Creamy Chicken Divan

Chicken Divan is a rich and creamy chicken broccoli casserole that’s packed with flavor and topped with a crispy, golden breadcrumb crust. Made with tender chicken, broccoli, a cheesy sauce, and a crunchy topping, this comforting dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special family meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy & Flavorful: A luscious, cheesy sauce coats every bite.
• Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients and quick assembly.
• Family Favorite: A comforting, nostalgic dish loved by all ages.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance and baked later.
• Customizable: Adjust seasonings or add extra veggies to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Casserole:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper, divided
• 16 ounces frozen broccoli florets, thawed and drained
• 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder

For the Topping:

• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Directions

1. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken cubes, season with salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
3. Prepare the broccoli: Thaw frozen broccoli according to package instructions. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
4. Make the sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, cheddar cheese, milk, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and remaining ¼ teaspoon pepper.
5. Assemble the casserole: Fold in the cooked chicken and thawed broccoli into the sauce mixture. Spread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
6. Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
7. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
8. Rest & Serve: Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Resting Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Curry Chicken Divan: Add 1 teaspoon of curry powder to the sauce for a flavorful twist.
• Lighter Option: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and sour cream.
• Extra Cheesy: Add an extra ½ cup of cheddar cheese to the sauce or sprinkle cheese on top before baking.
• Different Protein: Swap chicken for turkey or even rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds for the topping.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Yes! Steam or blanch fresh broccoli before adding it to the casserole.

How do I make Chicken Divan ahead of time?

Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even easier.

What can I serve with Chicken Divan?

It pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or garlic bread.

How do I make it extra creamy?

Increase the amount of sour cream or milk for a richer texture.

Can I add pasta?

Yes, mix in cooked pasta for a heartier dish.

What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?

You can substitute with cream of mushroom or a homemade creamy sauce.

Can I make this casserole spicy?

Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.

What cheese works best for this recipe?

Cheddar is classic, but you can also use Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan.

How do I prevent the topping from getting soggy?

Bake uncovered, and if needed, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for extra crispiness.

Conclusion

Chicken Divan is a comforting, creamy, and cheesy casserole that’s easy to make and perfect for family dinners. Whether you stick to the classic version or try a fun variation, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite. Serve it with rice, potatoes, or a fresh side salad for a complete meal. Enjoy!

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