Ultimate Classic Chicken Divan Casserole

Get ready for the ultimate comfort food experience with this classic chicken divan casserole. This recipe offers a delightful blend of creamy chicken, tender broccoli, and a golden, crispy topping. It’s a family-friendly favorite that’s simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You can enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal whether you make it from scratch or semi-homemade.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Divan Casserole

The Ultimate Comfort Food

This casserole is a rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying dish that everyone enjoys.
It brings a nostalgic warmth to the dinner table, making it a hearty and delicious meal.

Quick & Easy Weeknight Dinner

Follow simple steps and enjoy minimal fuss, perfect for getting dinner on the table fast.
This recipe is ideal for busy evenings when you need a flavorful, straightforward meal.

Customizable for Every Palate

Easily adapt ingredients to suit your family’s preferences or what you have on hand.
It’s a great option for even the pickiest eaters, as you can tailor the components.

Perfect for Meal Prep

This dish makes excellent leftovers that taste even better the next day.
Freeze portions easily for future meals, saving you time and effort later on.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your comforting chicken divan casserole:

For the Casserole Base

2 Tablespoons butter
2 lbs. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
1 yellow onion (diced)
1 stick celery (diced)
4 cups broccoli florets (about ½ lb.)
1 Tablespoon olive oil

For the Creamy Sauce

10.5 oz. cream of chicken soup
2/3 cup sour cream
½ cup milk (any kind)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon mustard powder
2 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

For the Crispy Topping

½ cup crushed Ritz crackers
1 Tablespoon melted butter

Notes & Substitutions

Chicken: Feel free to use cooked rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken, or even boneless, skinless chicken thighs for different texture.
Broccoli: Both fresh or frozen broccoli florets work well; ensure frozen broccoli is thawed and well-drained.
Cream Soup: For a homemade touch, you can prepare your own cream of chicken soup from scratch.
Sour Cream/Mayo: Use your preferred creamy base, whether it’s sour cream for tang or mayonnaise for richness.
Cheese: Experiment with different types of shredded cheese like Swiss, Monterey Jack, or a blend.
Topping: If you don’t have Ritz crackers, panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, or crushed cornflakes make great alternatives.

Equipment

Making this creamy chicken divan casserole requires just a few standard kitchen tools. You will need a large Dutch oven or a sturdy pot for sautéing. A 9×13 inch casserole dish is essential for baking. Grab a sharp knife and a cutting board for prepping ingredients. Finally, have your measuring cups and spoons ready, along with a few mixing bowls.

Instructions

This easy recipe for chicken divan casserole comes together in simple, straightforward steps. Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Servings: 6-8

Prep the Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get started.
Cut the chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Season the diced chicken lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Finely dice the yellow onion and celery stick.
Prepare the broccoli florets; ensure they are washed and cut into small pieces.

Cook the Chicken & Vegetables

Melt two tablespoons of butter in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat.
Add the diced chicken, onions, and celery to the pot and toss to coat them in the butter.
Sauté the mixture for about 3 minutes, until the chicken is about halfway done.
Add the broccoli florets and one tablespoon of olive oil to the pot.
Continue cooking for 3-5 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the broccoli is tender-crisp.

Prepare the Creamy Sauce

Remove the pot from the heat once the chicken and vegetables are cooked.
Stir in the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk until well combined.
Add the garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder to the sauce mixture.
Mix in half of the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts slightly into the sauce.

Assemble the Casserole

Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
Transfer the entire chicken and broccoli mixture from the pot into the prepared casserole dish.
Evenly top the mixture with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil to bake.

Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the covered casserole dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and the crushed Ritz crackers for the topping.
Remove the foil from the casserole, then evenly sprinkle the cracker topping over the cheese layer.
Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving; this allows the sauce to set.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Divan Casserole

Prevent Dry Chicken

Do not overcook the chicken during its initial sauté; cook it just until it loses its pink color.
Consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result, as they are more forgiving.

Perfecting Your Broccoli

For perfectly tender-crisp results, learn how to blanch broccoli before incorporating it into your casserole.
Blanch fresh broccoli florets in boiling water for 1-2 minutes before adding to the pan for tenderness.
If using frozen broccoli, ensure you thaw it completely and pat it very dry to avoid excess moisture.

Mastering the Cream Sauce

Whisk canned cream of chicken soup smooth before adding other ingredients to prevent lumps.
Adjust the amount of milk gradually to achieve your desired sauce consistency, adding more for a thinner sauce.

Achieving a Crispy Topping

Use fresh, finely crushed Ritz crackers mixed with melted butter for the best texture.
Bake the casserole uncovered for the final few minutes to ensure the topping becomes golden brown and irresistibly crispy.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Too watery: If the casserole is too watery, reduce the milk slightly next time, or simmer the sauce longer before baking to thicken it.
Too thick: If the sauce is too thick, simply add a tablespoon or two of milk gradually until it reaches your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty chicken divan casserole over fluffy white rice for a classic combination.
Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes to create a truly comforting and satisfying meal.
Enjoy a warm, flaky biscuit alongside the casserole, perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
You can also serve it with your favorite pasta or noodles for another carb option.
Add a fresh green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate any leftover chicken divan casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the entire dish in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.
Cover the casserole when reheating in the oven to prevent it from drying out.

Make-Ahead & Freezing Instructions

To make ahead, assemble the casserole completely, then cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.
You can freeze the casserole unbaked or baked, wrapped securely, for up to 3 months.
Thaw frozen casseroles overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating for best results.

Delicious Variations

Vegetables: Enhance your casserole by adding other vegetables like sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or shredded carrots.
Cheese: Explore different cheeses such as Swiss, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a smoked provolone for unique flavors.
Spices: A dash of nutmeg, a pinch of smoked paprika, or a touch of thyme can add depth to the sauce.
Heat: If you enjoy a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
From Scratch: For a truly homemade experience, prepare your own cream of chicken soup instead of using canned.

Nutrition

A serving of this hearty chicken divan casserole provides a balanced meal. It offers a good source of protein from the chicken and vegetables. Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

Nutrient	Amount (per serving)
Calories	450-550 kcal
Total Fat	25-35g
Saturated Fat	10-15g
Cholesterol	90-120mg
Sodium	700-900mg
Carbohydrates	20-30g
Dietary Fiber	3-5g
Sugars	3-5g
Protein	35-45g

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes. Consult a professional for dietary advice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen chicken or broccoli?

Yes, you can use both frozen chicken and broccoli for this chicken divan casserole. Make sure to thaw frozen chicken completely before dicing and cooking. For broccoli, thaw it and pat it very dry to prevent excess water in your casserole.

What is Chicken Divan named after?

Delve into the culinary past to discover more about the origin of Chicken Divan, a classic dish named after the famed Divan Parisien Restaurant in New York City. Chicken Divan is famously named after the Divan Parisien Restaurant in New York City. The dish originated there in the early 20th century, becoming a popular menu item.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make this casserole gluten-free, use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup. Substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping.

How to prevent a watery casserole?

To prevent a watery casserole, always ensure you drain any liquids from your cooked broccoli thoroughly. Also, make sure your sauce is at the right consistency before baking; if it seems thin, simmer it gently for a few extra minutes.

Conclusion

This ultimate classic chicken divan casserole truly delivers on comfort, flavor, and ease, making it a perfect addition to your family’s meal rotation. Its simple preparation and adaptable ingredients ensure a delicious, satisfying dinner any night of the week. We encourage you to try this beloved recipe soon; share your thoughts and rate it below!