Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe
If ever there was a classic weeknight comfort food that reliably brings a table together, Chicken Divan Casserole is it. This creamy, cheesy bake layers tender chicken and bright green broccoli beneath a golden, buttery topping, sending irresistible aromas through your kitchen as it bubbles away. Whether you’re after a nostalgic throwback to childhood dinners or need a reliable dish that’s always met with smiles, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Chicken Divan Casserole has a role to play, from boosting its ridiculously creamy texture to building layers of flavor with simple pantry staples. With a handful of tried-and-true items, you’ll create a casserole that’s both easy to prepare and deeply satisfying.
- Cooked chicken breast: Use shredded or cubed chicken; rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra tenderness.
- Fresh broccoli florets: Bright, lightly steamed broccoli delivers crisp-tender bites and color.
- Cream of chicken soup: This brings a rich, savory base that ties the sauce together seamlessly.
- Sour cream: Adds creamy tang and keeps the casserole irresistibly moist.
- Mayonnaise: Provides extra silkiness and a subtle richness to the sauce.
- Lemon juice: Just a splash to awaken all the flavors and keep things fresh.
- Garlic powder: Infuses aromatic depth with zero prep required.
- Onion powder: Adds subtle savory notes for classic casserole flavor.
- Black pepper: Offers gentle, fragrant heat and balances the richness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, sharp cheddar forms the gooey strata every great casserole needs.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: For a nutty, salty kick and beautiful browning on top.
- Panko breadcrumbs: These stay ultra-crisp for a crunch that contrasts the creamy filling.
- Butter (melted): Tossed with breadcrumbs, it delivers that irresistible golden crust.
- Cooking spray: Prevents sticking, so serving is always effortless.
How to Make Chicken Divan Casserole
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray – just enough to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. A little prep at the outset sets the stage for a perfectly baked casserole later.
Step 2: Build the Veggie and Chicken Layers
Scatter your steamed broccoli florets evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish. The broccoli provides color, nutrition, and a backbone of flavor. Layer the cooked chicken over the broccoli, spreading it out for an even bite in every forkful.
Step 3: Mix Up the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and completely combined. This luscious sauce brings everything together in classic Chicken Divan Casserole fashion.
Step 4: Pour and Cover with Cheese
Gently pour the creamy sauce over your chicken and broccoli layers, spreading it evenly to ensure every corner gets coated. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan right over the sauce – their melt will form a glorious, gooey top.
Step 5: Top with Buttery Breadcrumbs
In a small bowl, toss your panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter until every crumb glistens. Scatter this mixture over the cheese layer. The buttery panko turns into a shatteringly crisp topping you’ll look forward to with every bite.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your casserole, uncovered, into the hot oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling at the edges. Let it rest for five minutes before serving to help the layers set and cool just enough for comfortable scooping.
How to Serve Chicken Divan Casserole
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way in making your Chicken Divan Casserole dinner party-worthy. Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or chives over the top for a flash of color and a burst of brightness. A pinch of extra Parmesan or a twist of black pepper right before serving adds even more aroma and flair.
Side Dishes
This casserole loves a simple side. Serve with fluffy rice or buttered egg noodles to soak up the creamy sauce. A crisp green salad or some crusty bread makes the meal complete, offering freshness or crunch that balances the richness of the bake.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun spin, divide the casserole among individual ramekins before baking—the ultimate personalized comfort dish. Or serve Chicken Divan Casserole alongside a medley of roasted veggies for a beautiful, colorful plate. If you’re making this for a potluck, a sprinkle of paprika or drizzle of herbed oil transforms the humble top into something eye-catching and special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch downright irresistible. Just be sure to let the casserole cool completely before storing to preserve the topping’s crunch as much as possible.
Freezing
Chicken Divan Casserole is a star when it comes to freezer meals. Assemble everything except the buttery breadcrumb topping, cover tightly, and freeze for up to three months. Add the topping just before baking. Let the frozen casserole thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual for a nearly hands-off dinner.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F, loosely covered with foil, until heated through—about 20 minutes. This will help restore the top’s crispness. For individual portions, a quick zap in the microwave works, though you might lose some crunch; a minute or two under the broiler brings it right back.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli is a handy shortcut. Just thaw and pat it dry before using so your Chicken Divan Casserole doesn’t get watery.
What’s the best way to cook chicken for this casserole?
Any cooked chicken will do—you can poach, bake, or grill chicken breasts, or simply use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience. Just make sure it’s cooked through and cut or shredded uniformly for even distribution.
Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
Definitely! Substitute gluten-free cream of chicken soup and swap the panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs. Double-check labels on your other ingredients and you’re good to go.
Can I add rice or noodles to Chicken Divan Casserole?
Yes! To make it heartier, layer cooked rice or egg noodles at the bottom of the casserole before adding the broccoli and chicken. It soaks up all that delicious sauce and makes for an even more substantial meal.
How do I make this casserole lighter?
Consider using light sour cream, replacing mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, or cutting back on cheese slightly. You’ll still get that creamy, dreamy Chicken Divan Casserole experience with a little less richness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about Chicken Divan Casserole—cozy, crowd-pleasing, and effortlessly delicious. Try it for your next family meal or gathering and watch it become a beloved staple in your home as well!
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Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Divan Casserole is a comforting and creamy dish that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a flavorful cheesy sauce baked to perfection.
Ingredients
For the casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or cubed)
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (steamed until just tender)
For the sauce:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer the casserole: Spread the steamed broccoli in the baking dish, then layer the cooked chicken over the broccoli.
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Pour the sauce over the chicken and broccoli.
- Add the cheese and breadcrumbs: Sprinkle cheddar and Parmesan cheese over the casserole. Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese layer.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a heartier meal, add cooked rice or egg noodles at the bottom of the casserole.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
