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Chicken divan is a casserole-style dish packed with freshly steamed broccoli and hearty chicken bathed in a cheesy and creamy white sauce. This 35-minute dinner is a rich, hearty, and comforting meal perfect for dinner parties and busy weeknights alike!
I’m convinced there’s nothing in this world more filling and comforting than a homemade chicken casserole! My ritz chicken casserole and chicken and rice casserole are huge hits at my house.
Similarly, this recipe for chicken divan is one of our family favorites. The combination of flavors and textures is always a win with my hungry family.
Give it a try and I am sure you will agree that my twist on this well-loved chicken casserole is an easy, cheesy, and delicious dinner that everyone is sure to love!
Table of Contents
What is Chicken Divan?
Chicken divan is a cheesy and creamy casserole-style chicken and broccoli dish. Typically made by layering and baking chicken, steamed broccoli, a cream sauce, and cheese, this dish is a favorite for obvious reasons.
This popular dish originated in the 1930s at the Divan Parisian Hotel in Paris, France. Chicken divan has since become a well-loved dinner staple all around the world.
You can find fancier versions in restaurants all over the globe and simpler renditions in home kitchens almost everywhere.
Ingredients
This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Chicken—I find crockpot shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken to be the easiest, but any precooked chicken will do.
- Broccoli—Freshly chopped florets will give you the best texture, but you can also use frozen.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup—A quick and easy way to create a creamy and flavorful casserole base.
- Milk—A little bit of whole or 2% helps to thin out the condensed soup.
- Mayonnaise—Any brand will work. Alternatively, you can substitute all sour cream.
- Sour Cream—Adds richness, creaminess, and a delightful tang to your finished chicken and brocolli casserole.
- Additional Vegetables—Onion, celery, and garlic form an aromatic trio that adds a sense of comfort to this cheesy dish.
- Sauces and Spices—Mustard powder Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper add just a touch of acidity to balance out the other creamy flavors.
- Cheddar Cheese—Because every good chicken and broccoli dish has cheese!
- Panko Breadcrumb Topping—A mixture of butter and panko breadcrumbs will create a crispy, flaky casserole topping.
Substitutions and Variations
- Out of panko? Try using crushed ritz crackers or unsweetened cornflakes instead!
- In a pinch, a bit of regular mustard will work in place of the mustard powder.
- Not a huge fan of broccoli? Try making your chicken divan casserole with cauliflower, green beans, brussels sprouts, peas, or any other steamed veggie instead.
- Get fancy with your spices! I find fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary to be wonderful additions to this casserole.
- Don’t care for cream of mushroom? Freel free to use cream of chicken soup instead.
- If using frozen broccoli you can steam it in the microwave according to the directions on the package and skip step 1 (steaming the broccoli on the stovetop).
Equipment You’ll Need
Believe it or not, this easy chicken divan recipe can be prepped in just 10 minutes with common kitchen equipment! All you’ll need to get started is a large pot or saucepan, a large sauté pan, a sturdy wooden spoon, and a 9×13” casserole dish.
How to Make Chicken Divan Casserole
This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.
This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.
Step 1. Add about an inch of water to a large pot or saucepan and bring it to a simmer. Once bubbly, add the broccoli and cover the pot with a lid. Steam the broccoli until it turns a bright green. Remove it from the pan and it set aside.
Step 2. In a separate large sauté pan, soften the onion, garlic, and celery in a bit of melted butter.
Step 3. Add the soup, 1 cup of cheese, milk, mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
Step 4. Stir the chicken and steamed broccoli into the sauce mixture then transfer into to a well-greased casserole dish.
Step 5. Top the casserole with the remaining cheddar cheese and the panko breadcrumb topping.
Step 6. Bake as directed in the recipe card below then enjoy!
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze up to 3 months.
Can I Make Chicken Divan Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This chicken divan casserole recipe can be tweaked slightly and transformed into a hearty and comforting freezer meal. Most of the recipe steps remain the same:
- Steam the broccoli, prepare the sauce, and combine the two with the chicken as normal.
- Transfer to a well-greased casserole dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap or tin foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- When you’re ready to enjoy your chicken divan with mayo, remove it from the fridge or freezer and allow it to thaw. Top with the cheddar cheese and panko breadcrumb topping and bake in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chicken divan keto-friendly?
Not exactly. Although it’s packed with lean chicken, nutritious broccoli, and some healthy fats, the addition of panko breadcrumbs, cream of mushroom soup, and milk increases the carb count. If you’re eating keto, try replacing these ingredients with low-carb substitutions.
What should I serve with chicken divan?
This rich and cheesy casserole is a great source of protein and veggies all on its own, so feel free to get a little fun and creative with your side dishes! I like serving this chicken divan recipe alongside some slices of crusty bread or a green salad.
More of my Go-To Casserole Recipes
- Tater tot casserole
- Sloppy joe casserole
- Chicken alfredo casserole
- Cheeseburger casserole
- Chicken noodle casserole
- Chili cheese dog casserole
- Chicken and dumpling casserole
Recipe
4.56 from 9 votes
Chicken Divan
Author: Jaclyn
Prep: 10 minutes mins
Cook: 25 minutes mins
Total: 35 minutes mins
Chicken divan is a casserole-style dish packed with freshly steamed broccoli and hearty chicken bathed in a cheesy and creamy white sauce. This 35-minute dinner is a rich, hearty, and comforting meal perfect for dinner parties and busy weeknights alike!
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken diced or shredded
- 3 cups broccoli cut into small florets
- 4 Tablespoons butter divided
- ¼ cup diced onion
- 1 celery stalk diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 10.5 ounce can condensed Cream of Mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375° and spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
In a large pot, add an inch of water and heat to simmering. Add the broccoli and place a lid on the pot.Steam the broccoli for 4 minutes or until the broccoli turns a bright green.Remove from the pan immediately and set aside.
In a large saute pan, melt 2 Tablespoons of butter and cook the onion, celery, and garlic for 4 minutes.
Add the soup, milk, mayonnaise, sour cream, worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of the cheese. Stir and cook until the cheese has melted and everything is well-combined.
Stir in the broccoli and chicken and transfer to the baking dish.
Top with remaining cheese.Melt the remaining butter and stir into the panko.Sprinkle the panko topping evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake for 25 minutes or until bubbly and the cheese has melted.
Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
If using frozen broccoli you can steam it in the microwave according to the directions on the package and skip step 1 of the recipe.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 437kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 100mg | Sodium: 682mg | Potassium: 361mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 802IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 268mg | Iron: 1mg
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