Classic Chicken Divan Casserole

Gather the family around for a truly comforting and easy meal! This classic chicken divan casserole features tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, creamy sauce, all crowned with a buttery cracker topping. It is the perfect family-friendly dinner, simple enough for busy weeknights yet satisfying for any occasion. We offer options to make this chicken divan casserole with either a convenient shortcut sauce or a delicious homemade version.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Divan Casserole

Quick & Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, coming together with minimal effort and straightforward steps.
Versatile: Easily use leftover rotisserie chicken, freshly cooked chicken breasts, or even thighs to build this dish.
Comforting Flavors: Enjoy the rich, creamy sauce combined with tender chicken and crisp-tender broccoli, creating a truly satisfying meal.
Customizable: Feel free to add different vegetables, cheeses, or vary the topping to suit your family’s preferences.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare this creamy chicken casserole in advance for an even easier dinner or freeze portions for later convenience.

Ingredients

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: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and quick-cooking. Boneless, skinless thighs offer more flavor and moisture. For ultimate convenience, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, which saves significant prep time.

Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets provide the best texture. If using frozen, thaw them completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture. Steam or blanch fresh broccoli lightly before adding to maintain crispness.

Cream Sauce: The recipe uses canned cream of chicken soup for a quick, reliable sauce. For a homemade alternative, prepare a simple béchamel (butter, flour, milk) and season it well.

Dairy: Sour cream adds tang and richness. You can substitute mayonnaise for a slightly different flavor profile. Use whole milk for the creamiest sauce, or skim milk for a lighter option.

Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully and provides robust flavor. Other excellent melting cheeses include Gruyère, Swiss, or Monterey Jack for a different twist.

Topping: Crushed Ritz crackers create a salty, buttery, crispy crust. Panko breadcrumbs also work wonderfully for a light, extra-crispy topping. Regular breadcrumbs are another good option.

Seasonings: Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. Smoked paprika, a pinch of cayenne, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce can add extra depth to your chicken divan casserole.

Equipment

9 x 13 Casserole Dish: Essential for baking your chicken divan casserole evenly.
Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: Used to sauté the chicken and vegetables.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient portions.
Cutting Board and Knife: For preparing the chicken and vegetables.
Mixing Spoon: To combine ingredients thoroughly.

Instructions

Creating this comforting chicken divan casserole is straightforward! Follow these steps for a delicious, family-friendly meal.

Prepare Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and set it aside.
Prep Chicken & Veggies: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle them lightly with salt and pepper. Dice your yellow onion and celery.
Sauté Chicken & Aromatics: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken, diced onions, and celery. Toss to coat evenly. Sauté for about 3 minutes, or until the chicken is about halfway cooked through and the onions begin to soften.
Add Broccoli: Now, add the 4 cups of broccoli florets and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and the broccoli is vibrant green and crisp-tender. Remove the skillet from the heat.
Make the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the 10.5 ounces of cream of chicken soup, 2/3 cup sour cream, ½ cup milk, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon mustard powder directly into the chicken and broccoli mixture in the skillet. Mix everything thoroughly until the sauce is well combined.
Add Cheese (First Half): Fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese (about 1 ¼ cups) into the creamy chicken and broccoli mixture. Stir until the cheese is just incorporated.
Assemble Casserole: Transfer the entire mixture from the skillet into your prepared 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 ¼ cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
First Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated 350-degree F oven for 20 minutes. This allows the casserole to heat through and the flavors to meld.
Prepare Topping & Final Bake: While the casserole bakes, prepare the topping. In a small bowl, combine the ½ cup of crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the casserole. Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
Rest & Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Enjoy your delicious chicken divan casserole over rice, mashed potatoes, or biscuits!

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Divan Casserole

Pre-Cooked Chicken: Maximize your time by using a store-bought rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken. Simply shred or dice it and add it directly with the sauce ingredients.
Prevent Soggy Broccoli: Cook your broccoli until it’s just crisp-tender, vibrant green, not mushy. This maintains its texture and prevents a watery casserole.
Achieve Creamy Consistency: If your sauce seems too thick, add a splash more milk until it reaches your desired creamy texture. For a thicker sauce, cook it down slightly longer or reduce milk initially.
Crispy Topping: Ensure the cracker mixture is spread evenly over the top. Bake until it’s deeply golden brown for that satisfying crunch.
Flavor Boosts: Enhance the sauce with a pinch of nutmeg, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, or some dried thyme for an extra layer of flavor in your chicken divan casserole.
Don’t Overcook: Overbaking can lead to dry chicken and rubbery broccoli. Bake until bubbly and the topping is golden, then remove promptly.

Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations

Serving Suggestions

This creamy chicken divan casserole pairs beautifully with a variety of simple sides. Serve it generously over fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious sauce. Egg noodles are another fantastic choice, offering a comforting pairing. Don’t forget some crusty bread or warm biscuits for dipping. For a complete meal, add a light, crisp green salad on the side.

Storage

Refrigeration: Store any leftover chicken divan casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For detailed information on how long leftovers are safe to eat, refer to the USDA guidelines for safe storage of leftovers.

Ensure it cools completely before sealing.

Freezing: For longer storage, freeze individual portions or the entire casserole (unbaked or baked) for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating: Reheat refrigerated leftovers in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake covered at 350°F (175°C) until hot, uncovering for the last few minutes if desired.

Make Ahead

This casserole is fantastic for meal prepping! You can assemble the entire chicken divan casserole ahead of time, right up to the point of baking. Cover it tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the initial baking time since it will be going into the oven cold. Add the topping for the last portion of the bake.

Variations

Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like sliced mushrooms, frozen peas (stir in during the last 5 minutes of baking), or even roasted cauliflower for extra nutrition and flavor.

Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses! Gruyère offers a nutty, complex flavor, while Swiss cheese adds a distinct tang. A blend of mozzarella and provolone provides a nice melt and stretch.

Protein: Instead of chicken, try cooked turkey breast (especially after holidays!) or diced ham for a delicious alternative.

Gluten-Free: Easily adapt this recipe by using gluten-free cream of chicken soup and substituting crushed gluten-free crackers or gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for the topping.

Nutrition Information

Please note that the following nutrition information is an estimate based on the provided ingredients and preparation. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, ingredient substitutions, and portion sizes. This comforting chicken divan casserole offers a good source of protein and includes vegetables for a balanced meal.

Nutrient	Per Serving (Estimate)
Calories	450-550
Total Fat	25-35g
Saturated Fat	10-15g
Cholesterol	100-120mg
Sodium	800-1000mg
Total Carbs	25-35g
Dietary Fiber	3-5g
Total Sugars	3-5g
Protein	35-45g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Chicken Divan Casserole?
Chicken Divan is a classic American casserole dish, traditionally made with cooked chicken, broccoli, a creamy sauce, and often topped with cheese and breadcrumbs. For more on its fascinating origins, explore the history and origins of Chicken Divan. It originated in the Divan Parisienne Restaurant in New York City in the early 20th century.

Can I make this casserole without canned soup?
Absolutely! You can prepare a delicious homemade cream sauce using a simple roux (butter and flour) combined with chicken broth and milk, then season it well. This provides a fresh, from-scratch flavor for your chicken divan casserole.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Make sure to thaw it completely and pat it very dry before adding it to the skillet. This helps prevent excess water from making your casserole watery.

How do I prevent the casserole from being watery?
Ensure your broccoli is not overcooked or too wet. If using frozen broccoli, thaw and pat it dry. You can also thicken your sauce slightly by cooking it down a bit longer before combining with other ingredients, or by reducing the milk.

Can I prepare Chicken Divan ahead of time?
Yes, this casserole is great for making ahead! Assemble the entire dish (without the cracker topping) and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking for the best crispy results.

What are good side dishes for Chicken Divan?
Chicken Divan pairs wonderfully with simple, starchy sides that can absorb its creamy sauce. Mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or egg noodles are excellent choices. A crisp green salad also adds a refreshing contrast.

Conclusion

This Classic Chicken Divan Casserole truly delivers on comfort, ease, and incredible flavor. It’s a perfect solution for busy evenings, offering a satisfying meal that the whole family will love, from the tender chicken to the creamy sauce and the irresistible crispy topping. We hope you enjoy making this beloved dish and sharing it around your table. Give this recipe a try this week! Don’t forget to share your creations and tag us on social media; we love to see your kitchen triumphs!