This classic chicken divan casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd. It combines tender chicken and vibrant broccoli in a rich, creamy sauce, all baked to golden perfection. You’ll love how easy it is to assemble this family-favorite dish, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort. Get ready for a delicious meal that will become a staple in your home!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Divan Casserole
You’ll adore this recipe for many reasons, aligning with Rose Stayon’s mission of making baking simple. This timeless casserole dates back to the early 20th century, with its origin rooted in a famous New York City restaurant, as detailed by Simply Recipes.
- Simple Ingredients: We use readily available pantry staples and fresh components for this delightful chicken divan casserole.
- Quick Prep & Cook: This dish comes together fast, making it ideal for busy parents and beginners alike.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy the comforting flavors of this creamy broccoli chicken bake.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare components in advance for an even quicker assembly on a busy day.
- Beginner-Friendly: Our step-by-step guide ensures a perfect result every time, making this a joy to cook.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your comforting chicken divan casserole. The combination of creamy sauces, tender chicken, and crisp broccoli makes this a truly satisfying meal.
- 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 flexibility with several ingredients to best suit your needs.
- Broccoli: Use fresh broccoli florets for the best texture. If using frozen, thaw them completely and pat dry to prevent a watery casserole.
- Chicken: Pre-cooked chicken, like rotisserie chicken, is a fantastic time-saver. Simply shred or dice and skip the initial sautéing step.
- Dairy: For a richer flavor, swap sour cream with an equal amount of mayonnaise.
- Topping: Crushed Ritz crackers create a buttery, crispy topping. Panko breadcrumbs or even crushed cornflakes also work wonderfully.
- Cream of Soup: If you prefer, make your own cream of chicken soup from scratch using butter, flour, broth, and milk for a homemade touch.
Equipment
You don’t need many special tools to create this delicious chicken divan casserole.
- Large cutting board and sharp knife
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- 9×13 inch casserole dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon or spatula
Instructions
Creating this chicken divan casserole is straightforward with our clear steps. Follow along to bake a perfectly creamy, golden dish.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
- Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them lightly with salt and pepper to taste.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken, diced onions, and diced celery. Toss to coat everything evenly.
- Sauté the mixture for 3 minutes, until the chicken is about halfway cooked. Add the 4 cups of broccoli florets and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot.
- Continue to cook for 3-5 more minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the broccoli is tender-crisp. Ensure poultry reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C) to prevent foodborne illness, as recommended by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. Remove the pot from the heat.
- Stir in the 10.5 oz can of cream of chicken soup, 2/3 cup of sour cream, and ½ cup of milk. Add the ½ teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder. Mix until well combined and creamy.
- Add 1 ¼ cups of shredded cheddar cheese (half of the total amount) to the chicken and broccoli mixture. Stir until the cheese is just melted and incorporated.
- Transfer this flavorful mixture evenly into your prepared 9×13 casserole dish. Top with the remaining 1 ¼ cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cover the casserole dish loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated 350-degree oven.
- After 20 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven. Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees F.
- While the oven preheats, prepare the topping. In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of crushed Ritz crackers with 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
- Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Return the uncovered casserole to the 400-degree oven. Bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the sauce to set slightly.
- Serve your delicious chicken divan casserole over rice, biscuits, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Ensure your chicken divan casserole is perfect every time with these helpful tips.
- Speedy Prep: Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to dramatically cut down on preparation time. Shred it and add it directly with the broccoli.
- Broccoli Prep: Always thaw and thoroughly pat dry any frozen broccoli florets before adding them to the mixture. Excess moisture can make your casserole watery.
- Seasoning: Taste the sauce before baking and adjust salt and pepper as needed. A pinch of nutmeg can also enhance the creamy flavor.
- Watery Casserole: To avoid a thin sauce, ensure your broccoli is dry. You can also add an extra tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to the sauce mixture if you like a thicker consistency.
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooking chicken can make it dry. Cook until just done. Broccoli should be tender-crisp, not mushy.
- Crispy Topping: For an extra golden and crispy topping, you can briefly broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the very end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Discover versatile ways to enjoy your homemade chicken divan casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy casserole is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many sides.
- Serve it hot over a bed of fluffy white rice or hearty egg noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Mashed potatoes or warm, flaky biscuits are also fantastic accompaniments, perfect for a comforting family dinner.
- Balance the richness of the casserole with a simple, fresh green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette.
Storage & Reheating
Planning ahead or saving leftovers is easy with this dish.
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover chicken divan casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave until warmed through. For larger portions, cover with foil and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated.
Variations
Customize your chicken divan casserole to suit your taste.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like Swiss, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack for unique flavor profiles.
- Vegetable Boost: Add other quick-cooking vegetables such as sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or a handful of frozen peas for extra nutrition and color.
- Protein Swap: Easily substitute the chicken with cooked turkey or even canned tuna for a different spin on this classic casserole.
Nutrition
Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this comforting chicken divan casserole.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~450 kcal |
| Protein | ~40 g |
| Fat | ~25 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~15 g |
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Please consult a qualified professional for personalized dietary advice.
FAQ
Here are answers to common questions about making the best chicken divan casserole.
- Can I make it gluten-free? Yes, use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs for the topping.
- Can I use rotisserie chicken? Absolutely, rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut. Shred it and skip the initial cooking step for the chicken.
- What kind of cheese is best? Sharp cheddar cheese offers a classic flavor, but a blend of cheddar and Swiss works beautifully in this chicken divan.
- How to avoid soggy topping? Ensure your casserole is baked uncovered for the final steps, allowing the cracker topping to crisp up properly.
- Can it be made without soup? Yes, you can create a béchamel sauce with butter, flour, milk, and seasonings as a homemade alternative to canned soup.
Conclusion
This classic chicken divan casserole truly delivers on comfort and ease, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. It’s a delicious blend of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, all topped with a buttery crunch. We hope this simple, beginner-friendly recipe brings warmth and joy to your family dinner table. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your delightful creations with us!