Looking for a cozy, creamy, and satisfying dinner that the whole family will love? This Broccoli Chicken Divan Casserole is a timeless classic that never goes out of style. Made with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a rich, cheesy sauce, all baked together under a golden, crispy topping—this casserole is a weeknight winner and a potluck favorite.
Whether you’re looking for a way to use up leftover chicken or searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish, Chicken Divan fits the bill. Let’s dive into this easy-to-make casserole and see why it’s been a beloved American staple since the 1930s.
What Is Chicken Divan?
Chicken Divan is a traditional American casserole dish that originated at the Divan Parisien Restaurant in New York City. It was typically made with poached chicken breast, broccoli, and a Mornay (cheese) sauce. Over time, home cooks have adapted the dish using more convenient ingredients, like condensed soup, shredded cheese, and breadcrumbs for topping.
Today’s version, known as Broccoli Chicken Divan Casserole, keeps the spirit of the original but is designed for busy kitchens and modern tastes.
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Chicken Divan Casserole
- Comforting & hearty – Rich, cheesy sauce with chicken and broccoli hits all the right notes.
- Great for leftovers – Perfect use for leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked turkey.
- Family-friendly – Kids and adults love it, especially with extra cheese on top!
- Make-ahead & freezer-friendly – Ideal for meal prepping or sharing with a friend in need.
- Quick prep – You can have it in the oven in under 15 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make this classic casserole. Most of these are pantry staples or easy to grab on your next grocery run.
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 4 cups broccoli florets, steamed or blanched
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream or mayonnaise
- ½ cup milk
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- ½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
🧑🍳 Optional Add-ins: A dash of Dijon mustard for tang, a pinch of paprika for color, or a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra flavor.
How to Make Broccoli Chicken Divan Casserole
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Steam broccoli for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still bright green. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Fold in the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers) with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the broccoli – It will cook more in the oven, so keep it crisp-tender before assembling.
- Use pre-cooked chicken – Save time by using rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or even canned chicken in a pinch.
- Add extra cheese – For ultimate comfort food, mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack with cheddar.
- Crunchy topping is key – Ritz crackers or Panko breadcrumbs add the perfect golden crunch on top.
- Customize it – Add rice or pasta to stretch the dish further.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Assemble the casserole (without baking), cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Bake frozen casserole at 350°F for 45–55 minutes or until heated through, or microwave individual servings.
Variations to Try
1. Chicken Divan with Rice
Add 2 cups of cooked rice to the casserole mix for a one-pan, carb-friendly meal.
2. Low-Carb Chicken Divan
Use cauliflower florets instead of rice or potatoes. You can also use low-carb soup alternatives or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
3. Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free condensed soup and gluten-free breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs.
4. Chicken Divan with Pasta
Mix in 2 cups of cooked pasta (like penne or rotini) for a filling pasta bake.
5. Cheesy Chicken Divan
Use a mix of cheddar, Swiss, and Gruyère cheeses for a rich, fancy twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Chicken Divan ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. If baking directly from the fridge, add an extra 5–10 minutes of cook time.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Assemble, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with baking instructions.
Can I use fresh or frozen broccoli?
Both work! If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain it well before adding to the casserole to avoid excess moisture.
What’s the best cheese for this dish?
Sharp cheddar gives the most flavor, but feel free to mix in mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Swiss.
Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes. This is a great way to use up leftover holiday turkey!
What to Serve with Chicken Divan
This casserole is filling on its own, but here are some side dish ideas:
- Dinner rolls or crusty bread
- Garden salad with vinaigrette
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Fruit salad or applesauce (for a lighter, sweet contrast)
Keywords for SEO Optimization
- broccoli chicken divan casserole
- easy chicken casserole recipe
- creamy chicken broccoli bake
- chicken divan with rice
- kid-friendly chicken dinner
- rotisserie chicken recipes
- cheesy chicken broccoli casserole
- make-ahead freezer casserole
- weeknight casserole ideas
- classic comfort food dinners
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Broccoli Chicken Divan Casserole has stood the test of time. It’s creamy, comforting, and endlessly customizable—making it a favorite for families, potlucks, and meal preppers alike. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning weeknight meals, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Once you try it, this cheesy chicken and broccoli bake might just become a regular in your comfort food rotation!
Print
Broccoli Chicken Divan Casserole: A Classic Comfort Food Favorite
Ingredients
• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets • 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded • 1 cup heavy cream • ½ cup butter • ½ cup flour • 1 cup chicken broth • 2 tbsp lemon juice • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped • 1 tsp garlic powder • ½ tsp salt • ¼ tsp black pepper • ½ cup breadcrumbs • 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Steam broccoli florets until tender-crisp
- Arrange broccoli in bottom of 9×13 inch baking dish
- Top with shredded chicken
- Melt ½ cup butter in saucepan
- Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute
- Gradually add chicken broth, whisking constantly
- Add heavy cream and bring to simmer
- Cook until thickened, 3-5 minutes
- Remove from heat and stir in 1½ cups cheese
- Add lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
- Pour sauce over chicken and broccoli
- Mix breadcrumbs with 2 tbsp melted butter
- Sprinkle remaining cheese and breadcrumb mixture on top
- Bake 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden
PREP TIME & NUTRITION: Prep Time: 20 mins, Cook Time: 30 mins, Total Time: 50 mins, Servings: 6, Calories: 480, Net Carbs: 15g, Fats: 32g, Protein: 35g