Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I flipped through my well-loved stack of recipes, a wave of nostalgia hit me; the comforting sight of a bubbling casserole always brings back the warmth of family dinners. Enter the Classic Chicken Divan Casserole, a dazzling combination of juicy chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a dreamy creamy cheese sauce. This easy weeknight dinner not only transforms pantry staples into a beloved meal but also checks all the boxes for comfort food lovers. With just five simple ingredients and a crunchy breadcrumb topping, it’s a dish that saves time without sacrificing flavor—perfect for hectic evenings when you crave something heartwarming. Ready to dive into this cozy classic? Let’s get cooking! Why is Chicken Divan Casserole a Must-Try? Nostalgic Favorite: This dish will take you back to family gatherings where casseroles reigned supreme, wrapping you in warmth with every bite. Effortlessly Simple: You only need five ingredients to create this masterpiece, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Flavor Explosion: Juicy chicken and tender broccoli come together with a creamy sauce that’s simply irresistible. Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Whether it’s a potluck or a cozy family dinner, everyone will be asking for seconds. Dive into the world of casseroles with this Chicken Divan Casserole that promises comfort in each spoonful! Chicken Divan Casserole Ingredients • Get ready to gather all that goodness! For the Sauce • Cream of Chicken Soup – Adds creaminess and provides a buttery base for the sauce; for a richer flavor, try homemade versions. • Mayonnaise – Introduces a luscious richness to the sauce; Greek yogurt can be a lighter alternative. • Milk – Helps reach the perfect creamy consistency; almond milk or cream works well for non-dairy options. • Lemon Juice – Brightens and balances flavors; vinegar can serve in a pinch if you’re out of lemon. • Curry Powder – Adds depth without overpowering spice; use less for a milder flavor profile. For the Casserole • Shredded Chicken – The star protein; rotisserie chicken makes this dish effortless and delicious. • Broccoli Florets – Provides a pop of color and nutrition; frozen broccoli is great as long as it’s thawed and patted dry. For the Topping • Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Gives that melty, cheesy goodness; feel free to swap in your favorite melting cheese. • Breadcrumbs – Ensures a crunchy topping; seasoned breadcrumbs enhance flavor and can be switched for gluten-free options. • Butter – Binds breadcrumbs and makes them crispy; olive oil is a great substitute for a healthier twist. Get ready to enjoy this delightful Chicken Divan Casserole, a dish that brings comfort and joy to every table! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chicken Divan Casserole Step 1: Prepare the Sauce In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 can of cream of chicken soup, ½ cup of mayonnaise, and ½ cup of milk until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps. Stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and sprinkle 1 teaspoon of curry powder for a hint of flavor. Set the sauce aside as you prep the rest of the Chicken Divan Casserole. Step 2: Layer the Casserole Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Begin by evenly spreading 3 cups of shredded chicken across the bottom of the dish. Next, layer 2 cups of broccoli florets over the chicken. Pour the prepared sauce over these layers, ensuring everything is nicely coated for that creamy experience. Step 3: Add Cheese Generously sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole. This cheesy layer contributes to a rich and melty texture. Make sure to cover all the sauce with cheese so that every bite of your Chicken Divan Casserole will have that delightful cheesy goodness. Step 4: Prepare Topping In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter, stirring until the breadcrumbs are fully coated. Distribute this mixture evenly over the cheese layer, creating a crunchy topping that will become beautifully golden as it bakes. Step 5: Bake Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbling and the top turns a lovely golden brown. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for, where the comforting aroma fills your kitchen. Step 6: Rest and Serve Once out of the oven, allow the Chicken Divan Casserole to sit for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time lets the sauce settle, making it easier to serve. Enjoy the warmth and nostalgia of this family-favorite casserole as you dish out hearty portions! Chicken Divan Casserole Variations & Substitutions Feel free to get creative with this recipe—your delicious twists will only add to the cozy experience! Turkey Swap: Use shredded turkey instead of chicken for a delightful post-holiday twist. This option is a great way to repurpose leftovers from Thanksgiving or any festive feast. Vegetable Boost: Add bell peppers or carrots for a pop of color and extra nutrition. These vibrant veggies enhance the casserole’s flavor and provide a nice crunch. Non-Dairy Version: Substitute cream of chicken soup with homemade mushroom soup, and use almond milk to create a creamy base that caters to non-dairy needs. Cheese Twist: Mix up the cheese game by opting for pepper jack or gouda instead of cheddar for a creamy kick that elevates the flavor profile. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. The same delicious texture will still shine through. Heat It Up: For those who love a little spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the sauce for a surprising kick. Lemon Zing: To amplify the brightness, consider adding lemon zest along with the juice for an added citrusy layer that balances the creaminess. Sautéed Onions: Incorporate sautéed onions or shallots into the chicken layer for an aromatic and savory depth that’ll bring smiles at the dinner table. Experiment with any of these suggestions, and you’ll have a casserole that suits any taste bud! For more inspiration on elevating your meals, check out my guide on casserole ideas or dive deeper into comforting recipes like our Creamy Mushroom Soup. What to Serve with Classic Chicken Divan Casserole As you savor each creamy bite of this hearty dish, consider what sides will complement your comforting creation perfectly. Fluffy White Rice: The light and neutral flavor of rice beautifully absorbs the creamy sauce and creates a complete meal. Crisp Garden Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing balance to the rich flavors. Warm Dinner Rolls: Soft, buttery rolls are perfect for scooping up every last drop of that irresistible cheese sauce. Roasted Vegetables: Roasting carrots and bell peppers caramelizes their sweetness, adding a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Garlic Bread: Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, garlic bread brings added warmth and flavor alongside your casserole. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: They provide a deliciously smooth counterpart to the casserole, enhancing the comfort food experience even further. Sparkling Lemonade: The bright acidity of this drink refreshes the palate, making each sip a perfect match for the richness of the dish. Apple Pie: For dessert, this classic sweet treat rounds out the meal with a hint of warmth and nostalgia, just like the casserole itself. These thoughtful pairings not only enhance your Chicken Divan Casserole but transform your dining experience into a memorable occasion that no one will forget! How to Store and Freeze Chicken Divan Casserole Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cool the casserole completely before sealing to maintain freshness. Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the microwave or oven at a low temperature until heated through, being careful to retain that creamy texture. Make-Ahead Tips: You can assemble the Chicken Divan Casserole ahead of time sans the breadcrumb topping. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours, adding the topping just before baking for the perfect crispy finish. Make Ahead Options These Chicken Divan Casserole preparations are perfect for busy home cooks! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, simply layering the chicken, broccoli, and sauce in your greased 9×13-inch dish. To maintain the creamy texture, skip adding the breadcrumb topping until just before baking. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to bake, just sprinkle on the breadcrumbs and pop it in the oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. This way, you’ll enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal that’s just as delightful as if you made it fresh that day, all while saving valuable time on busy weeknights! Expert Tips for Chicken Divan Casserole Prevent Separation: Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave at 50% power to avoid the creamy texture from separating. Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole without the breadcrumb topping and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add topping just before baking for freshness. Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time and add rich flavor by using rotisserie chicken; simply shred and mix it in for the easiest prep. Broccoli Prep: If using frozen broccoli, ensure it’s thawed and patted dry to prevent excess moisture in the casserole. Topping Variations: Experiment with seasoned or gluten-free breadcrumbs for different flavors and textures atop your Chicken Divan Casserole. Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe FAQs What type of chicken is best for Chicken Divan Casserole? Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is my go-to choice for this casserole. It saves time and is packed with flavor. You can also use leftover cooked chicken; just make sure it’s shredded into bite-sized pieces for even distribution throughout the dish. How do I store leftovers of Chicken Divan Casserole? You should store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s best to cool the casserole completely before sealing it to maintain freshness and flavor. Can I freeze Chicken Divan Casserole? Indeed! This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will last for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking or reheating. What should I do if my casserole appears watery after baking? If the casserole ends up watery, it may be due to excess moisture in the broccoli or if it wasn’t baked long enough. To avoid this, thaw and pat dry frozen broccoli before use. If you’ve baked it already, you can drain some liquid carefully and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Can I modify Chicken Divan Casserole for dietary restrictions? The more the merrier! You can certainly modify this casserole for dietary needs. For gluten-sensitive guests, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and make sure your cream of chicken soup is gluten-free as well. Additionally, substituting Greek yogurt for mayonnaise can create a lighter version while still retaining creamy richness. How do I ensure the breadcrumb topping stays crunchy after freezing? To help keep that delightful crunch, assemble the casserole without the breadcrumb topping before freezing. When you’re ready to bake, sprinkle the breadcrumbs on just before it goes in the oven, ensuring they crisp up nicely. Comforting Chicken Divan Casserole That Everyone Will Love Chicken Divan Casserole is a nostalgic favorite combining juicy chicken, broccoli, and 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: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 400 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Sauce1 can cream of chicken soup Adds creaminess and provides a buttery base.½ cup mayonnaise Introduces richness; Greek yogurt is a lighter alternative.½ cup milk Helps reach creamy consistency; non-dairy options work well.1 tablespoon lemon juice Brightens and balances flavors.1 teaspoon curry powder Adds depth without overpowering spice.For the Casserole3 cups shredded chicken Rotisserie chicken makes this dish effortless.2 cups broccoli florets Provides nutrition; use frozen if thawed and patted dry.For the Topping2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Gives melty, cheesy goodness; swap favorite cheese.1 cup breadcrumbs Ensures crunchy topping; seasoned breadcrumbs enhance flavor.2 tablespoons butter Binds breadcrumbs; olive oil is a healthier substitute. Equipment 9x13-inch baking dishmedium bowlSmall Bowl Method Step 1: Prepare the SauceIn a medium bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, and milk until smooth.Stir in lemon juice and curry powder. Set aside.Step 2: Layer the CasserolePreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.Spread shredded chicken across the bottom of the dish.Layer broccoli florets over the chicken.Pour the prepared sauce over these layers.Step 3: Add CheeseSprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole.Step 4: Prepare ToppingCombine breadcrumbs with melted butter until fully coated.Distribute evenly over the cheese layer.Step 5: BakeBake for 25-30 minutes until edges are bubbling and top turns golden brown.Step 6: Rest and ServeLet the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving.Enjoy the warmth of this family-favorite casserole! Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg NotesReheat leftovers gently to avoid separating. Can prepare ahead and refrigerate without topping for freshness. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
