If creamy, comforting, family-approved casseroles have a soft spot in your heart, this Chicken Divan Recipe is destined to join your favorites. Imagine juicy chicken, emerald florets of broccoli, and a blanket of velvety, tangy sauce, all crowned by golden cheddar and buttery breadcrumbs. It’s the type Main Course. Let’s dive into the magic of homemade nostalgia—one bubbling, golden dish at a time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Chicken Divan Recipe is chosen both for ease and for the unique yum-factor it brings. From creamy elements melding together to give you that quintessential comfort food mouthfeel, to pops of brightness and crunch, these ingredients work deliciously together.
- Cooked Chicken Breast (3 cups, chopped or shredded): Rotisserie or leftovers work perfectly and soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Fresh Broccoli Florets (3 cups, steamed): Bright, tender broccoli adds color and a fresh bite that balances the richness.
- Cream of Chicken Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): The creamy base that holds everything together and brings classic casserole vibes.
- Sour Cream (½ cup): Adds tang and silkiness to the sauce—don’t skip it.
- Mayonnaise (⅓ cup): Brings a subtle richness that makes the sauce extra decadent.
- Lemon Juice (1 teaspoon): Just a splash, but it brightens the entire dish so nicely.
- Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon): Infuses mellow garlic flavor throughout without overpowering.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for getting all the other flavors to pop.
- Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): A little bit of warmth for balance.
- Curry Powder (½ teaspoon, optional): For a subtle, classic flavor twist that’s unique to the Chicken Divan Recipe tradition.
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Melted cheddar is the ultimate comfort food topping here.
- Breadcrumbs (½ cup): Adds irresistible crunch; use panko for even more texture.
- Melted Butter (2 tablespoons): Toss with the breadcrumbs so the topping bakes up perfectly golden.
How to Make Chicken Divan Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze—trust me, you’ll appreciate this later.
Step 2: Layer Broccoli and Chicken
Evenly spread your steamed broccoli florets across the bottom of the baking dish, then top with the cooked chicken. Don’t overthink the layering—just try for coverage, so every bite gets both core ingredients.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayo, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and (if using) curry powder. Blending until completely smooth ensures every forkful of your Chicken Divan Recipe will be perfectly saucy.
Step 4: Spread Sauce Over Layers
Pour that luscious sauce you just mixed evenly over the broccoli and chicken. Use your spoon or spatula to gently nudge the sauce across the dish, making sure everything is well covered—no dry bites allowed here!
Step 5: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese right on top. This not only brings color and flavor but melts into a picture-perfect, gooey layer your family will adore.
Step 6: Make the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, toss the breadcrumbs with melted butter until well combined. Sprinkle this mixture all over the cheese layer for golden, buttery crunch you can’t get enough of.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish in the oven and bake, uncovered, for 25–30 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly, hot casserole with a topping that’s beautifully golden and crisp. Let it rest five minutes out of the oven—it helps everything set, and you won’t scorch your tongue in eager anticipation!
How to Serve Chicken Divan Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple, eye-pleasing finish, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top. A little lemon zest or a twist of black pepper can also brighten up your Chicken Divan Recipe just before serving.
Side Dishes
Classic white rice is the traditional sidekick here, but don’t be afraid to branch out! Fluffy egg noodles, tender baked potatoes, or even a fresh green salad work wonders to round out your Chicken Divan Recipe meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try scooping individual portions into ramekins for elegant entertaining, or spooning the casserole over garlic toast for a comfort food twist. You can even make mini Chicken Divan Recipe cups using a muffin tin for bite-sized party appetizers—these disappear in seconds!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover the cooled casserole tightly with foil or transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to three days. It’s just as delicious (maybe even more so!) the next day.
Freezing
This Chicken Divan Recipe freezes like a dream. Assemble everything in a freezer-safe dish, cover well, and freeze unbaked for up to three months. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen—just add about 10–15 minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly. If you’re in a hurry, individual portions microwave beautifully, though the breadcrumb topping is crispiest from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this Chicken Divan Recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a quick and flavorful shortcut that makes prep even easier and keeps the dish moist and satisfying.
What if I don’t have fresh broccoli?
You can easily substitute frozen broccoli florets—just thaw and drain well before assembling so your casserole stays delightfully creamy, not watery.
Is the curry powder necessary?
Curry powder is optional but highly recommended for a classic Chicken Divan Recipe flavor. It’s subtle, not spicy, and adds a lovely warmth.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply choose a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and swap regular breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version to make it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
How far ahead can I assemble the casserole?
You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it covered in the fridge and bake when ready, adding 5–10 extra minutes to account for the cold start.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing quite as comforting or satisfying as homemade Chicken Divan Recipe. With its creamy sauce, vibrant broccoli, and golden topping, it’s bound to become a go-to in your kitchen. Gather your loved ones, bake up a bubbling casserole, and watch smiles appear at the very first bite—don’t be surprised if it disappears fast!
Print
Chicken Divan Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and creamy Chicken Divan recipe that’s perfect for a family dinner. This casserole features tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a cheesy sauce topped with buttery breadcrumbs.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, steamed until just tender
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon curry powder (optional)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
For the Topping:
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread the steamed broccoli, then the chicken in the baking dish.
- Prepare Sauce: Whisk together the soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, spices, and curry powder. Pour over the chicken and broccoli.
- Add Cheese and Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top. Toss breadcrumbs with melted butter, then add as a final layer.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- This dish goes well with white rice, egg noodles, or baked potatoes.
- You can assemble ahead and refrigerate, adjusting bake time accordingly if cold.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
