If you’re in the mood for creamy, cozy comfort food, look no further than this Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe. Packed with tender cooked chicken, vibrant broccoli, a velvety sauce, and an irresistibly crunchy, buttery topping, this casserole brings nostalgic flair to any dinner table. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving leftovers for lunch, the combination of classic flavors and simple prep makes this dish a true weeknight winner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe shines because of its straightforward, everyday ingredients that come together for rich flavor, comforting texture, and plenty of color. Each element is important, and even pantry staples have an important role in creating that familiar, crave-worthy taste.
- Chicken: Cooked and shredded chicken soaks up the sauce and keeps every bite filling and protein-packed. Rotisserie chicken is a superstar shortcut!
- Broccoli florets: Lightly steamed broccoli adds vibrant color, tender-crisp texture, and a fresh note that balances the richness of the sauce.
- Cream of chicken soup: This classic shortcut brings the whole creamy mixture together; choose a low-sodium version if you want more control over the salt.
- Sour cream: Gives the sauce extra tang and a plush, velvety consistency—you can use full-fat or light, depending on your mood.
- Mayonnaise: Adds body and depth, creating an ultra-luxurious texture that coats every bite.
- Lemon juice: A splash brightens the whole casserole and keeps things from feeling too heavy.
- Garlic powder: Delivers a hint of savory flavor without overpowering the classic taste.
- Onion powder: Adds sweet, mellow depth—just enough to round out each layer.
- Black pepper: Gives a bit of warmth and peppery bite to balance the richness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, gooey cheddar on top creates that irresistible bubbling blanket over the whole dish.
- Crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs: Brings crunchy, golden texture that no one can resist—use what you have on hand.
- Melted butter: Makes the topping crisp up perfectly and adds a toasty, savory note.
How to Make Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray; this helps the casserole lift out easily and ensures those crispy edge pieces everyone loves.
Step 2: Build the Broccoli and Chicken Layers
Spread your steamed or blanched broccoli florets evenly over the bottom of the dish, creating a green base. Scatter the cooked, shredded chicken over the broccoli, making sure every bite will have a bit of both in the finished Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is super smooth—this rich sauce is the heart of your casserole!
Step 4: Assemble and Layer
Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli layers, spreading gently so everything is coated. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese across the top, making sure every corner gets the cheesy treatment.
Step 5: Add the Crunchy Topping
In a separate small bowl, mix together the crushed Ritz crackers (or breadcrumbs) with the melted butter until everything looks sandy and golden. Sprinkle this mixture right over the cheese for that signature Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe crunch.
Step 6: Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Slide the casserole into the oven, uncovered, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for the sauce to bubble up around the edges and the topping to turn a beautiful golden brown. Let the casserole rest for five minutes before serving to let it set and make slicing easy.
How to Serve Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Just before serving, consider showering your Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe with a handful of freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika. These little touches go a long way to make your casserole look as lively as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to shine on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with simple side dishes. Try a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, fluffy white rice, or even warm, crusty bread for soaking up that extra creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, portion the casserole into individual ramekins for a cozy yet elegant presentation. You can also bake it in a deep pie dish for a homestyle twist, or top each serving with a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh herbs for color and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cool, cover leftovers tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. The Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to three days, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping—or next-day lunches!
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze the casserole, assemble everything except the cracker topping, then cover and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, add your fresh cracker and butter topping, then bake as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 to 25 minutes. For a crispy topping, uncover for the last 5 minutes. Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave—just watch to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli in this Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before layering. This prevents any excess moisture from seeping into the casserole and ensures a perfectly creamy result.
What other cheeses work well in this casserole?
While sharp cheddar is classic and adds great flavor, you can swap in a mild Swiss, Monterey Jack, or a blend—just make sure it’s easy to melt and has some punch.
Is there a way to make the Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe lighter?
Sure! Substitute low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat mayonnaise, and try using a lighter cheese. It’ll still be creamy while cutting down a bit on richness.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole (without the crunchy topping), cover, and refrigerate a day ahead. Add the cracker topping just before baking to keep it crisp.
What’s the best way to shred chicken for this recipe?
For the fastest results, grab a couple of forks and shred warm, cooked chicken directly on a cutting board. Rotisserie chicken or poached chicken breasts both work beautifully in the Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the comfort and nostalgia of a homemade Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe. With its creamy, satisfying layers and golden crunch, it’s the kind of dish that turns any night into a cozy celebration. Give it a try—you’ll see just how quickly it becomes a favorite at your table too!
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Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Divan Casserole recipe is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken, broccoli, a creamy sauce, and a cheesy topping. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck.
Ingredients
For the casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 4 cups broccoli florets (lightly steamed or blanched)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the topping:
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer ingredients: Arrange the steamed broccoli in the baking dish, followed by the cooked chicken.
- Make the sauce: In a medium bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Pour over the chicken and broccoli.
- Add cheese and topping: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the casserole. Combine crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter and spread over the cheese.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken makes preparation easier.
- Frozen broccoli can be used—ensure it’s thawed and drained well.
- For a twist, add a dash of curry powder to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
