Nothing beats the warm comfort of a classic casserole that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor. The Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe is a timeless dish that brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, creamy cheddar sauce, and a crispy golden topping. It’s an irresistible combination that makes weeknight dinners feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorite go-to meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe is in its simplicity and well-balanced ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating that creamy texture, lovely color contrast, and delicious savory flavor that makes this casserole so memorable.
- Broccoli (1 pound, chopped): Adds a fresh, green crunch and a healthy touch to this creamy dish.
- Cooked chicken (2 cups, cubed): Provides hearty protein and a tender bite that pairs perfectly with the sauce.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.75 ounces): Acts as the rich, velvety base for the casserole’s luscious sauce.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Brings a subtle tanginess that balances the richness beautifully.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups, divided): Delivers sharp, melty cheese flavor that ties every component together.
- Milk (â…“ cup): Lightens the sauce for just the right creamy consistency.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon, or to taste): Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon, or to taste): Adds a gentle kick without overpowering the mild flavors.
- Breadcrumbs (¼ cup, preferably Panko): Provide a crispy, buttery topping with delightful texture contrast.
- Butter (1 tablespoon, melted): Helps brown the breadcrumbs to golden perfection on top.
How to Make Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Broccoli
Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 450°F (230°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole. While the oven warms up, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook your chopped broccoli just until it’s tender-crisp. This means the broccoli will be cooked but still slightly firm, preserving its bright green color and crunch. Once done, drain the broccoli well to avoid a watery casserole.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Next, grab a large mixing bowl: toss in the cooked chicken cubes and the perfectly cooked broccoli. Pour in the condensed cream of chicken soup and sour cream for that creamy base everyone loves. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. This mixture is where all those flavors get to mingle.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Grab a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and transfer your chicken and broccoli mixture into it. Spread it evenly to ensure every bite has an equal share of goodness. Then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. This extra layer of cheese will melt and create a beautifully cheesy blanket as it bakes.
Step 4: Make and Add the Topping
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are nicely coated. This step is key for a rich, crunchy topping. Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumbs generously over the cheese layer, covering the entire surface. The topping will bake to a golden-brown crisp, adding a delightful texture to each spoonful.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Place your assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. You want to look for bubbling edges and a golden brown topping that screams perfectly cooked. This baking time allows the flavors to meld and ensures the casserole is hot all the way through, with a crispy, inviting top crust.
How to Serve Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe even further, consider sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or chives on top right before serving. These herbs add a pop of color and freshness that complement the creamy flavors perfectly. A squeeze of lemon juice over the dish can also brighten each bite and offer a subtle zing that contrasts beautifully with the richness.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines as the star of your meal, but pairing it with simple sides can round out the plate. Think a crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette or roasted root vegetables for some sweet earthiness. If you want extra comfort, warm crusty bread or garlic breadsticks are perfect for sopping up every bit of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Serve individual portions in cute ramekins for a charming presentation. You can also layer the casserole in clear glass dishes to showcase its vibrant layers of green broccoli, melted cheese, and golden crumbs. Another fun idea is to add a sprinkle of paprika or smoked paprika on top for an eye-catching touch of color and mild smoky flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days, allowing you to savor that comforting flavor again. Just make sure to cool it to room temperature before refrigerating to keep the texture perfect.
Freezing
If you want to plan ahead, this casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble it as instructed but don’t bake it right away. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake until hot and bubbly for a homemade meal in minutes.
Reheating
When reheating your leftover Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe, the oven is your best friend for preserving that crispy topping. Warm it at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too, but you might lose some of the crunchy topping charm.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute fresh broccoli with frozen. Just thaw and drain it well before adding to the casserole to avoid excess moisture that could make the dish soggy.
What can I substitute for the cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer a homemade approach or need a substitute, a mixture of chicken broth and a white sauce made with butter, flour, and milk works wonderfully to keep the casserole creamy.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free sour cream, a non-dairy milk alternative, and vegan cheese to create a tasty dairy-free Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe that still feels indulgent.
How can I add more crunch to the topping?
Try mixing chopped nuts like almonds or pecans with the breadcrumbs for extra texture and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy casserole.
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Definitely! Rotisserie chicken adds great flavor and convenience, making this recipe a quick weeknight winner when you need dinner fast.
Final Thoughts
The Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe is a cozy, delicious blend of flavors and textures that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its creamy sauce, cheesy goodness, and crispy topping make it a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and even easier to love. Don’t hesitate to whip this up next time you want something comforting and simply irresistible—you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner!
Print
Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Chicken Divan is a comforting casserole featuring tender broccoli and cooked chicken combined in a creamy, cheesy sauce, topped with a buttery breadcrumb crust that bakes to a golden perfection. This easy-to-make dish is a classic family favorite that comes together quickly, perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 pound broccoli, chopped
Protein
- 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed
Dairy & Pantry
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- â…“ cup milk
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (Panko recommended)
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature by the time your casserole is ready to bake.
- Cook Broccoli: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the chopped broccoli until it is tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Drain thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken cubes, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, milk, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form a creamy base. Gently fold in the cooked broccoli, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and transfer the chicken and broccoli mixture into it. Evenly spread the mixture and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top for a cheesy crust.
- Make Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter until all crumbs are coated. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese-topped casserole to add a crunchy golden finish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping turns golden brown.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- You can use fresh or frozen broccoli; if frozen, thaw and drain excess water before using.
- To add extra flavor, sprinkle some garlic powder or paprika into the cheese mixture.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
