Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal: chicken divan casserole! This comforting dish brings together tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, creamy sauce, all topped with a delightful crunchy finish. It is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a perfect option for busy evenings. Get ready to create an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner that will become a staple in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Divan Casserole
You will quickly understand why this chicken divan casserole recipe is a beloved classic for so many reasons:
- Simple Preparation: The steps are straightforward, perfect for beginners and busy cooks alike.
- Delicious & Satisfying: It is pure comfort food, hearty and flavorful enough to please everyone.
- Family Favorite: This dish is a guaranteed hit at the dinner table, appealing to both kids and adults.
- Customizable: Easily swap ingredients to suit your family’s tastes or what you have on hand.
- Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly: Prepare it in advance or freeze leftovers for quick meals later.
Ingredients for Chicken Divan Casserole
Gather these ingredients to create your delicious chicken divan casserole:
- 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
You have many options to adapt this creamy chicken bake. Use cooked rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken breasts for a shortcut. Fresh or thawed frozen broccoli works wonderfully here. For the cream sauce, substitute mayonnaise for sour cream, or use a homemade cream of chicken soup if you prefer. Feel free to use Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or a cheese blend instead of cheddar. Panko breadcrumbs or other crackers can replace Ritz for the topping. Experiment by adding mushrooms, peas, or carrots to the vegetable mix.
Equipment You’ll Need
You likely have most of these items already:
- Dutch oven or large skillet
- 9×13 inch casserole dish
- Chopping board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or stirring spoon
How to Make Chicken Divan Casserole: Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating this easy chicken divan dish is a breeze with these clear steps.
- Prepare the oven and dish: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish and set it aside.
- Dice the chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper.
- Sauté aromatics and chicken: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, yellow onion, and celery to the pot. Toss everything to coat in the butter. Sauté for about 3 minutes, or until the chicken is about halfway cooked through.
- Add broccoli: Stir in the 4 cups of broccoli florets and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes, ensuring the chicken is cooked through and the broccoli is tender-crisp. Remove the pot from the heat once cooked.
- Create the creamy sauce: Into the pot with the chicken and broccoli, add the 10.5 oz can of cream of chicken soup, 2/3 cup of sour cream, and ½ cup of milk. Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder. Add half of the shredded cheddar cheese (1 ¼ cups) to the mixture. Stir everything together until well combined and the sauce is smooth.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the entire creamy chicken and broccoli mixture from the pot into your prepared 9×13 inch casserole dish. Spread it evenly. Top the mixture with the remaining 1 ¼ cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
- First bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated 350-degree F oven.
- Prepare topping and final bake: While the casserole bakes, melt 2 tablespoons of butter (not listed in main ingredients, but implied for cracker topping if ½ cup crushed Ritz is listed). In a small bowl, combine this melted butter with the ½ cup of crushed Ritz crackers. After 20 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and carefully remove the foil cover. Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees F (200 C).
- Add topping and finish: Sprinkle the buttery Ritz cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes. The topping should turn golden brown and crispy.
- Rest and serve: Once golden, remove the chicken divan casserole from the oven. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the sauce to set slightly.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Divan Casserole
Master this comfort food classic with these helpful tips. Avoid overcooking the chicken in the initial sauté to keep it wonderfully tender and juicy. Ensure your broccoli is cooked just until al dente; it will finish cooking in the oven. Prevent a watery casserole by patting any thawed frozen broccoli completely dry before adding it to the mix. For an extra crispy cracker topping, toast the Ritz crackers lightly in a dry pan before crushing them. Enhance the dish’s flavor by stirring in some fresh chopped parsley just before serving.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations
This versatile chicken divan casserole pairs well with many sides.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over fluffy white rice for a classic pairing.
- Pair with creamy mashed potatoes for ultimate comfort.
- Enjoy with warm, flaky biscuits to sop up the sauce.
- Offer alongside egg noodles for a satisfying meal.
- Serve with a simple green salad to balance the richness.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate any leftover chicken divan casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze the cooked casserole in a freezer-safe dish or container for up to 3 months.
- Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave or a larger portion in the oven until warmed through.
Variations
- Add sliced mushrooms or colorful bell peppers to the sauté mix for extra veggies.
- Use different cheeses like grated Parmesan, sharp Swiss, or a smoky provolone.
- Spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes stirred into the sauce.
- Make it with leftover turkey after holidays for a delicious lighter option.
- Add a splash of dry white wine to the sauce for an elevated flavor profile.
Chicken Divan Casserole Nutrition Information
Discover more about the many benefits of this cruciferous vegetable. This creamy chicken dish offers a good source of protein from the chicken and essential vitamins from the nutritional benefits of broccoli. While it is a satisfying meal, it also contains calories and fat from the cheese and creamy sauce. For detailed nutrition facts, including precise calorie, fat, carbohydrate, and sodium counts, please refer to the specific recipe card. This information can vary based on exact ingredient brands and portion sizes.
| Per Serving (approx.) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450-550 kcal |
| Protein | 35-45g |
| Fat | 25-35g |
| Carbohydrates | 20-30g |
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Divan Casserole
What exactly is Chicken Divan?
Chicken Divan is a classic American casserole featuring cooked chicken and broccoli, often in a creamy cheese sauce, baked and typically topped with breadcrumbs or crackers. It is a comforting and easy-to-prepare meal perfect for families.
Why is it named “Chicken Divan”?
To learn more about this classic’s beginnings, explore its fascinating story. The dish originated at the origin of Chicken Divan in the Divan Parisienne Restaurant in New York City in the early 20th century. Its creator, a French chef named Lagasi, introduced this savory chicken and broccoli bake to the restaurant’s patrons.
Can I use raw chicken directly in the casserole?
While some recipes use raw chicken, it’s best to pre-cook your chicken for this version to ensure it’s tender and fully cooked. Pre-cooking also helps prevent a watery casserole.
How can I make this casserole ahead of time?
You can assemble the entire chicken divan casserole (without the cracker topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then add the cracker topping just before baking.
What prevents the casserole from being too runny?
Ensure your broccoli is well-drained, especially if using frozen, and cook the chicken fully before combining it with the sauce. A brief rest after baking also helps the sauce thicken.
Can I make this a gluten-free dish?
Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free by using a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs for the topping. Always check all ingredient labels.
Conclusion
This classic chicken divan casserole truly delivers on its promise of an easy, delicious, and comforting meal. With its tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and rich, creamy sauce, it is no wonder this dish remains a timeless family favorite. Feel free to adapt the ingredients to your taste and enjoy the simplicity of this adaptable recipe. Go ahead, gather your ingredients, and savor every warm, comforting bite of your homemade comfort food!