Classic Chicken Divan Casserole
Chicken Divan casserole is the epitome of American comfort food, blending tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce into a hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners or make-ahead meals.
Equipment
- 9x13 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 9x13-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.
Notes
To avoid a watery casserole, drain broccoli thoroughly. Use rotisserie chicken for convenience. For variation, swap broccoli with cauliflower or try a lighter version using Greek yogurt.