This Chicken Divan recipe is loaded with juicy chicken pieces, tender broccoli, and a creamy, rich cheese sauce. It’s a favorite dinner option the whole family will love. This easy casserole is perfect for busy weeknights and is ready in just 30 minutes!
This chicken casserole recipe is super easy – you only need one bowl and 10 minutes to prep! The ingredients are simple, and the dish is healthy, creamy, and loved by everyone. It’s the perfect go-to for a quick and satisfying meal!
Are you looking for a delicious meal that’s super simple to make? This recipe has got you covered! Imagine juicy chicken and vibrant green broccoli all smothered in a creamy sauce. It’s a winner for sure!
Plus, it can be served with a variety of side dishes and can even be made ahead of time. Whether you’re prepping for a busy weeknight or planning a family dinner, this versatile dish is a fantastic choice.
What is Chicken Divan?
Chicken Divan is a classic American casserole dish that combines juicy chicken pieces and tender broccoli in a creamy, rich cheese sauce. Originating from the Divan Parisien Restaurant in New York City and was created by a chef named Lagasi during the early 20th century, this dish has become a beloved comfort food. Traditionally, it includes poached chicken breasts, broccoli, and a cheesy Mornay or béchamel sauce enriched with egg yolks. Modern versions often use condensed soup and are topped with Parmesan or breadcrumbs. It’s a beloved comfort food known for its rich flavor and creamy texture.
Ingredients Needed
- Chicken Breast – Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes or strips for even cooking. Choose high-quality chicken breast for the best flavor and texture.
- Olive Oil – If you’re out of olive oil, you can substitute it with avocado oil, or even unsalted butter for added richness.
- Broccoli – Cut the broccoli into small, evenly-sized florets to ensure uniform cooking.
- Cheddar Cheese – Use sharp cheddar cheese for a stronger flavor, but you can also use mild cheddar if preferred. Grate the cheese yourself for the best melting and texture.
- Cream Of Mushroom Soup – This ingredient adds creaminess and great flavor to the dish. You can also use homemade cream of mushroom soup for a fresher taste.
- Cream Cheese – Adding cream cheese enhances the creaminess and richness of the sauce.
- Vegetable Stock – Use low-sodium vegetable stock to control the dish’s saltiness.
- Garlic & Onion Powder – These add savory flavor to the dish without the texture of fresh garlic and onions.
- Paprika – Adds a subtle smoky flavor and vibrant color to the dish.
- Salt&Pepper – Used to enahnce all the flavors from this dish.
For the Breadcrumb Topping
- Breadcrumbs – Use crushed pork rinds, toasted almond flour, or parmesan.
- Butter – For a richer flavor, brown the butter before using it in the breadcrumb topping.
How To Make Broccoli Chicken Divan
This chicken recipe is super easy to make in under 35 minutes from start to finish. Here’s everything you have to do:
Prepare and Cook the Chicken
Start by heating 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches a slight shimmer.
Chicken Prep*: You can use pre-cooked chicken or cook it fresh for this recipe. If using raw chicken, cut 4 chicken breasts into smaller, bite-sized pieces, then season them with a combination of 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Cook the seasoned chicken pieces in the skillet until they are fully cooked through, stirring occasionally for even cooking. If you’re using pre-cooked chicken, warm it in the skillet before proceeding with the recipe.
Cut 1 ½ – 2 pounds of broccoli into small, bite-sized florets to ensure even cooking. Microwave the prepared broccoli until it reaches the desired tenderness, then drain it thoroughly before use.
Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 10 ½ ounces of condensed cream of mushroom soup, 2/3 cup of cream cheese, ½ cup of low-sodium vegetable stock, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Stir the ingredients until they are well incorporated.
Assemble the Casserole
Arrange the cooked chicken pieces evenly at the bottom of the greased baking dish. Place the cooked broccoli florets on top of the chicken layer, distributing them evenly.
Evenly pour the cheese and soup mixture over the chicken and broccoli layers in the baking dish.
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole. Then, in a separate bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of Panko bread crumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle this buttered breadcrumb mixture over the cheese layer.
Bake the Chicken Casserole
Place the assembled baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown and the cheese is thoroughly melted and bubbling.
Tips For Making The Best Chicken Recipe
- Season Well: Ensure your chicken is flavorful by using enough salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Uniform Pieces: Cut chicken breasts into equal-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly and turn golden brown. This prevents undercooked or overcooked pieces.
- Cook Evenly: Stir the chicken occasionally during cooking to cook it through without burning.
- Change Flavors: For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. If you prefer a more herbal flavor, sprinkle fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley on top before baking.
- Watch the Bake: Monitor the dish closely while baking to prevent the breadcrumbs from burning. The casserole is ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. If the breadcrumbs brown too quickly, cover the dish with foil.
Recipe Variations
- Cheese Change-Up. To give your dish a new taste, try using different kinds of cheese, like Swiss, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère.
- Creamy Options. Instead of mushroom soup, use cream of chicken or broccoli soup for a different flavor.
- More Vegetables. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to add color and nutrients.
- Add Some Spice. Make it spicier with crushed red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce.
- Crunchy Topping. Sprinkle chopped nuts or toasted breadcrumbs on top before baking for extra crunch.
- Fresh Herb Flavor. Add fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary for a burst of flavor.
- Customize Your Seasonings. Change the spices to your taste, like curry powder, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning.
Storing Ideas
- Fridge – You can store the leftovers of this chicken divan recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for about 5 days.
- Freezer – You can also store the leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one month.
- Reheating: You can reheat the leftovers in the microwave or stovetop.
More Chicken Casserole Recipes
Broccoli Chicken Divan
Description
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups broccoli cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese shredded, divided
- 1 can 10.5 ounces condensed cream of mushroom soup
- â…” cup cream cheese
- ½ cup vegetable stock low sodium
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp salt
For Breadcrumb Topping
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs or almond flour or parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish thoroughly, coating all sides to prevent sticking.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or frying pan until it shimmers slightly.
- While the oil heats, prepare your chicken. Take 4 chicken breasts and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken pieces evenly with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Adjust seasoning to taste if necessary.
- Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the heated skillet. Cook them until fully cooked through, which typically takes about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the broccoli. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Microwave the broccoli until tender crisp. Once cooked, drain the broccoli well and set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 10 ½ ounces of condensed cream of mushroom soup, 2/3 cup of cream cheese, ½ cup of low-sodium vegetable stock, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Stir the ingredients together until they are well combined.
- Now, take the greased baking dish and arrange the cooked chicken pieces in an even layer at the bottom.
- Add the cooked broccoli florets on top of the chicken layer in the baking dish.
- Pour the cheese and soup mixture over the chicken and broccoli in the baking dish, ensuring an even distribution.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole mixture.
- Combine 3 tablespoons of Panko bread crumbs in a small bowl with 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Mix until the bread crumbs are evenly coated with butter.
- Sprinkle the buttered bread crumbs over the cheddar cheese layer in the baking dish, creating an even coating.
- Place the prepared baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are lightly browned and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once done, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the dish to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious broccoli chicken divan!
Video
Notes
How do we calculate the nutrition info?
These nutrition facts listed are determined using nutrition information from the USDA Food Database. Our nutrition facts are accurate, but if you are using different products, please make your calculations. Net carb count is calculated by subtracting both fiber and sugar alcohols because they don’t raise blood sugar.
