Name: Chicken Divan Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped; 4 cups fresh broccoli florets; 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; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 tablespoon olive oil

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If you’re searching for a comforting, classic crowd-pleaser, look no further than this Chicken Divan Recipe. Tucked beneath a golden, cheesy crust, you’ll find tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a creamy, tangy sauce that somehow manages to be both nostalgic and fresh-tasting. Whether you’re making dinner for cozy family nights or prepping ahead for an easy weeknight meal, this beloved Chicken Divan Recipe is always a winning choice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this Chicken Divan Recipe is a breeze, and every item truly plays a starring role. From the hearty chicken to the sharp cheddar and that savory layer of breadcrumbs, each one builds on the recipe’s unmistakable flavor and irresistible texture.

Chicken breast: Use 4 cups of cooked, chopped chicken breast for a protein-packed base; rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
Fresh broccoli florets: Four cups of crisp-tender, steamed broccoli add color, nutrients, and a mild green bite.
Butter: Two tablespoons give richness and help form the base of the creamy sauce.
All-purpose flour: Two tablespoons thicken your sauce without making it heavy.
Chicken broth: One cup offers savory depth to the creamy mixture.
Milk: A cup smooths out the sauce and brings a luscious mouthfeel.
Sour cream: Half a cup adds just the right amount of tangy brightness.
Dijon mustard: One teaspoon brings an irresistible zip that balances the richness.
Garlic powder: Half a teaspoon for a gentle, savory backbone.
Onion powder: Another half teaspoon delivers warmth and complexity.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and highlighting all those delicious flavors.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: One and a half cups, divided, melt into the sauce and form a gooey, golden topping.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Half a cup, divided, boosts the savoriness and adds a touch of luxury.
Breadcrumbs: Just half a cup, mixed with oil and cheese for the perfect crispy finish.
Olive oil: One tablespoon keeps the breadcrumbs golden and crisp, not dry or dusty.

How to Make Chicken Divan Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Steam the Broccoli

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While the oven warms up, steam the broccoli florets for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until they’re a vibrant green and slightly tender. The key is to keep them crisp enough to withstand baking, so don’t overcook!

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour, creating a thick, bubbling roux. Let it cook for one minute, then slowly add in the chicken broth and milk, whisking constantly. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes, making sure it doesn’t get lumpy. Pull the pan off the heat and stir in the sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Finally, fold in 1 cup of the sharp cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan until totally melted and velvety.

Step 3: Assemble the Chicken Divan Recipe

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and start layering: arrange the steamed broccoli evenly on the bottom, then scatter the chopped chicken breast over the top. Pour the warm, cheesy sauce evenly over everything, making sure every nook gets some creamy goodness.

Step 4: Make the Cheesy Breadcrumb Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, olive oil, remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar, and 1/4 cup Parmesan. Sprinkle this mixture across the casserole. The oil keeps the breadcrumbs crisp and the extra cheese gives that signature bubbly, golden finish you expect from a great Chicken Divan Recipe.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish, uncovered, into your hot oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. Once out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything set and lets the flavors marry beautifully.

How to Serve Chicken Divan Recipe

Garnishes

For those finishing touches, sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley, chives, or even a dusting of paprika over the baked Chicken Divan Recipe. A bit of color and a pop of fresh herbs can brighten both the flavor and presentation of your dish.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs perfectly with simple side dishes: think fluffy white rice, buttered egg noodles, or a basic green salad. These sides soak up every drop of that irresistible cheese sauce and round out your meal, making it feel like a true home-style feast.

Creative Ways to Present

You can get playful with personal-sized ramekins for individual servings, or scoop the Chicken Divan Recipe into hollowed bread bowls for a fun, rustic twist. For potlucks or family gatherings, bake it in a pretty oven-to-table dish for maximum appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To store leftovers, cover the cooled casserole tightly with foil or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to three days, and the flavors often deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even more exciting!

Freezing

This Chicken Divan Recipe is freezer-friendly. Once completely cooled, cover the dish well with both plastic wrap and foil, or portion it in freezer containers. It will last up to two months. For best results, freeze before baking, then bake fresh when needed.

Reheating

To reheat your Chicken Divan Recipe, simply bake leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered, until heated through, about 20 minutes (uncover for the last few minutes to crisp the topping). For individual servings, the microwave works well, though the topping will be softer.

FAQs

What’s the origin of Chicken Divan Recipe?

The Chicken Divan Recipe hails from the early 20th century and was first served at the Divan Parisien Restaurant in New York. It’s since become a classic American comfort dish, loved for its creamy, cheesy character and versatility.

Can I use frozen broccoli for this dish?

Yes! If you’re in a pinch, thawed and well-drained frozen broccoli florets can be swapped in. Just be sure to blot them dry so your Chicken Divan Recipe doesn’t get watery.

Is it possible to make Chicken Divan Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Simply use a trusted gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the roux, and opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping. Double-check all other ingredient labels for hidden gluten.

What proteins work besides chicken?

Turkey breast is a fabulous substitute, especially for post-holiday leftovers. For a pescatarian twist, try flaked poached salmon or a mild white fish—just make sure it’s cooked before assembling the casserole.

How can I add more veggies?

Mix in sliced mushrooms, thawed peas, or even a few handfuls of baby spinach along with the broccoli. The creamy sauce and cheesy topping make just about any veggie shine in this Chicken Divan Recipe!

Final Thoughts

If ever there was a dish to bring everyone to the table with a smile, it’s this classic Chicken Divan Recipe. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or spicing up your weeknight dinner routine, trust me—this casserole is bound to become a family favorite. Give it a whirl and savor the irresistible combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and golden, cheesy topping!

Chicken Divan Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 28 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this comforting Chicken Divan Recipe, a creamy and cheesy casserole that combines tender chicken and broccoli in a delectable sauce, topped with a crispy breadcrumb layer. Perfect for a family dinner or gathering!

Ingredients

Scale

For the casserole:

4 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped
4 cups fresh broccoli florets
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
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the topping:

1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Steam the broccoli: Steam the broccoli for about 3–4 minutes until just tender, then drain and set aside.
Make the sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for 1 minute, then slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk until smooth. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Add cheese: Fold in 1 cup of the cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan until melted.
Layer and bake: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the broccoli and chicken, then pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, olive oil, the remaining cheddar, and Parmesan. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the casserole. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.