If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing classic, the Chicken Divan Recipe is about to become your new go-to! This beloved casserole features juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce all baked together under a golden, crunchy topping. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting friends for dinner, this dish brings warmth and comfort to any table—and the best part is how easily it comes together with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish celebrates a handful of everyday ingredients that shine when brought together. Each element in the Chicken Divan Recipe adds its own magic—creamy richness, gooey cheese, a pop of green, and that irresistible crunchy finish.
- Chicken breast: Cooked and shredded or cubed, this is the hearty backbone of the dish and absorbs all the luscious sauce.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh and vibrant, they add a burst of color and a slight crunch that perfectly balances the richness.
- Butter: The key to starting a flavorful roux for your homemade sauce.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce, giving it that classic creamy texture.
- Chicken broth: Provides savory depth and keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess and a silky finish to the sauce.
- Sour cream: A tangy touch that elevates the entire flavor profile.
- Garlic powder: For a gentle, savory undertone that melds everything together.
- Onion powder: Gives a subtle sweetness and aromatic lift.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a bit of warmth and gentle spice.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- Dijon mustard: The secret weapon—just a teaspoon brings a hint of sharpness that cuts through the creaminess.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, sharp, and totally comforting—don’t skimp!
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty layer to the topping.
- Breadcrumbs: For that golden, crave-worthy crunch on top—use panko for extra crispiness if you like.
How to Make Chicken Divan Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it’s perfectly hot when your casserole is ready to go in. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, which makes clean-up a breeze and helps prevent sticking.
Step 2: Steam the Broccoli
Steam or blanch your fresh broccoli florets until they’re just tender and bright green—about 2–3 minutes will do the trick. Drain thoroughly, then arrange the broccoli evenly in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This creates a fresh, colorful foundation for the Chicken Divan Recipe.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
Evenly spread your cooked, shredded (or cubed) chicken over the top of the broccoli. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, this step couldn’t get any easier! The chicken soaks up all the delicious flavors from the sauce as it bakes.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until it’s bubbling but not browned—this is your roux, and it’s key for a smooth sauce. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and whole milk, stirring constantly. Allow it to thicken for about 4–5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. The result? A velvety, flavor-packed sauce that’s the heart of the Chicken Divan Recipe.
Step 5: Assemble and Top
Pour your luscious sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli layers, making sure every nook and cranny gets coated. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese, the Parmesan, and breadcrumbs all over the top. This trio gives you that signature golden, bubbly, irresistible finish.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your casserole into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until hot and bubbling with a beautifully golden crust. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving—this helps everything set up just right and makes serving easier.
How to Serve Chicken Divan Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives right before serving adds a pop of color and a gentle, herby freshness that brightens up the Chicken Divan Recipe beautifully. If you love a little extra zing, try a quick squeeze of lemon juice over individual portions.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs perfectly with simple sides like fluffy white rice, buttered egg noodles, or even creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that dreamy sauce. A crisp green salad or roasted veggies also make a lovely, fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy bake.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests, dish up the Chicken Divan Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming, personal touch. For a family-style dinner, just bring the bubbling dish straight to the table and let everyone dig in. Leftovers also make a fantastic filling for baked potatoes or a cozy sandwich melt the next day!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Divan Recipe keeps beautifully for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Just cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to an airtight container to keep everything fresh and moist.
Freezing
This casserole is a dream for make-ahead meals! Simply assemble as instructed, but hold off on baking and topping with breadcrumbs. Wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the topping, and bake as directed.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked magic, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through (about 20 minutes). For single servings, the microwave works too—just heat in short bursts and stir in between to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain your frozen broccoli well before layering it in the Chicken Divan Recipe. This ensures your casserole stays creamy rather than watery.
What’s the best way to cook the chicken for this recipe?
You can use poached, roasted, or rotisserie chicken—whatever is easiest for you. Just make sure it’s cooked through and cut or shredded into bite-sized pieces for easy layering and even baking.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs (or omit them entirely). The Chicken Divan Recipe is very adaptable for dietary needs.
Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble the entire dish (minus the breadcrumb topping), cover, and refrigerate it up to a day in advance. Add the topping just before baking for the best crunchy finish.
What’s the origin of Chicken Divan Recipe?
This dish originated in the early 20th century at the Divan Parisien Restaurant in New York City. It quickly became a beloved American comfort food, known for its creamy sauce and classic broccoli-chicken pairing.
Final Thoughts
There’s a special kind of joy in sharing a dish that feels both nostalgic and deliciously satisfying, and the Chicken Divan Recipe truly delivers every time. If you’re craving comfort food that’s easy, family-friendly, and guaranteed to win smiles, give this recipe a try—you might just find it becomes a staple in your home too!
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Chicken Divan Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Chicken Divan is a classic American casserole featuring tender cooked chicken and fresh broccoli topped with a creamy cheese sauce and a crispy breadcrumb crust. This comforting baked dish is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a satisfying family meal, combining savory flavors with a rich and cheesy texture.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Topping
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and baking dish: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Cook the broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until just tender, about 3-4 minutes. Drain thoroughly to remove excess water, then spread evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Add the chicken: Evenly layer the cooked, shredded or cubed chicken breast over the broccoli in the baking dish.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbling without browning. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
- Season and combine sauce: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble casserole: Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli layers in the baking dish, spreading to cover completely.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
- Rest and serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking to set before serving. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience and enhanced flavor.
- For a low-carb variation, substitute breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or omit them entirely.
- Frozen broccoli is a convenient alternative; just thaw and drain thoroughly before using.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
