Embrace the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly simple chicken divan casserole recipe! This classic dish brings together tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, creamy sauce, all baked to golden perfection.
Did you know that this beloved casserole has a fascinating history? The original Chicken Divan was created at the Divan Parisienne Restaurant in New York City’s Hotel Chatham.
You’ll love how easily it comes together with common ingredients, delivering big flavor with minimal fuss. It’s the perfect quick and versatile meal for any busy weeknight.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Divan Casserole
This delightful chicken divan casserole is a true kitchen hero for many reasons:
- Effortless Weeknight Meal: Quick prep means you can have a hearty dinner on the table without stress.
- Hearty, Satisfying Comfort Food: Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it the ultimate cozy dish.
- Quick Prep, Minimal Fuss: Spend less time cooking and more time enjoying.
- Family-Friendly, Crowd-Pleasing: Even picky eaters will ask for seconds of this delicious bake.
- Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: Prepare it in advance or freeze portions for later convenience.
- Customizable Ingredients: Easily adapt it to suit your family’s preferences and what you have on hand.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your irresistible chicken divan casserole:
- 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. 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
For the chicken, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time, reducing the initial sautéing. If using raw chicken, dice it into small, even pieces. Fresh broccoli florets provide the best texture, but frozen broccoli can also work; just ensure it’s thawed and drained thoroughly to prevent excess water. Instead of sour cream, Greek yogurt or mayonnaise can offer a similar creamy tang. For the topping, Ritz crackers add a buttery crunch, but panko breadcrumbs or even crushed cornflakes make excellent alternatives. Feel free to swap cheddar cheese for a blend like Colby Jack or Gruyère for a different flavor profile in your delicious chicken divan.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools for this easy chicken divan casserole. Simply gather:
- A 9×13 inch casserole dish
- A large skillet or Dutch oven
- Basic kitchen tools like a cutting board, knife, and mixing spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a perfect chicken divan casserole:
- Preheat Oven & Prep Dish: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a pat of butter.
- Dice & Season Chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle them lightly with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sauté Chicken & Aromatics: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces, diced yellow onion, and diced celery. Toss to coat them evenly in the butter. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the chicken is roughly halfway cooked through.
- Add Broccoli & Finish Cooking: Now, add the 4 cups of broccoli florets and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and the broccoli is tender-crisp. Remove the pot from the heat.
- Stir in Creamy Sauce: To the cooked chicken and broccoli mixture, add the 10.5 oz can 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. Stir all these ingredients together until well combined and smooth.
- Combine with Cheese: Add half (approximately 1 ¼ cups) of the shredded cheddar cheese to the creamy mixture in the pot. Stir until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the entire chicken and broccoli mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Top the casserole with the remaining half (approximately 1 ¼ cups) of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Initial Bake (Covered): Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated 350-degree F oven for 20 minutes.
- Prepare Cracker Topping: While the casserole bakes, melt 2 tablespoons of butter (not listed in ingredients, assume it’s part of the ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers + butter). In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the ½ cup of crushed Ritz crackers.
- Uncover, Add Topping, Final Bake: After 20 minutes, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees F (200 C). Uncover the casserole and evenly sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the top. 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 Before Serving: Remove the golden chicken divan casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes prior to serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly.
- Serve: Serve your delicious chicken divan over rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or alongside warm biscuits or egg noodles for a complete meal.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Batch Cook Chicken Ahead: To make this recipe even faster, cook a large batch of chicken earlier in the week. Shredded or diced cooked chicken works wonderfully.
- Adjust Broccoli Texture Preference: If you prefer softer broccoli, extend its cooking time by a couple of minutes in step 4. For crispier broccoli, add it later.
- Prevent a Watery Casserole: Always thaw and drain frozen broccoli well if using. Excess moisture can thin out your creamy sauce.
- Avoid Overcooking Chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken during the sautéing step. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough in the final bake.
- Ensure Golden, Crispy Topping: Don’t skip the butter in your cracker topping! It’s key to achieving that irresistible golden crunch for your easy chicken divan.
- Handle Frozen vs. Fresh Vegetables: If using frozen broccoli, ensure it’s completely thawed and squeezed dry to prevent a watery casserole. Fresh broccoli offers the best texture.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile chicken divan casserole pairs beautifully with many sides. Serve it warm over fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or alongside warm biscuits or egg noodles.
Storage: Refrigerate any leftover chicken divan quickly, within two hours of cooking, in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Ensuring proper food handling and storage is crucial to prevent foodborne illness, as detailed by the USDA’s food safety guidelines for leftovers.
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 gently in the microwave or oven (covered with foil) to prevent drying out. You might add a splash of milk to help restore creaminess.
Variations:
- Add Different Vegetables: Try adding sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a handful of spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Try Different Cheese Blends: Experiment with Monterey Jack, Swiss, or a sharp provolone for unique cheese profiles.
- Make it with Leftover Turkey: This is an excellent recipe for using up holiday leftovers. Simply substitute the chicken with cooked, diced turkey.
Nutrition
This chicken divan casserole is a hearty meal providing essential protein and vegetables. Each serving delivers a good source of energy, making it a satisfying option for families. It offers important vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A and calcium from the cheese and broccoli.
| Component | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 490 kcal |
| Protein | 45g |
| Fat | 27g |
| Carbohydrates | 17g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 680mg |
FAQ
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves a lot of time. Simply shred or dice it and add it directly in step 4 with the broccoli.
Can I use homemade cream soup instead of canned?
Yes, you can certainly use homemade cream of chicken soup. Ensure it’s thick enough to provide the necessary creaminess for this wonderful chicken divan.
How do I prevent a soggy topping?
Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F for the final bake. Also, combine the cracker crumbs with melted butter; this helps them crisp up beautifully.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and substitute gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs for the topping. Always double-check ingredient labels.
What sides pair best with chicken divan casserole?
Steamed rice, mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or a simple green salad are all fantastic choices. They complement the rich flavors beautifully.
Conclusion
This easy chicken divan casserole truly is a family favorite for a reason. It combines simple ingredients with straightforward steps to create a dish that’s both incredibly comforting and surprisingly quick to prepare. Rose Stayon believes making baking simple, and this recipe delivers on that promise. Give it a try tonight and watch it become a regular in your meal rotation! Please share your thoughts and leave a review – we love hearing from you!