Chicken Divan casserole stands as one of America’s most beloved comfort food classics, combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce in perfect harmony. This one-dish wonder originated in the 1950s at the Divan Parisien restaurant in New York City and has since become a staple in family kitchens across the country. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or preparing for a potluck gathering, this chicken divan recipe delivers satisfying flavors that never go out of style.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Divan Casserole
This chicken divan recipe offers everything you want in a comfort food dish. The combination of protein-rich chicken and nutritious broccoli creates a well-balanced meal that satisfies both adults and children. The creamy sauce brings all the ingredients together, while the golden-brown cheese topping adds an irresistible finish. Best of all, this casserole can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. The leftovers taste even better the next day, making it an economical choice for meal planning.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or 2 packages frozen, thawed)
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation (15 minutes):
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until bright green and tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Drain well.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
Assembly (10 minutes): 4. Layer the cooked rice evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. 5. Arrange the cooked chicken over the rice layer. 6. Distribute the broccoli florets evenly over the chicken. 7. Pour the creamy sauce mixture over all ingredients, ensuring even coverage. 8. Sprinkle 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese and all the Parmesan cheese over the top.
Baking (30 minutes): 9. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. 10. Remove foil, add remaining cheddar cheese and breadcrumb topping. 11. Bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. 12. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Things to Remember When Making Chicken Divan Casserole
Success with this chicken divan recipe depends on proper preparation and timing. Always drain your broccoli thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole. If using frozen broccoli, thaw completely and squeeze out excess moisture with paper towels. Pre-cooking your chicken ensures food safety and even heating throughout. Season each layer lightly as you build the casserole to enhance flavors. Don’t skip the resting period after baking, as this allows the sauce to set properly and makes serving much easier.
What to Serve with This Chicken Divan Casserole
This complete meal stands well on its own, but several side dishes complement the rich flavors perfectly. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy casserole. Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread help soak up the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, serve with steamed carrots or green beans. A glass of white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the creamy, cheesy flavors of this chicken divan dish.
Mix It Up: Easy Variations of Chicken Divan Casserole
Transform your basic chicken divan recipe with these creative variations. Substitute cauliflower for broccoli to create a low-carb version, or mix both vegetables for added nutrition. Turkey works wonderfully in place of chicken, especially after holiday meals. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reduce the cheese by half. Add sliced almonds or water chestnuts for extra crunch, or incorporate herbs like thyme or rosemary for aromatic depth.
Keeping Them Fresh: Storage Tips for Chicken Divan Casserole
Proper storage ensures your chicken divan casserole stays fresh and safe to eat. Cool completely before refrigerating, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerated leftovers stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk if the sauce seems thick. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or use the microwave for individual portions.
Kitchen Tips for Perfect Chicken Divan Casserole
Achieving the perfect chicken divan requires attention to detail. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your casserole reaches 165°F internal temperature for food safety. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil during the final baking minutes. Fresh broccoli provides better texture than frozen, but either works well when properly prepared. Mix different cheese varieties for complex flavors – try adding Swiss or Gruyère alongside the cheddar. Make-ahead tip: assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours before baking, then add 10 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make chicken divan casserole ahead of time? Yes, assemble the complete casserole up to 24 hours before baking. Cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed, adding 10-15 extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through.
What’s the best way to cook chicken for this recipe? Poach, roast, or use rotisserie chicken. All methods work well, but ensure the chicken is fully cooked and seasoned before adding to the casserole.
Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup? Absolutely. Try cream of chicken, cream of celery, or make a homemade white sauce using butter, flour, and chicken broth for a from-scratch approach.
How do I prevent my casserole from being watery? Thoroughly drain all vegetables and avoid over-saucing. If using frozen broccoli, thaw completely and squeeze out excess moisture with paper towels.
Conclusion
This chicken divan casserole recipe brings together the best of comfort food cooking – simplicity, flavor, and satisfaction in every bite. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy cheese sauce creates a meal that pleases everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing a dish to share, this classic casserole delivers consistent results that never disappoint. With its make-ahead convenience and delicious leftovers, chicken divan casserole deserves a permanent place in your recipe collection. Try this time-tested favorite tonight and discover why it has remained a beloved American classic for generations.
Classic Chicken Divan Casserole
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
Main Components
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast diced or shredded
- 4 cups broccoli florets fresh or thawed from frozen
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded, divided
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
Creamy Base
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup 10.75 oz
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice fresh
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Finishing Touch
- 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter melted
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Steam broccoli florets until bright green and tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Drain thoroughly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Spread rice evenly in the baking dish. Layer with chicken and broccoli. Pour sauce mixture evenly over the top.
- Top with 3/4 of the cheddar cheese and all the Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Mix panko with melted butter. Remove foil, top casserole with remaining cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs. Bake uncovered for 10–15 more minutes until golden and bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.