Welcome to your new favorite family dinner! This creamy chicken divan casserole is the ultimate comfort food, blending tender chicken and fresh broccoli in a rich, velvety sauce. It is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. With its satisfying texture and crispy, buttery topping, this classic dish promises a delicious meal that everyone will love. Get ready to create a truly memorable meal!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Divan Casserole
Our chicken divan casserole recipe makes mealtime simple and delicious. Here is why it will quickly become a household favorite:
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You only need readily available ingredients to create a dish bursting with savory goodness.
- Perfect for Weeknight Dinners: Enjoy a hearty, homemade meal with minimal effort, even on your busiest evenings.
- Customizable to Dietary Needs: Easily adapt this recipe to suit various preferences, from gluten-free options to different vegetables.
- Excellent Make-Ahead Option: Prepare this comforting casserole in advance and bake it when you are ready to serve.
- Satisfying Comfort Food Classic: Indulge in a dish that feels like a warm hug, perfect for cozy gatherings or a family treat.
Ingredients
To make this amazing chicken divan casserole, gather these simple ingredients. You will appreciate how easily they come together for a flavorful meal.
For the Casserole:
- 2 Tablespoons butter (for sautéing)
- 2 lbs. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black 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. can cream of chicken soup (condensed)
- 2/3 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- 2 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
For the Cracker Topping:
- ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers (or panko breadcrumbs)
- 2 Tablespoons butter, melted
Notes & Substitutions
- Chicken: For this creamy chicken bake, use cooked chicken like leftover rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken breasts to save time. If using raw, ensure it is cooked through.
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets offer the best texture, but frozen broccoli works beautifully too. Thaw and drain frozen broccoli before adding it.
- Cream Sauce Base: Canned cream of chicken soup creates a quick, rich base. For a homemade alternative, make a béchamel sauce with chicken broth.
- Dairy: Sour cream adds a lovely tanginess. You can substitute with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option or mayonnaise for a richer flavor.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese provides the most flavor. Monterey Jack, Colby, or a cheddar blend are also great choices for this classic chicken divan.
- Topping: Ritz crackers provide a buttery, crunchy topping. Panko breadcrumbs or crushed butter crackers are excellent alternatives.
- Seasonings: Adjust salt, pepper, and other seasonings to your preference. Consider adding a pinch of dried thyme or a dash of hot sauce for extra zest.
Equipment
You will need just a few basic kitchen tools to create this delicious chicken divan casserole.
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or spoon for stirring
Instructions
Creating this easy chicken divan casserole comes together in simple steps, perfect for any home cook. Follow these instructions for a perfectly delicious meal.
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season 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 celery. Toss to coat and sauté for 3 minutes, until the chicken is about halfway cooked through.
- Add Broccoli and Finish Cooking: Stir in the broccoli florets and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Continue to cook for 3-5 more minutes, or 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, add the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder. Stir everything together until well combined and smooth.
- Mix in Cheese: Fold in half (1 ¼ cups) of the shredded cheddar cheese into the chicken and broccoli mixture. Stir until the cheese is melted and incorporated.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the entire chicken and broccoli mixture into a lightly greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread it evenly. Top with the remaining 1 ¼ cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Initial Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated 350°F oven.
- Prepare Cracker Topping: While the casserole bakes, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the crushed Ritz crackers.
- Add Topping and Final Bake: After 20 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and carefully remove the foil. Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C). Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Golden Finish: Return the uncovered casserole to the oven. Bake for another 8-10 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the classic chicken divan from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Ensure your chicken divan dish turns out perfectly every time with these helpful tips and quick fixes.
Pro Tips
- Evenly Dice Chicken: Cut chicken into uniform pieces for consistent cooking. This prevents some pieces from drying out while others are undercooked.
- Don’t Overcook Broccoli: Cook broccoli until it is tender-crisp in the skillet. It will continue to cook in the oven, so avoid mushy florets.
- Grate Your Own Cheddar: Freshly grated cheddar cheese melts smoother and tastes better than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents. Many culinary experts suggest that freshly grated cheese melts smoother and has a better flavor profile.
- Season Generously: Taste and adjust seasonings at each step. A well-seasoned dish is always more flavorful.
- Perfect Ritz Topping: Mix the melted butter thoroughly with the crushed crackers. This ensures an even, golden-brown crust for your savory chicken casserole.
Troubleshooting
- Casserole Too Watery? This can happen if broccoli or chicken releases too much moisture. Drain any excess liquid from the pan before adding sauce ingredients.
- Bland Flavor? Add a pinch more salt, pepper, or onion/garlic powder. A dash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard can also boost the taste.
- Dry Chicken Issues? Ensure you do not overcook the chicken during the initial sauté. Using cooked chicken, like rotisserie, can help maintain moisture.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile chicken divan casserole pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
- Serve it over fluffy white rice, egg noodles, or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
- Offer alongside some crusty bread or dinner rolls, perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Proper storage ensures you can enjoy your flavorful chicken divan for days to come.
- Cool Completely: Always let the casserole cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation and keeps it fresh.
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Transfer leftover classic chicken divan to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Oven Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying.
- Microwave Reheating: For a quick option, microwave individual servings on medium power, stirring occasionally, until hot. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the chicken dry.
Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions
Prepare this amazing chicken divan casserole in advance to simplify your meal prep.
- Assemble Ahead: You can assemble the unbaked casserole, without the cracker topping, up to two days in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Add the topping just before baking.
- Freeze Unbaked: To freeze unbaked, assemble the casserole (without the cracker topping) in a freezer-safe dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, then add topping.
- Freeze Baked: Baked casserole can also be frozen. Cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight, then reheat in the oven until warmed through.
- Baking from Frozen (Unbaked): If baking directly from frozen, remove from freezer, cover, and bake at 350°F for 60-75 minutes. Remove foil, add cracker topping, then bake an additional 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Variations
Get creative with your creamy chicken bake using these delicious variations.
- Vegetable Additions: Enhance your chicken divan dish with sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or even a handful of frozen peas.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with other cheeses like Swiss, Gruyere, or Parmesan for different flavor profiles. A blend of cheeses also works well.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or some red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
- Gluten-Free Alternatives: Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup, gluten-free crackers for the topping, and a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce if making from scratch.
- Lighter Version: Use low-fat sour cream and skim milk. Swap half the cheese for a lower-fat option.
Nutrition
This homemade chicken divan casserole offers a balanced meal, providing essential nutrients. While exact values vary based on ingredients and portion sizes, this comforting dish generally provides a good source of protein, along with carbohydrates and fats. Making it at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients, often resulting in a more wholesome meal compared to store-bought versions.
Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients used and a serving size of 1/6th of the casserole.
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 510 |
| Protein | 45 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
FAQ
You have questions, and we have answers about this delightful chicken and broccoli casserole.
- What is Chicken Divan? Chicken Divan is a classic American casserole made with cooked chicken, broccoli, and a rich, creamy sauce, typically topped with cheese and a crunchy breadcrumb or cracker topping. It is a hearty and comforting meal.
- Why is it called Chicken Divan? The dish originated at the Divan Parisienne Restaurant in New York City in the early 20th century. Culinary historians trace its creation to the Divan Parisienne Restaurant in New York City. Its name is a nod to the restaurant where it was first created.
- Can I use rotisserie chicken? Absolutely! Using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. Simply shred or dice it and add it to the recipe as directed.
- Can I use fresh or frozen broccoli? Both fresh and frozen broccoli work well for this chicken divan casserole. If using frozen, be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to prevent excess water in the casserole.
- Is this recipe freezer-friendly? Yes, this casserole is very freezer-friendly. You can freeze it unbaked or baked, following the instructions above for the best results.
- How long does chicken divan last? When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, leftover chicken divan will remain fresh for 3-4 days.
Conclusion
There is a reason this chicken divan casserole remains a beloved classic for families everywhere. With its tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, creamy sauce, and irresistible crispy topping, it is the definition of comforting, simple food. This recipe proves that making delicious, homemade meals can be easy and stress-free, even for busy parents and beginners. We encourage you to try this delightful dish and experience its magic for yourself. Do not forget to leave a comment and rate the recipe once you have enjoyed it!