This Chicken Divan Casserole is the epitome of comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken and broccoli. The crispy breadcrumb topping adds a delightful texture to each bite, creating the perfect balance of flavors. It’s a cozy dish that’s perfect for sharing with the whole family on a busy weeknight or during a special meal.
Not only is it a crowd-pleaser, but this Chicken Divan can be easily customized to suit your taste. You can swap out the broccoli for other veggies or add extra cheese for an even richer dish. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
Full Recipe:
-
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
-
1 cup broccoli florets, steamed
-
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
-
1 cup mayonnaise
-
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
-
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
-
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
1/4 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
-
1 tablespoon melted butter (for topping)
Directions:
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
-
Transfer the chicken mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
-
In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
-
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Chicken Divan: A Comforting, Creamy Delight for the Whole Family
Chicken Divan is a timeless casserole that offers comfort, convenience, and a rich blend of savory flavors in every bite. It’s the type of dish you turn to when you want to please the entire family without spending hours in the kitchen. Combining juicy chicken, broccoli, melted cheese, and a velvety sauce, this casserole is the epitome of cozy weeknight dinners. What sets this recipe apart is the use of a homemade sauce, which is much richer and more flavorful than relying on canned options. Not only does it elevate the taste, but it also ensures that every bite is packed with creamy goodness.
A Delicious and Convenient Weeknight Meal
One of the most convenient aspects of Chicken Divan is its ability to use leftover chicken or even rotisserie chicken, which means you can cut down on preparation time significantly. If you’re someone who cooks chicken in batches, this recipe becomes even easier to put together. Simply pull out your pre-cooked chicken and mix it with a few other key ingredients like broccoli, cheese, and a simple sauce. You can have a delicious casserole ready to go in less than an hour, making it perfect for busy evenings when you need to get dinner on the table fast.
The Heart of the Dish: The Creamy Sauce
The sauce is what gives Chicken Divan its signature flavor and texture. It begins with a roux made from butter and flour, which thickens the sauce base and gives it a smooth, silky consistency. The addition of chicken broth, milk, and sour cream adds depth, creating a velvety texture that coats the chicken and broccoli perfectly. The best part? You can adjust the flavor to your liking by seasoning it with a bit of garlic powder, onion powder, and poultry seasoning. To finish it off, the cheese is stirred in, creating a creamy sauce that melts beautifully into the casserole.
Broccoli and Chicken: A Classic Combination
The classic pairing of chicken and broccoli makes Chicken Divan a well-rounded dish, both in flavor and nutrition. While the chicken provides lean protein, the broccoli brings in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Not only does it add a fresh, green contrast to the creamy sauce, but it also gives the casserole a slight crunch when baked. The combination of tender chicken, slightly crisp broccoli, and the decadent sauce is a perfect balance that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
The Versatility of Chicken Divan
One of the great things about Chicken Divan is its versatility. While broccoli is the classic vegetable used in this recipe, you can easily substitute it with cauliflower if you prefer. Additionally, if you want to add even more veggies, you can mix in mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. The casserole can also be customized to suit various dietary needs. For instance, you can use a dairy-free milk and cheese substitute for a lactose-free version or swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs for those following a gluten-free diet. The possibilities are endless, and the dish remains just as delicious with each variation.
How to Make Ahead, Store, and Reheat Chicken Divan
One of the reasons Chicken Divan is so popular is because it can be made ahead of time. If you have a busy day ahead or want to prepare dinner in advance, this casserole can be fully assembled the day before. Simply prepare the chicken, broccoli, and sauce, then transfer everything to a baking dish. Cover it and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. When you’re ready to bake, let the casserole sit at room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as directed.
Leftovers are just as delicious the next day! Store any uneaten casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to extend the shelf life, you can freeze the casserole for up to two months. To reheat, simply bake it at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until it’s warmed through. If it’s frozen, let it thaw completely before baking to ensure even reheating.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Divan
Chicken Divan can be served on its own, or you can pair it with a variety of sides to make it even heartier. For a complete meal, try serving it over a bed of rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes. These starchy sides complement the creamy casserole and provide extra fullness. If you want to add even more flavor and texture, consider serving some homemade crescent rolls or a side of buttery garlic bread. The possibilities for pairing this casserole are endless, making it a perfect choice for a variety of occasions.
Tips and Substitutions
While this Chicken Divan recipe is already quite simple, there are a few tips that can make it even easier and more customizable. If you’re short on time, using rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken can save you a lot of effort. Additionally, if you prefer a crispier topping, you can use crushed Ritz crackers instead of panko breadcrumbs for added crunch. To make this dish even more flavorful, freshly shredded cheese is a better option than pre-packaged varieties, which don’t melt as smoothly.
Advertisement
For a lighter version, you can use low-fat milk and sour cream, or swap out the full-fat cheese for reduced-fat alternatives. If you’re cooking for a family with varying dietary needs, this dish can easily be adjusted to meet those preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to serve at a family gathering, Chicken Divan is sure to be a hit.
Conclusion
Chicken Divan is a classic comfort food casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or even a weekend meal. With juicy chicken, creamy sauce, broccoli, and a crispy breadcrumb topping, it’s a satisfying dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re using leftover chicken or cooking from scratch, this casserole comes together quickly and can be easily customized to suit your tastes. Add your favorite sides, make it ahead of time, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of Chicken Divan for a meal that everyone will love.