Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe
If there’s one comforting classic that always wins hearts at the dinner table, it’s the Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken and bright broccoli, this casserole is pure nostalgia baked to perfection. It’s a rich, crowd-pleasing dish that’s equally perfect for laid-back weeknights or potluck gatherings, offering homey flavors and a golden, irresistible crunch on top.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe lies in how simple ingredients transform into a show-stopping meal. Every element brings its own personality, whether it’s creaminess, savory depth, or a pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need and why each matters:
- Chicken breast (3 cups, cooked): Tender, juicy chicken is the star protein and soaks up all that creamy goodness.
- Fresh broccoli florets (4 cups, lightly steamed): Vibrant green broccoli keeps things fresh and offers a satisfying bite that balances the richness.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): This shortcut ingredient creates the casserole’s comforting, velvety base.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Adds a tangy creaminess that prevents the casserole from feeling heavy.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): The not-so-secret ingredient for an ultra-lush texture; don’t skip it!
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): A little zing goes a long way, cutting through the richness and brightening the flavors.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Savory depth in every comforting bite.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into gooey ribbons throughout the casserole and makes every forkful decadent.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Packs an extra-savory punch and crisps beautifully in the topping.
- Panko breadcrumbs (½ cup): Light and crispy, these crumbs give the casserole its signature golden crunch.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Ensures a gorgeous, flavorful crust on top (and makes the kitchen smell amazing).
- Salt and pepper to taste: Fine-tunes every other flavor, making each ingredient shine.
How to Make Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), which gives the Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe a bubbling center and golden crisp top. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks, and set it aside for easy assembly later.
Step 2: Steam the Broccoli
Steam your broccoli florets just until they’re bright green and tender-crisp. This lets them hold their shape and color during baking, instead of turning mushy, and gives a delicious contrast to the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk or stir until you have a smooth, rich base—it’s what will cozy up around every piece of chicken and broccoli.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Broccoli
Gently fold the cooked chicken and steamed broccoli into the creamy mixture. Try to evenly coat each bit, ensuring every forkful is balanced with meat, veggie, and sauce.
Step 5: Spread and Layer the Casserole
Spoon the chicken-broccoli mixture into your prepared baking dish. Smooth it into an even layer, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top—this forms that classic golden, gooey melt.
Step 6: Add the Crispy Topping
Stir together panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and melted butter in a small bowl. This mixture will crisp up as it bakes, adding the golden finish that makes this Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe so irresistible. Scatter it all over the cheese layer.
Step 7: Bake and Rest
Slide your casserole into the oven for about 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and everything inside is hot and bubbly. Let it rest for five minutes before serving—this helps the sauce settle and makes for perfect, tidy slices.
How to Serve Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a light shower of cracked black pepper can really wake up each serving. If you love extra color, try a few shavings of Parmesan or even a quick zest of lemon to brighten things up against the creamy richness.
Side Dishes
This casserole is rich and satisfying, so pairing it with lighter sides creates a beautiful meal. I love serving it with a crisp green salad, steamed rice, or warm dinner rolls to mop up every drop of sauce. Roasted carrots or a simple cucumber salad would also balance out the flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make your Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe feel extra special, serve it in individual ramekins for a restaurant-style touch. For a brunch gathering, try offering it as part of a buffet spread alongside quiche and fruit. Or simply scoop hearty portions into shallow bowls for a true comfort food experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Just transfer any extra to an airtight container and it’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to three days. The flavors actually meld and become even more delicious over time!
Freezing
This casserole freezes like a dream. Wrap individual portions or the entire cooled dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture. The crispy topping will soften a bit, but it’s still completely satisfying.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe in a 350°F oven, covered loosely with foil, for about 20 minutes or until heated through. For a crisper topping, uncover during the last five minutes. Individual servings also reheat well in the microwave, but the oven does a better job restoring that golden crunch.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is one of my favorite shortcuts for this dish—it’s flavorful, tender, and cuts down cookware and prep time. Just shred or chop it and proceed with the recipe as written.
Is it okay to substitute frozen broccoli for fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works great in a pinch. Be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry with a paper towel to avoid watering down your casserole. It’s a real lifesaver on busy nights!
What’s a good alternative if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
If you want to skip the canned soup, you can make a quick homemade white sauce with butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk. Add extra seasoning for depth, and you’ll have a made-from-scratch base in minutes.
Can I add rice or noodles to this Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe?
Definitely! To bulk up your casserole, mix in about 2 cups of cooked white rice or small pasta when adding the chicken and broccoli. It’s a fantastic way to stretch the meal further for hungry crowds.
What’s the purpose of the Dijon mustard in the recipe?
It’s the secret ingredient! Dijon adds a subtle zing and brightness that balances the creamy, cheesy sauce. Even if you’re not a mustard fan, you’ll barely taste it—but you’ll love what it does for the overall flavor.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re cooking for family or simply need a dose of comfort, you can’t go wrong with this Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe. It’s one of those dishes you’ll turn to again and again for its creamy, nostalgic charm and ease. Don’t just take my word for it—gather your ingredients and experience this beloved classic for yourself!
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Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Chicken Divan Casserole, a creamy and cheesy dish that brings together tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich sauce topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck gathering.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or cubed)
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (lightly steamed)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Broccoli: Steam the broccoli until tender-crisp; set aside.
- Mix the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in chicken and broccoli until coated; spread into the baking dish.
- Add Cheese: Top with cheddar cheese.
- Make the Topping: Combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan, salt, and pepper; sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver.
- Thaw and drain frozen broccoli before using.
- For a twist, add a pinch of curry powder.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1½ cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
