Welcome to a truly comforting classic: chicken divan casserole! This beloved dish features tender chicken and fresh broccoli nestled in a rich, creamy sauce, all topped with crispy, buttery crackers. It’s a timeless family favorite that’s surprisingly simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals. Get ready to create a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will adore.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Divan Casserole
This chicken divan casserole recipe is a must-try for many reasons:
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and straightforward steps, you can have this comforting meal on the table in under an hour.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying, it hits all the right notes for a hearty family dinner.
- Highly Customizable: Easily adapt ingredients to fit your family’s preferences or what you have on hand.
- Fantastic for Make-Ahead: Prepare it in advance to simplify future meal times, perfect for busy schedules.
- Nostalgic, Satisfying Flavors: This classic brings back warm memories and creates new ones with every delicious bite.
Ingredients for Chicken Divan Casserole
Gather your ingredients to create this fantastic chicken divan casserole. Each component plays a vital role in building its signature flavor and texture.
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 2 lbs. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (see notes)
- Salt/Pepper (to taste)
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 1 stick celery (diced)
- 4 cups broccoli florets (about ½ lb.)
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 10.5 oz. cream of chicken soup
- 2/3 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- 2 ½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers (or panko breadcrumbs)
Notes & Substitutions
- Chicken: You can use pre-cooked chicken (like rotisserie chicken) to save time; simply shred or dice it and skip the initial sautéing. If using raw, boneless, skinless chicken thighs also work wonderfully.
- Soup: While canned cream of chicken soup provides classic flavor, feel free to use a homemade version for a fresher taste. Cream of mushroom or celery soup can also be used.
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets offer the best texture, but you can use frozen broccoli. Thaw and drain it well before adding to prevent a watery casserole.
- Sour Cream: Greek yogurt or mayonnaise can be substituted for sour cream, altering the tangy creaminess slightly.
- Crispy Topping: Panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or even crushed potato chips make excellent alternatives to Ritz crackers for that desired crunch.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar is traditional, but Swiss, Gruyère, or a Monterey Jack blend also taste amazing in this creamy chicken bake.
Essential Equipment
You’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools to assemble your delicious chicken divan casserole.
- A 9×13 inch casserole dish to bake your dish.
- A large pot or Dutch oven for sautéing and mixing the sauce.
- A sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board for preparing ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons to ensure precise ingredient amounts.
- One or two mixing bowls for combining ingredients.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to make your own comforting chicken divan casserole? Follow these simple instructions for a perfect result every time. This recipe yields about 6 servings and takes approximately 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cook time.
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle them lightly with salt and pepper.
- Sauté Chicken and Aromatics: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken, diced onions, and diced celery. Toss to coat evenly. Sauté for 3 minutes until the chicken is about halfway cooked.
- Add Broccoli: Stir in the 4 cups of broccoli florets and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Continue to cook for 3-5 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the broccoli is tender-crisp. Remove the pot from the heat.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: To the pot with the chicken and broccoli, add the 10.5 oz can of cream of chicken soup, 2/3 cup of sour cream, ½ cup of milk, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon mustard powder. Stir all these ingredients thoroughly until well combined and creamy. Fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese (about 1 ¼ cups).
- Assemble and Bake (Initial): Transfer the entire chicken and broccoli mixture evenly into a lightly greased 9×13 inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 ¼ cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated 350-degree F oven.
- Add Crispy Topping and Final Bake: While the casserole bakes, melt 2 tablespoons of butter (if not already melted for the initial sauté) and combine it with ½ cup of crushed Ritz crackers. After 20 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees F (200 C).
- Golden Finish: Uncover the casserole and evenly sprinkle the buttery cracker topping over the cheese layer. Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy, and the sauce is bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the classic chicken divan casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly. Serve hot over rice, biscuits, or mashed potatoes. Enjoy!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting for Perfect Chicken Divan
Mastering this dish is simple with a few helpful pointers.
- Using Cooked Chicken: If using pre-cooked chicken, add it with the soup and dairy. Only sauté the onion and celery for 3-5 minutes until softened, then proceed with the recipe.
- Preventing Dry Chicken: Don’t overcook the chicken in the initial sauté. It will continue to cook in the oven, keeping it tender and juicy. To ensure proper cooking and food safety, it’s essential to cook chicken to its safe minimum internal temperature for poultry.
- Sauce Consistency: If your sauce seems too thick, add a splash more milk until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold milk can thicken it during the final bake.
- Broccoli Texture: For firmer broccoli, cook it for less time in the pot. If you prefer softer florets, give them a minute or two longer before adding the sauce.
- Crispy Topping: Ensure the crackers are finely crushed and evenly coated with butter for a consistently golden and crunchy topping.
- Make-Ahead Success: Assemble the casserole without the cracker topping. Cover and refrigerate. Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
This versatile chicken divan casserole pairs wonderfully with various sides.
- Serving Ideas: Serve this creamy casserole over fluffy white rice, alongside creamy mashed potatoes, or with warm, buttery biscuits to soak up every drop of the delicious sauce. It’s also great with a simple green salad for a lighter contrast.
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover chicken divan casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, assemble the casserole without the cracker topping. Cover tightly with foil and then plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, adding the topping just before the final bake.
- Make-Ahead Method: Prepare the casserole entirely through step 5 (before covering for the initial bake). Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake covered for 30-35 minutes at 350°F before adding the topping and finishing.
Variations
- Add More Veggies: Sauté sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or a handful of spinach along with the chicken for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Alternative Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like Swiss, Gruyère, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a unique twist.
- Seasoning Profiles: Amp up the flavor with a dash of nutmeg, a pinch of smoked paprika, or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
- Other Proteins: Cooked turkey or even canned tuna can be swapped in for chicken, creating a delicious tuna noodle casserole variation.
Nutrition Information
This estimated nutrition information for chicken divan casserole is per serving (assuming 6 servings) and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 580 kcal |
| Protein | 45 g |
| Fat | 35 g |
| Saturated Fat | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 950 mg |
Disclaimer: This is an estimation. Nutritional values can vary significantly based on ingredients, brands, and preparation methods. Please use as a general guide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to common questions about making this comforting chicken divan casserole.
- What is the origin of Chicken Divan? The classic casserole is believed to have originated in a renowned New York City restaurant, as detailed in this history of the origin of Chicken Divan. Chicken Divan is an American dish, believed to have originated in the Divan Parisienne Restaurant in New York City in the early 20th century. It was known for its luxurious, creamy sauce.
- Can I use frozen broccoli without thawing? Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but it’s best to thaw it first and drain any excess water. This prevents your casserole from becoming watery.
- Is it possible to use rotisserie chicken? Absolutely! Using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Simply shred the meat and add it with the soup and dairy, skipping the initial chicken sauté step.
- How can I make this casserole ahead of time? Assemble the casserole up to the point of adding the cracker topping. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the topping and bake as directed when ready to serve.
- What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm, or cover the entire casserole dish with foil and warm in a 300°F oven until heated through.
- Can I make it gluten-free? Yes! Use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup, ensure your crackers or breadcrumbs are gluten-free (or omit them), and check all other ingredients for hidden gluten.
Conclusion
This classic chicken divan casserole truly delivers on flavor, comfort, and ease. It’s the perfect dish for busy parents and beginner cooks alike, promising a satisfying meal without the fuss. We hope you feel confident to whip up this creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious family favorite in your own kitchen. Enjoy creating this timeless recipe and savoring every delightful bite!