Chicken Divan: A Deliciously Easy Comfort Dish

Chicken Divan is a classic American casserole that combines tender chicken, broccoli, and a rich, creamy sauce, all baked to golden perfection. 

Traditionally topped with breadcrumbs and cheese, it’s an easy and satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners, holidays, or potlucks. Originally created in the 1950s at the Divan Parisien Restaurant in New York City, this dish has since evolved into a beloved household favorite.

In this article, we’ll guide you through a delicious Chicken Divan recipe, offer tips for customization, and answer common questions to help you create this comforting and crowd-pleasing casserole.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Divan

• Comforting and Satisfying: Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken and broccoli, it’s the definition of comfort food.
• Simple to Make: With easy-to-find ingredients, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or busy weekends.
• Versatile: You can make Chicken Divan with fresh or leftover chicken, and there are endless variations depending on your preferences.
• Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy the cheesy goodness of this dish, making it a hit with the whole family.

Ingredients for Chicken Divan

This recipe serves 6-8 people and can be easily doubled if you’re feeding a larger crowd or want to have leftovers for the week.

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced: Rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken breasts work great for this recipe.
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets: You can also use frozen broccoli, just be sure to thaw and drain it well.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup: The base for the creamy sauce.
• 1 cup sour cream or mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and tang to the sauce.
• 1/2 cup milk: To thin out the sauce and make it smooth.
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a delicious cheesy layer.
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers: For a crunchy topping.
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted: To mix with the breadcrumbs for added flavor and texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional): Adds a hint of extra flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Divan

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli

If using fresh broccoli, steam the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and set aside. If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain well before using.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream (or mayonnaise), milk, garlic powder (if using), and half of the shredded cheese. Stir until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Layer the cooked broccoli evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add the cooked chicken on top of the broccoli, spreading it out evenly. Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and broccoli, making sure to cover everything evenly.

Step 5: Add the Toppings

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs (or crushed Ritz crackers) with the melted butter. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top of the casserole, followed by the breadcrumb mixture. The cheese will melt and the breadcrumbs will create a crispy, golden topping.

Step 6: Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the topping is golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Serve

Once the casserole is done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Chicken Divan is great on its own, but it also pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Divan

1. Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience: To save time, use store-bought rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken. This cuts down on prep time and makes the dish even easier to assemble.

2. Customize the Sauce: You can swap out the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup, depending on your flavor preference. For a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or mayonnaise.

3. Add Extra Veggies: While broccoli is traditional, you can add other vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or peas to increase the nutrition and flavor of the dish.

4. Make It Gluten-Free: To make this casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free condensed soup and breadcrumbs. You can also substitute the breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour for the topping.

5. Cheese Variations: While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Gruyère, or Swiss for a different flavor profile.

6. Make It Ahead: Chicken Divan can be assembled in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it perfect for meal prep or when you’re hosting guests and want to save time.

FAQs About Chicken Divan

1. Can I Make Chicken Divan Ahead of Time?

Yes! Chicken Divan is a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it, covered, in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

2. Can I Freeze Chicken Divan?

Absolutely. To freeze, assemble the casserole without baking it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. If baking directly from frozen, add about 15-20 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated through.

3. What Can I Use Instead of Cream of Chicken Soup?

If you prefer to avoid canned soup, you can make a homemade version by creating a roux with butter and flour, then whisking in chicken broth and milk until it thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. This homemade sauce can replace the canned soup in the recipe.

4. Can I Use Frozen Broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli in Chicken Divan. Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water to avoid making the casserole watery. You can also slightly steam it before adding it to the dish to ensure it’s tender.

5. How Do I Store and Reheat Leftovers?

Leftover Chicken Divan can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the breadcrumb topping may not stay as crispy.

6. What Can I Serve with Chicken Divan?

Chicken Divan pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Try serving it over rice or egg noodles for a complete meal. It also goes well with mashed potatoes, garlic bread, or a simple green salad to balance out the richness of the casserole.

7. Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Broccoli?

Yes! While broccoli is traditional, you can swap it out for other vegetables like cauliflower, spinach, peas, or green beans. Just make sure the vegetables are cooked or steamed before adding them to the casserole to ensure they’re tender.

Conclusion

Chicken Divan is a comforting, versatile, and easy-to-make casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The combination of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce topped with crispy breadcrumbs makes this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or customize it with your favorite ingredients, Chicken Divan is sure to become a family favorite that you’ll return to time and again.