If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food, look no further than this Chicken Divan Recipe. Imagine tender chicken and crisp broccoli, cloaked in a luscious, cheesy sauce, baked until bubbly and golden — it’s a nostalgic crowd-pleaser that feels equally at home on a weeknight dinner table or for a special gathering. With creamy layers and a crunchy topping, this classic casserole has won hearts for generations and is perfect for anyone seeking an easy yet unforgettable main course.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a laundry list of ingredients for this Chicken Divan Recipe — just a handful of essential items that each play an important role in flavor and texture. With a little help from pantry staples and a touch of cheddar, you’re well on your way to irresistible, melty perfection!
- Cooked chicken breast (4 cups), shredded or chopped: Opt for rotisserie or leftover chicken to save time, ensuring tender bites in every forkful.
- Fresh or frozen broccoli florets (4 cups), steamed until just tender: Broccoli brings bright color and a fresh, slightly crisp base to the casserole.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): This shortcuts your sauce while lending rich, savory notes and a silky texture.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds tanginess that balances the cheese and keeps the sauce extra creamy.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The secret ingredient for body and a subtle richness that makes this dish special.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Delivers classic warmth and depth you’ll notice in every bite.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gently boosts the overall savory flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Don’t overlook seasoning — it ties all the flavors together.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Nothing beats the creamy melt and bold flavor cheddar adds here.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Brings a nutty, salty kick that makes the topping irresistible.
- Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): For that classic crunchy contrast that everyone loves on a casserole.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Mixed with the breadcrumbs, it creates a topping that bakes up golden and flavorful.
How to Make Chicken Divan Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
First things first: preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to set the stage for bubbly, golden perfection. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, which will help with both cleanup and serving and ensure those delicious edges come out intact!
Step 2: Layer the Broccoli and Chicken
Spread your steamed broccoli evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Then, layer the cooked chicken generously over the broccoli, covering every inch. This duo forms the hearty foundation of your Chicken Divan Recipe, making sure every bite has that ideal balance of vegetable and protein.
Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and combined. This quick, no-fuss sauce is what makes this casserole so velvety and satisfying.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the creamy sauce over your chicken and broccoli layers, spreading it out with a spatula so every bit is blanketed in flavor. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot — as it bakes, it envelops every ingredient with its warmth and creaminess.
Step 5: Add the Cheesy Goodness
Sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan evenly over the sauce. These two cheeses melt together to form a gooey, golden crown on top that everyone looks forward to with each serving of this Chicken Divan Recipe.
Step 6: Top with Buttery Breadcrumbs
In a small bowl, toss the breadcrumbs with the melted butter until they’re evenly coated. Then, sprinkle this mixture on top of the cheese layer. This step is the secret behind that iconic crispy, bronzed crust we all adore.
Step 7: Bake and Rest
Slide your assembled casserole into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until hot, bubbling around the edges, and the top is a deep golden brown. Let it cool for at least 5 minutes before serving so the layers can set and every portion holds together perfectly.
How to Serve Chicken Divan Recipe
Garnishes
Once baked, you can really make your Chicken Divan Recipe pop with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for color and a little herby lift. For a hint of citrusy brightness, try a squeeze of lemon over each serving just before you dig in.
Side Dishes
This creamy, cheesy casserole is wonderful over fluffy white rice or buttered egg noodles, catching all that luscious sauce. For a lighter touch, pair it with a crisp green salad or some simple mashed potatoes — every option lets the casserole shine as the star of your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling inspired? Serve individual portions in ramekins for an elegant dinner party twist, or layer in extra veggies for more color and nutrition. You can even create a family-style platter with garnishes set out in bowls, letting everyone customize their own plate of Chicken Divan Recipe magic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Simply transfer your Chicken Divan Recipe to an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days, making it a smart option for make-ahead lunches or quick family dinners. The sauce remains creamy and the topping stays pleasantly crisp.
Freezing
Want to freeze your casserole? Let it cool completely, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat for a cozy meal at a moment’s notice — be sure to add an extra sprinkle of cheese if you’re feeling indulgent.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven taste, simply bake leftovers at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly — about 20 minutes for a full pan, less for smaller portions. The microwave also works in a pinch, though the topping will soften a bit. Add a drizzle of cream or milk before reheating to keep the sauce silky.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken in this Chicken Divan Recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a favorite shortcut for this casserole. Just shred or chop and you’re ready to layer — it’s juicy and flavorful without any extra prep.
Is it possible to make this Chicken Divan Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the whole casserole (minus the breadcrumbs and butter) a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate. Leave it at room temp while your oven preheats, add the crumb topping, then bake when you’re ready to eat.
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream?
Definitely! Greek yogurt keeps the sauce creamy but lightens up the overall dish, and adds a subtle tang that works great with the cheeses and chicken.
What can I use instead of condensed soup?
If you’d rather skip the can, you can quickly whip up a homemade white sauce with butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk. Season it well and proceed with the recipe as usual.
How do I prevent the topping from getting soggy?
To keep the breadcrumb topping crisp, add it only right before baking and don’t cover the dish in the oven. If reheating, uncover it to let the topping re-crisp as it warms up.
Final Thoughts
Bursting with creamy, cheesy flavor, this Chicken Divan Recipe has all the makings of a new family favorite. It’s wonderfully simple yet feels like a cozy hug on even the busiest nights. Gather your ingredients and give it a try — you might find yourself coming back to this classic again and again!
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Chicken Divan Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and creamy Chicken Divan recipe that is perfect for a family dinner. This easy-to-make casserole combines tender chicken with broccoli in a flavorful sauce, topped with melted cheese and breadcrumbs for a delicious twist.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Divan:
- 4 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 4 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets, steamed until just tender
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread the steamed broccoli across the bottom of the dish. Layer the cooked chicken over the broccoli.
- Prepare Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour the sauce over the chicken and broccoli.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese layer.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until hot and bubbly with a golden brown top. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter version.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or a side salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
