Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Divan is easy to prepare, family-friendly, and an excellent way to enjoy chicken and vegetables in one delicious meal. The creamy sauce and melted cheese make it irresistibly comforting, while the crunchy topping adds the perfect finishing touch. It can also be made ahead of time and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
Broccoli florets
Cream of chicken soup
Sour cream
Mayonnaise
Shredded cheddar cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese
Lemon juice
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt
Black pepper
Paprika
Butter, melted
Breadcrumbs or crushed buttery crackers
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Steam or blanch the broccoli for 3–4 minutes until just tender, then drain well.
Arrange the broccoli evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Spread the cooked chicken evenly over the broccoli.
In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, half of the cheddar cheese, and the Parmesan cheese.
Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Spread the sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli.
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with the melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 people.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Rest time: 10 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour

Variations

Rotisserie Chicken Divan: Use shredded rotisserie chicken for an even quicker meal.
Rice Base: Add a layer of cooked white or brown rice beneath the broccoli.
Extra Cheesy: Mix in mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère with the cheddar.
Low-Carb Version: Skip the breadcrumbs and serve as is for a lower-carbohydrate meal.
Mushroom Addition: Stir sautéed mushrooms into the creamy sauce for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Chicken Divan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through or microwave individual portions for convenience. Freeze the casserole before or after baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or baking.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option that adds plenty of flavor while saving preparation time.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes. Thaw and drain it well before using to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.

Can I prepare Chicken Divan ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

What cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is the classic choice, but Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Swiss, or Gruyère also work wonderfully.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes. Plain Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute that adds extra protein while maintaining a creamy texture.

How do I keep the casserole from becoming watery?

Drain the broccoli thoroughly after cooking and avoid using excess liquid in the sauce.

Can I add rice to the casserole?

Yes. A layer of cooked rice makes the casserole even heartier and turns it into a complete one-dish meal.

What side dishes pair well with Chicken Divan?

Serve it with dinner rolls, garlic bread, a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or buttered noodles.

Can I freeze Chicken Divan?

Yes. It freezes well for up to 3 months. For the best texture, thaw overnight before reheating.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. Use a gluten-free condensed soup and gluten-free breadcrumbs or crackers for the topping.

Conclusion

Chicken Divan is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting casserole that’s stood the test of time for good reason. Combining tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and a rich, flavorful sauce beneath a golden, crunchy topping, it’s an easy meal that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or sharing with friends. Once you make this classic recipe, it’s sure to become a regular favorite at your table.

Chicken Divan Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Chicken Divan is a classic comfort food casserole made with tender chicken, broccoli, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce topped with a buttery golden crumb topping. It’s an easy, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or special gatherings.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Steam or blanch the broccoli for 3–4 minutes until just tender, then drain well.
Arrange the broccoli evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish and spread the cooked chicken evenly over the top.
In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, half of the cheddar cheese, and the Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth.
Spread the sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli.
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the casserole.
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with the melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and convenient shortcut.
Add a layer of cooked rice beneath the broccoli for a heartier casserole.
Substitute plain Greek yogurt for the sour cream if desired.
Drain broccoli thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole.
Freeze before or after baking for up to 3 months and thaw overnight before reheating.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 510 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 890 mg
Fat: 33 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 16 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 36 g
Cholesterol: 115 mg