Are you craving a truly comforting meal that’s also incredibly simple to prepare? This chicken divan casserole is the ultimate answer! It’s a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dish packed with tender chicken and fresh broccoli. We’ll guide you through making this family-favorite classic, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. Get ready to master a delicious, hassle-free meal that tastes homemade and amazing.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Divan Casserole
You’ll quickly fall in love with this easy chicken divan casserole for many reasons.
- It’s incredibly simple, even for beginner cooks, thanks to clear steps.
- This dish delivers ultimate comfort food vibes, warm and satisfying after a long day.
- It’s wonderfully versatile and pairs perfectly with many simple side dishes.
- You can easily prepare it ahead of time, making meal prep a breeze.
- This creamy, cheesy meal is a kid-approved hit that your whole family will adore.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients for this classic chicken divan casserole is straightforward. You’ll use fresh, simple components to build incredible flavor.
- Chicken: 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
- Vegetables: 1 yellow onion (diced), 1 stick celery (diced), 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about ½ lb.).
- Sauce Base: 2 Tablespoons butter, 10.5 oz. can cream of chicken soup, 2/3 cup sour cream, ½ cup milk.
- Seasonings: Salt and pepper (to taste), ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon mustard powder.
- Cheese: 2 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese.
- Topping: ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers, 1 Tablespoon olive oil.
Notes & Substitutions
- Chicken: Speed things up by using shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken. Skip sautéing and add it directly to the sauce.
- Broccoli: Frozen broccoli florets work beautifully if fresh isn’t available. Thaw them completely and pat dry before adding to the pan.
- Cream Soup: Make a homemade cream of chicken soup with butter, flour, broth, and milk for a less processed option.
- Dairy: Mayonnaise can replace sour cream for a slightly different tang. Any milk, from skim to whole, will work.
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with other great melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a mix of cheeses.
- Topping: Panko breadcrumbs provide a crispier, lighter crunch than Ritz crackers. You can also use crushed cornflakes for a gluten-free option.
Equipment
You don’t need many specialized tools to create this delicious chicken divan casserole. These kitchen essentials will get the job done efficiently.
- A large skillet or a Dutch oven for sautéing.
- A 9×13 inch casserole dish for baking.
- Standard measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
- A sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board for prep.
- A whisk or spatula to combine your creamy sauce.
Instructions
Creating this comforting chicken divan casserole is simple with our step-by-step guide. Follow along to bake a perfectly golden, bubbly dish.
- Prep Oven & Chicken: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper to enhance its flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics & Chicken: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken, diced yellow onion, and diced celery to the hot pan. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is halfway cooked through.
- Add Broccoli: Incorporate the 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets and 1 tablespoon of olive oil into the skillet with the chicken and aromatics. Continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes. Stir until the chicken is fully cooked and the broccoli becomes tender-crisp, maintaining a slight bite. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Form the Cream Sauce: To the skillet mixture, add the 10.5 oz can of cream of chicken soup, 2/3 cup sour cream, and ½ cup milk. Stir in the ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon mustard powder. Add 1 ¼ cups (half) of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything until well combined and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Transfer the entire creamy chicken and broccoli mixture from the skillet into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly. Top the casserole with the remaining 1 ¼ cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
- First Bake: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place it into your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through.
- Prepare Topping: While the casserole bakes, combine the ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers with 1 tablespoon of melted butter in a small bowl. Stir until the crackers are evenly coated. This mixture will form your crispy topping.
- Final Bake: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees F (200 C). Remove the foil. Evenly sprinkle the buttered Ritz cracker topping over the entire surface of the casserole. Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes. Bake until the topping is golden brown and delightfully crispy, and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Rest & Serve: Once baked, remove the chicken divan casserole from the oven. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Divan Casserole
- Doneness: Avoid overcooking the chicken, as it can become dry. Cook it just until no longer pink. For food safety and optimal tenderness, ensure your chicken reaches the recommended internal temperature for chicken. For broccoli, aim for tender-crisp, not mushy.
- Flavor Boost: Enhance the depth of flavor by adding a splash of chicken broth or a dash of dry white wine to your sauce.
- Creaminess: Ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce by whisking the wet ingredients thoroughly before adding the cheese. Temper the sour cream if it’s very cold.
- Cracker Crunch: For an extra golden and crispy topping, toast the Ritz crackers lightly in a dry pan before crushing and mixing with butter.
- Seasoning Adjustments: Always taste your sauce before assembling the casserole. Adjust salt, pepper, and other seasonings to your preference.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations
This comforting chicken divan casserole is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many simple sides. It’s also fantastic for meal prepping!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this rich and creamy casserole over fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or tender egg noodles. Freshly baked biscuits or a simple green salad also make perfect accompaniments, balancing the richness of the dish.
Storage
Store any leftover chicken divan casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Make-Ahead & Freezing
- Assemble Ahead: You can assemble the entire casserole (without the cracker topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then add the topping and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the initial bake time if starting from cold.
- Freezing: Freeze the unbaked or baked casserole (without the cracker topping for best results) in a freezer-safe dish, tightly covered, for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave until warmed through. For the entire casserole, cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until bubbly, then remove foil for the last few minutes if you want a crispy top.
Flavor Variations
- Cheese: Try Monterey Jack, Swiss, or a sprinkle of Parmesan for different cheesy notes.
- Vegetables: Sauté sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or shredded carrots with the onions for added nutrition and flavor.
- Spice: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a few drops of your favorite hot sauce to give your chicken divan casserole a subtle kick.
- Protein: Substitute cooked turkey or diced ham for the chicken for a delicious change of pace.
Nutrition Information
This chicken divan casserole provides a hearty meal, perfect for satisfying appetites. The following data is an estimate per serving, based on 6.6 servings for the entire recipe.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1/6.6th of recipe |
| Calories | 640 kcal |
| Protein | 50g |
| Fat | 38g |
| Saturated Fat | 20g |
| Cholesterol | 150mg |
| Sodium | 1100mg |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 5g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Chicken Divan?
Chicken Divan is a classic American casserole dish featuring cooked chicken and broccoli in a creamy, cheesy sauce, often topped with breadcrumbs or crackers. It’s a popular comfort food known for its rich flavor and ease of preparation.
- Why is it called Chicken Divan?
The dish originated at the Divan Parisienne Restaurant in the New York City Chatham Hotel in the early 20th century. The origins of this classic dish trace back to a renowned New York City restaurant, as detailed in this origin of Chicken Divan article. The restaurant’s chef, Lagasi, is credited with creating this signature chicken divan casserole. - Can I make Chicken Divan without cream of chicken soup?
Yes, you can absolutely make it without canned soup! You can create a homemade cream sauce using butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk for a fresh alternative. - Can I use fresh or frozen broccoli in Chicken Divan?
Both fresh and frozen broccoli work well in this recipe. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in your casserole.
Conclusion
This classic chicken divan casserole truly embodies comfort and simplicity in one delicious dish. With tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, it’s a guaranteed family favorite that proves impressive meals don’t have to be complicated. We hope you enjoy making this easy recipe. Don’t forget to share your experience or any delicious twists you try in the comments below!