If you’re in the mood for a classic, crowd-pleasing comfort dish, look no further than this Chicken Divan Recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and brimming with tender chicken and vibrant broccoli, this timeless casserole brings nostalgia and rich flavor to any table. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or bringing something special to a potluck, this Chicken Divan Recipe is guaranteed to become a regular favorite, with its bubbly golden top and crave-worthy sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Divan Recipe shines thanks to its approachable pantry staples and a few simple fresh ingredients. Each item plays a key role, from the chicken’s hearty base to the creamy sauce and irresistible cheesy topping—it’s the harmony of these ingredients that makes the dish both familiar and unforgettable.
- Cooked chicken breast: Use shredded or chopped chicken for bite-size pieces; rotisserie chicken works wonderfully for convenience.
- Fresh broccoli florets: Steamed just until tender-crisp for vibrant color and the perfect texture contrast in every bite.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps build a silky roux that forms the sauce’s base.
- All-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the cheese sauce into creamy perfection.
- Chicken broth: Brings savory body and layers of flavor to the sauce without making it too heavy.
- Whole milk: Contributes to the sauce’s creamy texture while keeping things delightfully smooth.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and extra creaminess; you can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter twist.
- Mayonnaise: The secret to extra lusciousness and depth in the cheesy filling.
- Dijon mustard: A touch of sharpness that balances the richness and wakens up the flavors.
- Garlic powder: Brings subtle warmth and extra savoriness to the finished casserole.
- Salt and pepper: For perfectly seasoned layers; always taste and adjust to your preference.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The melty, gooey hero of the dish—don’t skimp on quality cheddar for the best result.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Elevates the flavor profile with its nutty, salty complexity.
- Breadcrumbs (optional): If you love a crispy golden top, toss these with butter for an irresistible finish.
- Melted butter (if using breadcrumbs): Helps the breadcrumbs brown beautifully in the oven.
How to Make Chicken Divan Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Steam the broccoli florets until they’re just tender but still a vibrant green—about 3 to 4 minutes. Set the broccoli aside; you want them perfectly cooked before layering, so they’ll hold up in the casserole and not turn mushy.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour, whisking constantly to create a smooth roux; let it cook for about a minute to remove any raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, allowing the sauce to thicken over 3 to 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and stir in the sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix in one cup of cheddar cheese and all the Parmesan, stirring until deliciously smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Arrange the steamed broccoli in your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Next, layer the cooked chicken on top of the broccoli. Pour the warm, thick cheese sauce over everything, making sure to coat the broccoli and chicken thoroughly. Sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheddar cheese evenly on top.
Step 4: Add the Topping
If you love a crunchy finish, toss the optional breadcrumbs with melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture over the casserole, creating a golden, crispy topping that’s simply irresistible once baked.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your Chicken Divan Recipe into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The casserole is ready when it’s bubbling around the edges and the top is golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving—this lets the sauce set and makes it easier to slice and serve.
How to Serve Chicken Divan Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over your casserole for a burst of color and a hint of freshness. A light dusting of extra Parmesan right before serving is another delicious way to brighten the flavors and presentation.
Side Dishes
Chicken Divan Recipe is heavenly served over fluffy white rice, egg noodles, or even creamy mashed potatoes. For a lighter meal, pair it with a crisp garden salad or some roasted vegetables to balance the richness. But honestly, it’s so satisfying, it can stand proudly on its own.
Creative Ways to Present
Give your casserole a playful twist by spooning hearty portions into individual ramekins—perfect for dinner parties or meal prep. Or, spoon the Chicken Divan Recipe over baked potatoes for a comforting and cozy weeknight treat. For brunch, serve it alongside poached eggs for an unexpected (and unforgettable) spin.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Divan Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually meld overnight, making for a next-day lunch that’s just as comforting as your original dinner.
Freezing
This casserole is freezer-friendly! After assembling (but before baking), cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to two months. To cook from frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed until it’s piping hot in the center.
Reheating
For best results, reheat portions in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot and bubbly—about 20 minutes. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but the oven keeps that golden topping crisp and the sauce creamy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli in this Chicken Divan Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to prevent your casserole from becoming watery. Frozen broccoli is a great time-saver and works just as well as fresh here.
What kind of chicken works best?
Shredded or chopped cooked chicken breast is traditional, but rotisserie chicken or leftover roast chicken makes things extra easy. Just be sure it’s cooked and unseasoned so the casserole flavors shine through.
Is there a lighter version of Chicken Divan Recipe?
Yes! Substitute Greek yogurt for the mayo and sour cream, use reduced-fat cheese, and skip the breadcrumb topping. You’ll still get all that signature creaminess with a lighter touch.
How do I avoid a runny casserole?
Be sure to steam (not boil) the broccoli until just tender, and drain thoroughly. When making your sauce, let it thicken on the stove so the casserole bakes up creamy, not watery.
Can I make this Chicken Divan Recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap in your favorite gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping. Every other ingredient is already naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about gathering around the table with a bubbling homemade Chicken Divan Recipe. It’s irresistible comfort food that always brings smiles and second helpings. I hope you’ll give this classic a try soon—you may just start a new family tradition!
Print
Chicken Divan Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this classic Chicken Divan recipe, a comforting and creamy chicken and broccoli casserole that’s perfect for a family dinner or potluck gathering. Layers of tender chicken, steamed broccoli, and a rich cheese sauce make this dish a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Divan:
- 4 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (steamed until tender-crisp)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (if using breadcrumbs)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Steam the broccoli: Steam the broccoli until just tender and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter, whisk in the flour, then gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk. Cook until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream, mayo, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, pepper, 1 cup cheddar, and Parmesan cheese.
- Layer the ingredients: In the baking dish, layer broccoli and chicken. Pour cheese sauce over the top. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar. If using breadcrumbs, toss with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- To make it lower in fat, swap sour cream and mayo for plain Greek yogurt.
- Serve over rice, noodles, or enjoy on its own as a casserole.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
