Looking for a comforting, creamy, and oh-so-delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion? Let me introduce you to Chicken Divan. It’s one of those classic casseroles that combines tender chicken, broccoli, and a rich, creamy sauce—then it’s all topped with a golden, cheesy crust. The best part? It’s easy to make, and leftovers are even better the next day (if there are any left, that is). Trust me, this dish is like a warm hug in a casserole dish, and it’ll quickly become one of your favorites!
Why You’ll Love Chicken Divan
Chicken Divan is one of those recipes that makes you feel all cozy and content while still being incredibly easy to whip up. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Comforting and Hearty: The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked broccoli come together for a meal that feels like home. It’s the perfect comfort food!
Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish comes together in no time. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or prepping for a special occasion, it’s hassle-free.
Customizable: While the classic version is made with broccoli, you can get creative with the veggies. Try swapping in spinach, peas, or even roasted cauliflower for a new twist.
Crowd-Pleasing: This dish is perfect for family dinners or potlucks. It’s a surefire hit with both kids and adults. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal that’s easy to serve.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy, comforting dish:
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of this dish, providing a tender, juicy base for the casserole.
Broccoli: Fresh or frozen broccoli works wonderfully here. It adds a bit of crunch and freshness to balance out the creamy sauce.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This pantry staple creates the creamy base for the sauce, helping tie all the flavors together.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar cheese gives this dish that irresistible cheesy flavor on top.
Mayonnaise: The mayo adds richness to the sauce and gives the casserole a velvety texture.
Lemon Juice: A little squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the sauce and adds a touch of acidity to balance the creaminess.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These pantry spices bring depth and savory flavor to the sauce.
Breadcrumbs: Topping the casserole with breadcrumbs adds a lovely crunch to contrast the creamy filling.
Instructions
Ready to make this easy, comforting casserole? Let’s get started:
Cook the Chicken: First, cook your chicken breasts. You can bake, pan-fry, or boil them until they’re fully cooked and tender. Once done, slice or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare the Broccoli: While your chicken is cooking, steam the broccoli until it’s tender but still bright green. If you’re using frozen broccoli, simply thaw and drain it.
Make the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until smooth and well combined. If you want a little more flavor, feel free to add some grated Parmesan cheese to the mix!
Assemble the Casserole: In a large casserole dish, layer the cooked chicken, followed by the broccoli. Pour the creamy sauce over the top, making sure everything is evenly covered.
Top with Cheese and Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole, followed by a generous sprinkle of breadcrumbs for that perfect crunch.
Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the casserole for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and then serve up this creamy, comforting dish. It pairs perfectly with a side salad or garlic bread.
How to Serve Chicken Divan
Chicken Divan is a hearty and filling meal, but it pairs wonderfully with other sides. Here are some ideas to round out the meal:
Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery loaf of garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to this creamy casserole. Use it to scoop up all the delicious sauce!
Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a light contrast to the richness of the casserole. Try a simple arugula or spinach salad with lemon dressing.
Rice or Quinoa: Serve this dish with rice or quinoa to soak up the creamy sauce. It’s a great way to make the meal even more filling.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts are a perfect side to add more texture and flavor to your plate.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to make your Chicken Divan even more amazing:
Prep Ahead: You can prep this dish the night before. Just assemble it in the casserole dish, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, pop it in the oven and bake as usual.
Add a Crunch: If you want even more crunch, try adding some crushed crackers or even toasted nuts on top along with the breadcrumbs.
Dietary Adjustments: If you’re looking for a lighter version, use low-fat mayo and cream of mushroom soup. You can also swap the chicken for rotisserie chicken to save time.
Use Different Veggies: While broccoli is traditional, don’t hesitate to swap in other veggies like cauliflower, peas, or spinach for variety.
Leftovers: This casserole keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave, and you’ll have a quick meal on hand.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use cooked rotisserie chicken?
A1: Yes! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, and it adds even more flavor to the dish. Just shred it and add it to the casserole.
Q2: Can I freeze Chicken Divan?
A2: Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Assemble it, then cover and freeze. When you’re ready to eat, bake it from frozen at 375°F for 45-50 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Q3: Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
A3: Yes! Fresh broccoli works wonderfully here. Just steam or blanch it before adding it to the casserole.
Q4: How do I make the sauce lighter?
A4: You can use Greek yogurt or light sour cream in place of mayonnaise for a lighter version of the sauce.
Q5: Can I add cheese to the sauce?
A5: Of course! If you love extra cheese, stir some shredded cheese into the sauce mixture before pouring it over the chicken and broccoli.
Q6: How long will leftovers last?
A6: Leftovers will last up to 3 days in the fridge. Just store them in an airtight container and reheat when ready to eat.
Q7: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A7: Yes! Simply swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Q8: Can I use other veggies besides broccoli?
A8: Absolutely! You can use cauliflower, peas, spinach, or even green beans to mix things up.
Q9: Can I make this ahead of time?
A9: Yes, you can assemble it in advance and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking.
Q10: How do I make this spicier?
A10: Add some red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Conclusion
And there you have it Chicken Divan, the ultimate comfort food that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for the family or preparing for a gathering, this casserole is sure to impress. It’s simple, satisfying, and just downright delicious. So, preheat your oven and get ready to enjoy this classic dish tonight!
Print
Chicken Divan
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Chicken Divan is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting casserole that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner! Made with tender chicken, broccoli, cheddar cheese, and a rich sauce, this dish is a family favorite. It’s easy to prepare and can be customized for a gluten-free or homemade version!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
- 16 oz frozen broccoli, cooked and chopped
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp butter, melted (optional)
- 2 tbsp bread crumbs (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup (or homemade version)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Cook broccoli according to the package instructions, then chop into smaller pieces.
- Place cooked broccoli in an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Layer cubed chicken over the broccoli.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, combine milk, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup. Stir until smooth.
- Pour the soup mixture evenly over the chicken and broccoli.
Step 3: Add Toppings & Bake
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- (Optional) In a small bowl, mix melted butter with bread crumbs and sprinkle over the cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then serve warm.
Notes
- Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup: If you prefer a homemade or gluten-free version, replace the canned soup with a mix of butter, flour (or GF alternative), chicken broth, and milk.
- Make it Low-Carb: Skip the bread crumbs and use extra cheese for a crispy topping.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated at 350°F for 15 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg