Chicken Divan is a comforting, creamy casserole made with tender chicken, broccoli, and a rich, cheesy sauce, all baked together until bubbly and golden. This classic dish has been around for decades, and every time I make it, I understand why—it’s warm, filling, and packed with flavor. It’s one of those timeless dinners that feels both nostalgic and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love Chicken Divan because it’s simple, versatile, and family-friendly. It’s the kind of dish I turn to when I need a cozy, all-in-one meal that doesn’t require a lot of fuss. The creamy sauce binds everything together perfectly, the cheese adds richness, and the broccoli gives it a pop of color and freshness. It’s easy to prep ahead of time, freezes well, and makes great leftovers—what’s not to love?
ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Cooked chicken breast (shredded or cubed)
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Fresh or frozen broccoli florets
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Cream of chicken soup
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Mayonnaise or sour cream
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Shredded cheddar cheese
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Lemon juice
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Garlic powder
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Onion powder
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Salt and pepper
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Bread crumbs or crushed Ritz crackers (for topping)
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Butter (melted, for topping)
directions
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I preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
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I steam or microwave the broccoli until just tender, then drain and set it aside.
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In a large bowl, I mix together the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise (or sour cream), lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and half of the shredded cheese.
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I add the cooked chicken and broccoli to the bowl and stir everything until well combined.
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I pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth out the top.
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I sprinkle the remaining cheese over the casserole, then mix the bread crumbs or crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle that on top too.
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I bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 to 8 people and takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25–30 minutes to bake. In total, I can have it ready in under 45 minutes.
Variations
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I swap in cooked turkey when I have leftovers from the holidays.
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I use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different base flavor.
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For a healthier version, I use Greek yogurt instead of mayo and reduce the cheese.
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Sometimes I stir in cooked rice or egg noodles to make it a full one-dish meal.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I cover and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions. If I’m freezing it, I assemble everything (except the topping), wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. I add the topping just before baking.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works great here. I just shred it and mix it in—it saves time and adds extra flavor.
Can I make Chicken Divan ahead of time?
Absolutely. I assemble it a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Then I just bake it when I’m ready to serve.
What can I use instead of mayo?
Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt both work as a great substitute, depending on whether I want a tangy or lighter flavor.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, I just thaw and drain it well before using so the casserole doesn’t get watery.
How do I make it gluten-free?
I use a gluten-free cream soup and substitute the topping with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Conclusion
Chicken Divan is one of those hearty, comforting meals that I can always count on. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with wholesome ingredients like chicken and broccoli. Whether I’m feeding my family, prepping for the week, or making something to bring to a friend, this casserole never fails to hit the mark.
Chicken Divan
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Divan recipe is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting casserole made with tender chicken, broccoli, and a rich sauce, then topped with golden breadcrumbs or crackers. It's the ultimate easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead meal that delivers nostalgic, family-friendly flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or cubed)
- 4 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets (steamed)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup mayonnaise or sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup bread crumbs or crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Steam or microwave broccoli until just tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise (or sour cream), lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and half of the shredded cheese.
- Fold in cooked chicken and broccoli until well combined.
- Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with remaining cheese.
- Mix bread crumbs or crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Swap mayo for Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Cream of mushroom or celery soup can be used for flavor variations.
- Add cooked rice or noodles to make it a full one-dish meal.
- Assemble ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- For gluten-free, use GF soup and topping alternatives.
