Classic Chicken Divan Casserole (Easy & Creamy!)

Introduction

Embrace the ultimate comfort food with our incredibly easy and creamy chicken divan casserole! This beloved dish combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a rich, savory sauce, all crowned with a buttery, golden Ritz cracker topping. It’s a classic for a reason – comforting, satisfying, and perfect for any night of the week. Get ready to create a new family favorite that will impress everyone at the table with minimal effort. This easy chicken divan casserole is a game-changer!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Divan Casserole

This fantastic chicken divan casserole recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen for many great reasons.

Quick Weeknight Winner: It comes together with simple ingredients and minimal fuss, making it perfect for busy evenings.
Ultimate Comfort Food: Enjoy a warm, hearty, and satisfying meal that tastes like a hug in a dish.
Family-Friendly Flavors: Even picky eaters will love the creamy sauce, tender chicken, and crispy topping.
Customizable & Versatile: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit your family’s preferences or what you have on hand.
Make-Ahead & Freezer Friendly: Prepare it in advance or freeze for later, saving precious time on future busy days.

What is Chicken Divan Casserole?

Chicken Divan casserole is a quintessential American comfort food dish, renowned for its creamy texture and savory flavors. It typically features tender cooked chicken and fresh or frozen broccoli florets, enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce. While many modern recipes utilize condensed cream soups for convenience, the classic version often boasts a homemade Mornay sauce, a béchamel base enriched with cheese.

The dish is believed to have originated in the early 20th century at the Divan Parisienne Restaurant in New York City, hence its elegant name. Learn more about the fascinating history of Chicken Divan and its sophisticated beginnings. It quickly gained popularity as a sophisticated yet approachable entrée. Modern iterations have made it even simpler to prepare, transforming it into a beloved family meal. The casserole is traditionally baked until bubbly and golden, often topped with breadcrumbs, cracker crumbs, or extra cheese for a delightful crunch. This creamy chicken divan offers a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and indulgent flavor, making it a hearty and satisfying meal that has stood the test of time. It’s a versatile dish that offers both ease and deliciousness, making it a perfect weeknight solution.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this amazing chicken divan casserole:

2 Tablespoons butter
2 lbs. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (see notes for options)
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. can 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: Use cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken for a quicker prep. Chicken thighs work wonderfully too for extra flavor.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets provide the best texture. If using frozen, thaw and drain them well to prevent a watery casserole.
Cream Sauce: While canned cream of chicken soup is convenient, you can make a homemade cream sauce from scratch with butter, flour, broth, and milk.
Dairy: Greek yogurt can substitute sour cream for a lighter option. Mayonnaise also adds a tangy richness. Any milk (dairy or non-dairy) works.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar is classic, but Swiss, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses will work beautifully in this hearty chicken divan.
Topping: Crushed Ritz crackers create a buttery, savory crunch. Panko breadcrumbs or even regular breadcrumbs can be used as alternatives.
Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the garlic and onion powder, or add a pinch of dried thyme or a dash of hot sauce for extra zest.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this delightful chicken divan casserole.

9 x 13 inch casserole dish: Essential for baking the casserole evenly.
Large pot or Dutch oven: For cooking the chicken and vegetables before combining.
Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient portions.
Whisk: To combine the creamy sauce ingredients smoothly.
Cutting board and knife: For preparing the chicken and vegetables.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious chicken divan casserole.

Preheat Oven & Prep Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. This prevents sticking and ensures easy serving.
Prepare Chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper to enhance its natural flavor.
Sauté Aromatics & Chicken: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces along with the diced yellow onion and celery. Toss everything to coat it evenly in the melted butter. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is about halfway cooked through.
Add Broccoli & Finish Cooking: Stir in the 4 cups of broccoli florets and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the broccoli is tender-crisp. Remove the pot from the heat once cooked.
Whisk Sauce: In the same pot with the chicken and vegetables, add the can of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder. Add half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir all these ingredients together until they are well combined and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Assemble Casserole: Transfer the entire chicken and sauce mixture to your prepared 9×13 inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly in the dish.
First Bake: Top the casserole with the remaining cheddar cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This allows the casserole to heat through and the cheese to melt.
Prepare Topping & Second Bake: While the casserole bakes, melt 2 tablespoons of butter (if you didn’t use the full amount in step 3) and combine it with the crushed Ritz crackers in a small bowl. After 20 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Sprinkle the buttery cracker topping evenly over the hot casserole. Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Rest & Serve: Carefully remove the chicken divan casserole from the oven. Let it sit and rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Enjoy this classic chicken divan!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Ensure your chicken divan casserole turns out perfectly every time with these helpful hints.

Prevent Dry Chicken: Don’t overcook the chicken in the initial sauté step. It will finish cooking in the oven. Using chicken thighs also helps keep it moist.
Perfect Sauce Consistency: If your sauce seems too thick, add a splash more milk until it reaches your desired creaminess. For a thicker sauce, reduce the milk slightly.
Tender Broccoli: Cook broccoli until tender-crisp before baking. This ensures it’s not mushy but also not too firm after the casserole bakes.
Avoid Soggy Topping: Make sure the casserole is hot and bubbly before adding the cracker topping. Bake uncovered at a slightly higher temperature for a truly golden and crispy crust.
Even Cooking: Spread the casserole ingredients evenly in the dish to promote consistent heating and cooking throughout.
Adjust Seasonings: Taste the sauce before adding it to the casserole. Adjust salt, pepper, or other seasonings as needed for your family’s preference.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile chicken divan casserole offers many delicious options for serving, storage, and customization.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty casserole over a bed of fluffy white rice, egg noodles, or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, pair it with a crisp green salad or warm, crusty bread to scoop up every last bit.

Storage

Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken divan casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, cover the unbaked or baked casserole tightly with plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. For larger portions, cover loosely with foil and reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven until hot, about 20-30 minutes.

Variations

Add Different Vegetables: Enhance flavor and nutrition by incorporating sautéed mushrooms, sliced carrots, or peas into the mix.
Include Meats: Stir in cooked crumbled bacon or diced ham for an extra layer of savory flavor.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the creamy sauce for a delightful kick.
Low-Carb Option: Substitute the rice or potatoes with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a delicious, lighter version.

Nutrition

This chicken divan casserole offers a good balance of protein from the chicken and vitamins from the broccoli. Discover the many health benefits of incorporating broccoli into your diet for overall wellness. While it provides substantial energy, you can adjust the fat content by choosing low-fat sour cream or cheese. It’s a satisfying meal that can be customized to fit various dietary needs, making it a flexible and wholesome choice for your family. Enjoy the goodness of this hearty chicken divan, packed with flavors.

Component	Amount (per serving)
Calories	420-480
Protein	35-40g
Fat	25-30g
Carbs	15-20g
Fiber	2-3g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQ

Discover quick answers to common questions about making the perfect chicken divan casserole.

Can I use leftover or rotisserie chicken? Absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken saves a lot of time. Just shred or dice it and add it directly when you combine the sauce.
Can I use frozen broccoli directly? Yes, but ensure you thaw it completely and drain any excess water first. This prevents the casserole from becoming watery.
How do I make it without canned soup? You can create a homemade cream sauce using butter, flour, chicken broth, milk, and seasonings as a base. This provides a fresh, flavorful alternative for your chicken divan casserole.
Can this casserole be made ahead of time? Definitely! Assemble the entire casserole (without the cracker topping) and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of milk if it seems dry.

Conclusion

This easy and creamy chicken divan casserole truly delivers on flavor and simplicity. It’s the perfect weeknight meal solution, bringing comfort and satisfaction to your dinner table with minimal fuss. The combination of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, rich sauce, and that irresistible buttery cracker topping makes it an instant family favorite. Don’t wait to try this classic; you’ll love how effortlessly it comes together. Get cooking and share your delicious chicken divan creation with us – we’d love to see it!