 cup sour cream Plain Greek yogurt works as a substitute.1 cup milk Adjust for sauce consistency.1 tablespoon lemon juice For freshness.1 teaspoon garlic powder1 teaspoon onion powderto taste salt and black pepper Essential for seasoning.For the Topping1 cup plain breadcrumbs2 tablespoons unsalted butter Melted. Equipment Large skilletBaking Dishmixing bowlSpatula Method Preparation StepsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Prepare the frozen broccoli according to package instructions, then drain and pat dry. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Whisk until smooth. Fold the cooked chicken and drained broccoli into the creamy sauce until evenly coated. Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the casserole. Bake for about 30 minutes until bubbling and the top is golden brown. Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg NotesStore leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
