Welcome to a truly comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights! This classic chicken divan casserole recipe brings together tender chicken and crisp broccoli in a rich, creamy sauce, all topped with golden, buttery crackers. It’s incredibly easy to make, delivering a delicious, satisfying dish your whole family will love. Get ready to enjoy a timeless favorite with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Divan Casserole
You’ll adore this chicken divan casserole because it’s a true weeknight hero, simplifying dinner without sacrificing flavor. The creamy sauce perfectly coats tender chicken and vibrant broccoli florets. Its crunchy, buttery cracker topping adds an irresistible texture contrast. Plus, this recipe is wonderfully flexible for meal prep, making it even easier to enjoy later.
The Origin of Chicken Divan
For more historical context on this dish, simplyrecipes.com provides additional details on the origin of Chicken Divan. The name “Divan” comes from the Divan Parisien Restaurant at the Chatham Hotel in New York City, where the dish was created in the early 20th century. It quickly became a popular American comfort food, known for its elegant combination of chicken, broccoli, and a rich, creamy sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delightful chicken divan casserole:
Wet Ingredients: 2 Tablespoons butter, 1 Tablespoon olive oil, 10.5 oz. cream of chicken soup, 2/3 cup sour cream, ½ cup milk.
Protein: 2 lbs. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts.
Vegetables: 1 yellow onion (diced), 1 stick celery (diced), 4 cups broccoli florets (about ½ lb.).
Seasonings: Salt/Pepper (to taste), ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon mustard powder.
Cheese: 2 ½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded).
Topping: ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers, 2 Tablespoons melted butter (for topping, separate from initial butter).
Notes & Substitutions
For convenience, you can use pre-cooked chicken like a rotisserie chicken, simply shred it and add it at the end. Fresh broccoli florets offer the best texture, but frozen broccoli works beautifully too; just thaw it first. If you don’t have sour cream, mayonnaise makes a great alternative for a slightly different tang. For the topping, panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes can easily substitute for Ritz crackers. You can even make your own homemade cream of chicken soup for a fresher flavor if you prefer.
Essential Equipment
You’ll need a few basic kitchen items to prepare this fantastic chicken divan casserole. Gather a Dutch oven or a large pot for sautéing your ingredients. A 9×13 inch casserole dish is essential for baking the dish. Additionally, have your standard kitchen tools ready, including a sharp knife, a cutting board, and measuring cups and spoons.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these clear steps to create your delicious chicken divan casserole with ease.
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking later.
- Carefully cut your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized, even pieces. Season them lightly all over with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat on your stovetop. Add the seasoned chicken pieces, diced yellow onion, and diced celery to the pot. Toss these ingredients gently to ensure they are well coated in the butter. Sauté them for about 3 minutes until the chicken starts to turn opaque and is about halfway cooked through.
- Now, add the 4 cups of broccoli florets and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot with the chicken and vegetables. Continue to cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes. Stir occasionally, ensuring the chicken is cooked completely through and the broccoli becomes tender-crisp. Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat.
- Into the hot chicken and broccoli mixture, stir in the 10.5 oz. can of cream of chicken soup, 2/3 cup of sour cream, and ½ cup of milk. Next, add the seasonings: ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, and ½ teaspoon of mustard powder. Finally, incorporate half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture, stirring everything well until fully combined and creamy.
- Carefully transfer the entire creamy chicken divan casserole mixture from the pot into your prepared 9×13 inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly in the dish. Then, sprinkle the remaining half of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place it into the preheated 350-degree oven and bake for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to get melty.
- While the casserole bakes, prepare your irresistible topping. In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of crushed Ritz crackers with 2 tablespoons of melted butter, stirring until the crumbs are evenly coated. After 20 minutes, remove the covered casserole from the oven and carefully remove the foil. Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Evenly sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the top of the casserole. Return the uncovered dish to the now 400-degree oven. Bake for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cracker topping turns a beautiful golden brown and becomes perfectly crisp.
- Once the chicken divan casserole is golden and bubbly, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes before you serve it. This resting period allows the sauce to set slightly, making for easier and cleaner serving. Enjoy your homemade comfort food!
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Divan
Achieve the perfect chicken divan casserole by keeping these tips in mind. The USDA recommends cooking all poultry to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C), as detailed in their safe minimum internal temperature chart. Always be careful not to overcook the chicken during sautéing; it should be just cooked through to remain tender. Ensure your broccoli is tender-crisp, adding a nice bite without being mushy. For a truly golden and crunchy cracker topping, spread it evenly and bake until deeply toasted. Taste the sauce before baking and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or other spices to suit your preference.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid a watery casserole sauce by ensuring your sour cream and milk are at room temperature. Don’t add wet broccoli to the mix. Prevent a soggy cracker topping by waiting to add it until the last stage of baking. Always ensure the chicken is evenly cooked throughout, cutting pieces to a similar size helps immensely.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
This versatile chicken divan casserole is fantastic on its own, but also pairs well with several delicious sides.
How to Serve Chicken Divan
- Rice: Serve over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up all the creamy sauce.
- Mashed Potatoes: A comforting choice, mashed potatoes provide a smooth contrast to the casserole’s texture.
- Biscuits: Warm, flaky biscuits are perfect for dipping into the rich sauce.
- Green Salad: A simple side salad adds freshness and a light counterpoint to the creamy dish.
Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions
To make ahead, assemble the casserole completely, but do not add the cracker topping. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, add 10-15 minutes to the initial covered baking time, then proceed with the topping. For freezing, assemble the unbaked casserole (again, without the cracker topping) in a freezer-safe dish. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding the topping just before the final bake.
Delicious Variations
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with Swiss cheese for a nutty flavor, or Parmesan for a salty, sharp kick.
- Add Other Vegetables: Sautéed mushrooms, sweet peas, or even diced bell peppers can enhance the vegetable medley.
- Spice Blend Adjustments: Boost the flavor with a pinch of smoked paprika, a dash of cayenne for heat, or a touch of dried thyme.
Nutrition Facts
Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this classic chicken divan casserole. Please remember these are approximate values and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Total Fat | 30g |
| Saturated Fat | 15g |
| Cholesterol | 110mg |
| Sodium | 850mg |
| Total Carbs | 25g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Protein | 35g |
These figures are estimates. Consult a professional nutritionist for precise dietary information tailored to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. Simply shred about 4 cups of cooked chicken and stir it in at Step 5, skipping the initial sautéing.
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can make a quick homemade substitute. Whisk 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of flour, and 1 ½ cups of chicken broth, then add ½ cup of milk and season with salt and pepper, cooking until thickened. This works perfectly for your chicken divan casserole.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup, ensure your broth is gluten-free, and substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. This makes your delicious casserole accessible to everyone.
Is fresh or frozen broccoli better?
Fresh broccoli offers a slightly better texture, but frozen works wonderfully. If using frozen, let it thaw completely and drain any excess water before adding it to the skillet to prevent a watery sauce.
Conclusion
This classic chicken divan casserole truly delivers on flavor and ease, making it a perfect addition to your family’s meal rotation. Its creamy, savory profile combined with tender chicken and a crispy topping guarantees a comforting experience. We hope this simple, beginner-friendly recipe brings warmth and joy to your kitchen. Give this timeless dish a try tonight and let us know what you think in the comments below!