Broccoli Chicken Divan Casserole: A Comfort Food Favorite

If you’re looking for a warm, comforting, and family-friendly dinner that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor, look no further than Broccoli Chicken Divan Casserole. This beloved American classic combines tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce, all baked under a golden breadcrumb topping. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole delivers big on both flavor and nostalgia.

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What Is Chicken Divan?

Chicken Divan is a vintage casserole dish named after the Divan Parisien restaurant in New York City, where it originated in the 1930s. Traditionally, it’s made with chicken, broccoli, and a Mornay (cheese) sauce, often enhanced with mayonnaise or cream of mushroom soup for ease.

Today’s variations simplify the classic with pantry staples, offering the same creamy, comforting experience in a more convenient format.

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Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Chicken Divan

✅ One-pan comfort food that’s hearty and satisfying
🥦 Combines lean chicken breast and healthy broccoli
🧀 Creamy cheese sauce and crunchy topping = flavor overload
⏱️ Quick to assemble — use rotisserie chicken for shortcuts
🥘 Feeds a crowd and perfect for leftovers
🧊 Freezer-friendly for meal prepping

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Ingredients for Chicken Divan Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to make a classic Chicken Divan. Most of these are pantry and freezer staples:

🥦 Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
• 4 cups broccoli florets, steamed or blanched
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup
• ¼ cup mayonnaise (optional, for richness)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp lemon juice (brightens the dish)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

🧂 For the Topping:

• ¾ cup breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• Optional: additional cheese, parsley for garnish

🧡 Make it extra cheesy by adding Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese.

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How to Make Broccoli Chicken Divan Casserole

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Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Steam broccoli for 2–3 minutes or until crisp-tender.
• Use cooked chicken — rotisserie, leftover grilled, or poached works well.

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Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• 1 can of cream of chicken or mushroom soup
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup mayonnaise (optional but classic)
• 1 tsp lemon juice, garlic and onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until smooth.

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Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Layer broccoli florets evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
2. Spread the chopped or shredded chicken over the broccoli.
3. Pour the sauce over everything and spread evenly.
4. Sprinkle with extra cheese, if desired.

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Step 4: Add the Crunchy Topping

• Mix breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with melted butter.
• Sprinkle over the top of the casserole to create a golden, crispy crust.

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Step 5: Bake

• Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
• Let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.

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What to Serve with Chicken Divan

🥖 Garlic bread or dinner rolls
🍚 White rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice
🥗 Light green salad with vinaigrette
🍷 A glass of Chardonnay or light Pinot Noir

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Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing Tips

🧊 Make Ahead:

• Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate.
• Bake as directed, adding 5–10 minutes if baking from cold.

🧊 Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

❄️ Freezing:

• Wrap unbaked or fully baked casserole tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
• To bake from frozen: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 50–60 minutes, uncovering for the last 10 minutes.

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Healthier Chicken Divan Tips

🥦 Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise or sour cream
🧀 Cut back on cheese or use reduced-fat versions
🥣 Swap cream soup for a homemade roux-based sauce
🍚 Serve with cauliflower rice to lower the carbs
🐓 Use lean chicken breast or even leftover turkey

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Variations and Add-Ins

🌾 Gluten-free – Use GF breadcrumbs and soup
🧀 Extra cheesy – Stir in mozzarella or Gruyère
🥕 Add vegetables – Try mushrooms, carrots, or peas
🌶️ Spicy kick – Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños
🌿 Fresh herbs – Add thyme, parsley, or tarragon for flavor depth
🍝 Serve over pasta instead of rice for a twist

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving – serves 6–8)

• Calories: ~320–380
• Protein: 28–35g
• Fat: 15–20g
• Carbohydrates: 10–15g
• Fiber: 2–3g
• Sodium: ~650–800mg

🧮 Varies based on ingredient brands and topping choice.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Chicken Divan without cream soup?

Yes! Make a homemade white sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 cup milk or chicken broth
• Cook into a thick sauce and use in place of canned soup.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Absolutely. Thaw and pat dry before using to prevent excess moisture.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Mostly! Use full-fat sour cream, omit the breadcrumbs, and serve over cauliflower rice for a keto version.

What’s the best chicken for Chicken Divan?

Use any pre-cooked chicken: rotisserie, grilled, baked, or even leftover Thanksgiving turkey.

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Why This Recipe Works

✅ Fast prep using pre-cooked chicken and pantry staples
✅ Versatile – great base for custom add-ins and dietary swaps
✅ Creamy and cheesy without being overly heavy
✅ Freezes beautifully for future meals
✅ Kid-approved and adult-approved alike

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Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Comfort Casserole

Broccoli Chicken Divan Casserole is a cozy, creamy, nostalgic dish that’s stood the test of time — and for good reason. It brings together simple ingredients in a way that’s hearty, flavorful, and satisfying for the whole family. Whether you’re making dinner on a busy night or planning your next potluck contribution, this dish is sure to impress.

Once you try it, it just might become a staple in your weekly rotation.

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