Gather your family around the table for a classic comfort food experience with this incredibly easy chicken divan casserole. This dish combines tender chicken and vibrant broccoli in a rich, creamy sauce, all topped with a buttery, crispy crust. It is a wonderfully versatile and family-friendly meal, perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you prefer making it from scratch or using clever shortcuts, this recipe delivers satisfying flavor every time.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Divan Casserole
You will quickly discover why this chicken divan casserole becomes a regular in your meal rotation.
- Simple Steps: The preparation is straightforward, making it perfect for beginners and busy parents.
- Rich & Satisfying: Each bite offers a deeply flavorful, creamy texture that truly satisfies.
- Weeknight Winner: It comes together quickly, ideal for those hectic weekday evenings.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it in advance or freeze for a future convenient meal.
- Highly Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to suit your family’s preferences and what you have on hand.
Ingredients
To make this delicious chicken divan casserole, you will need a few staple ingredients. You begin with 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, and salt and pepper to taste. For aromatics, you need 1 diced yellow onion and 1 diced celery stick. The fresh elements include 4 cups of broccoli florets (about ½ pound) and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
This vibrant cruciferous vegetable is packed with vitamins and antioxidants. For more information, explore the nutritional benefits of broccoli.
The creamy base uses one 10.5-ounce can of cream of chicken soup, 2/3 cup of sour cream, and ½ cup of milk. Seasonings include ½ teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder. Finally, you will need 2 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup of crushed Ritz crackers for the topping.
Notes & Substitutions
You have flexibility with many ingredients for your perfect creamy chicken bake. For the chicken, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work beautifully; adjust cooking time for thighs. Use fresh broccoli florets for best texture, or frozen broccoli (thawed and patted dry) for convenience. Substitute mayonnaise for sour cream to vary the tanginess of the sauce. While canned cream of chicken soup provides ease, you can certainly use a homemade version for richer flavor. For the topping, crushed Ritz crackers offer a buttery crunch, but panko breadcrumbs or even crushed cornflakes make excellent alternatives. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere, Swiss, or Monterey Jack to change the flavor profile.
Equipment Needed
You only need a few basic kitchen tools for this easy casserole. Grab a large pot or Dutch oven for sautéing your ingredients. A 9×13 casserole dish is essential for baking the chicken divan casserole to perfection. Additionally, you will need a cutting board and a sharp knife for prep, along with measuring cups and spoons for accuracy. A sturdy spatula or wooden spoon will help with stirring and transferring.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your ultimate creamy chicken divan casserole.
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 casserole dish and set it aside.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut your 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle them lightly with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sauté Aromatics & Chicken: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken, diced yellow onion, and diced celery stick. Toss to coat all ingredients evenly. Sauté for 3 minutes, or until the chicken is about halfway cooked through.
To ensure food safety, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C). For more details on poultry cooking times, refer to the USDA guidelines on chicken cooking.
- Add Broccoli & Finish Chicken: Next, add the 4 cups of broccoli florets and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Continue to cook for 3-5 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is completely cooked through and the broccoli brightens slightly. Remove the pot from the heat.
- Form the Creamy Base: Stir in the 10.5 ounces of cream of chicken soup, 2/3 cup of sour cream, ½ cup of milk, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon mustard powder. Add half of the 2 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture and stir everything thoroughly to combine.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the entire chicken and broccoli mixture into your lightly greased 9×13 casserole dish. Spread it evenly. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
- Initial Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated 350-degree oven.
- Prepare Cracker Topping: While the casserole bakes, melt 2 tablespoons of butter (if not already accounted for from the ingredient list) and combine it with ½ cup of crushed Ritz crackers. Set aside.
- Final Bake & Crisp: After 20 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and carefully remove the foil cover. Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Sprinkle the buttery Ritz cracker topping evenly over the casserole. Bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbling.
- Rest & Serve: Remove the ultimate creamy chicken divan casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the sauce to set slightly. Serve hot over rice, biscuits, or creamy mashed potatoes.
Pro Tips for Success
Achieve the best results with these simple pro tips for your chicken and broccoli casserole.
- Pre-Cook Chicken: If you are short on time, use pre-cooked chicken (like rotisserie chicken) to speed up assembly.
- Dry Broccoli: For frozen broccoli, ensure you thaw it completely and pat it very dry to prevent a watery casserole.
- Avoid Overcooking: Cook the chicken just until done to maintain maximum tenderness and prevent dryness.
- Homemade Soup: For an even richer flavor, consider using homemade cream of chicken soup instead of canned.
- Even Topping: Distribute the cracker topping evenly across the surface for a consistent, crispy crust.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the creamy mixture before baking and adjust salt, pepper, or other spices to your liking.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
This versatile chicken divan casserole pairs well with many sides and offers several ways to customize it.
Serving Ideas
- Serve this hearty casserole over a bed of fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or warm, flaky biscuits.
- Balance the richness with a fresh, crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette.
- A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce.
Make-Ahead & Storage
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole completely without the cracker topping. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, add the cracker topping and bake as directed, potentially adding 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time since it will be cold.
- Freezing Cooked: Allow the cooked chicken divan to cool completely. Divide into individual portions or a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating Leftovers: Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or larger portions covered in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Add a splash of milk if the sauce seems too thick.
Flavor Variations
- Add Vegetables: Introduce sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or a handful of frozen peas for added nutrition and flavor.
- Herb Swap: Experiment with fresh or dried herbs like thyme, tarragon, or a pinch of smoked paprika for a different dimension.
- Cheese Choices: Try a blend of cheeses, such as Swiss, Gruyere, or Monterey Jack, to give your chicken divan casserole a unique taste.
Nutrition Information
This chicken divan casserole provides a satisfying and nutrient-dense meal for your family. A single serving offers a good source of protein and essential vitamins from the chicken and broccoli.
| Nutrient | Estimated Value Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450-500 |
| Total Fat | 28-32g |
| Saturated Fat | 12-14g |
| Cholesterol | 90-110mg |
| Sodium | 800-950mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 20-25g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2-3g |
| Total Sugars | 3-5g |
| Protein | 30-35g |
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary significantly based on specific ingredients, brands, and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken in this chicken divan casserole?
A: Absolutely! Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred or dice 3-4 cups of cooked chicken and add it to the mixture with the soup and other ingredients, skipping the initial sautéing step for the chicken.
Q: How can I make Chicken Divan gluten-free?
A: To make your chicken divan casserole gluten-free, ensure you use a certified gluten-free cream of chicken soup. You can also substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the Ritz cracker topping.
Q: What vegetables pair well with Chicken Divan?
A: While broccoli is traditional, you can also add other vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, asparagus spears, green beans, or even a mix of frozen peas and carrots to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrients.
Q: Can I freeze Chicken Divan?
A: Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely after baking, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat until bubbly.
Conclusion
This ultimate creamy chicken divan casserole truly embodies comfort food made simple. With its tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, rich creamy sauce, and crispy topping, it is a dish that consistently pleases everyone at the table. It is a fantastic option for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you crave a deeply satisfying meal. We encourage you to try this beloved family favorite recipe soon and experience its delicious ease. Share your thoughts and tell us how your casserole turned out!