Name: Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes; 16 ounces frozen broccoli florets, thawed; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided; 2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup; 1 cup mayonnaise; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup milk; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1 cup plain breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

I absolutely love sharing this Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe because it feels like a warm hug on a plate. From tender chunks of chicken and vibrant broccoli covered in a creamy, tangy sauce to a perfectly crisp golden breadcrumb topping, every bite is just pure comfort food bliss. It’s the kind of dish that instantly makes me feel at home, whether I’m cooking a cozy family dinner or bringing something special to potluck gatherings.

Why You'll Love This Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe

What makes this Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe truly stand out to me is the balance of flavors — creamy richness from the combination of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and mayonnaise paired with a hint of brightness from fresh lemon juice. When you mix that in with tender chicken and broccoli, all baked to bubbling perfection under a buttery breadcrumb crust, it feels effortlessly delicious. Every forkful feels indulgent without being overwhelming.

Another reason I keep coming back to this recipe is how straightforward it is to prepare. The ingredients are simple and easy to find, and the steps come together quickly without complex techniques or long prep times. I love dishes like this that make weeknight dinners feel special with minimal fuss, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser when guests come over.

This Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe also feels incredibly versatile for many occasions. I’ve served it at family dinners, holiday gatherings, and casual lunches. It’s comforting enough for a chilly evening but elegant enough to bring along when you want to impress without stress. Honestly, it’s one of those recipes I keep in my “go-to” folder because it never disappoints.

Ingredients You'll Need

A close-up top view of a green handled brown pan filled with small, cooked, light brown meat pieces scattered evenly across the pan's surface, set against a white marbled background photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role. From juicy chicken cubes to fresh broccoli, and the creamy sauce that brings everything together to the crunchy breadcrumb topping that adds texture—it’s all about harmony on the plate.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cubed for bite-sized tenderness and even cooking.
Olive oil: For sautéing the chicken to a light golden color.
Salt and black pepper: To season and bring out the flavors perfectly.
Frozen broccoli florets: Thawed and drained to add freshness and color.
Cream of chicken soup: The creamy base that adds depth and richness.
Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang.
Sour cream: Balances the richness with a slight tartness for complexity.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully to bind the casserole and offer a cheesy flavor.
Milk: Adjusts the sauce consistency for a smooth, luscious texture.
Lemon juice: Brightens the dish with a refreshing kiss.
Garlic powder and onion powder: Provide savory aromatics that enhance every bite.
Plain breadcrumbs: Mixed with butter for a crunchy golden topping.
Unsalted butter: Keeps the breadcrumbs crisp and flavorful.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to get it ready for baking.

Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat — this will be the perfect temperature to brown the chicken.

Step 3: Add the cubed chicken, seasoning it with salt and half of the black pepper. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Then, set it aside so it can rest.

Step 4: Thaw the frozen broccoli according to the package instructions, then drain and pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels to avoid excess moisture diluting the sauce.

Step 5: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and the remaining black pepper. Mix everything until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Gently fold the cooked chicken and drained broccoli into the sauce mixture, ensuring every piece is well coated.

Step 7: Pour and spread the chicken and broccoli mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish – this creates a beautiful even layer for baking.

Step 8: In a small bowl, combine the plain breadcrumbs with melted butter to create a golden, crunchy topping.

Step 9: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole for that perfect crispy finish.

Step 10: Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and you can see the casserole bubbling around the edges — this signals it’s perfectly cooked.

Step 11: Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven—this helps it set and makes serving easier.

Servings and Timing

This Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe yields about 6 generous servings, making it ideal for a family dinner or small gathering. The prep time is roughly 15 minutes, with a cook time of 30 minutes, so you’re looking at a total time commitment of about 45 minutes. Including resting time, plan for just under an hour from start to finish — perfect for a nourishing weeknight meal without a long wait.

How to Serve This Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe

A rectangular beige baking dish with two handles holds a layered casserole. The top layer is a thick, even covering of golden-brown breadcrumbs that look crunchy and textured. Underneath, small hints of a creamy mixture and bits of green are visible at the edges. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving this dish, I like to keep things simple so the casserole takes center stage but also add sides that brighten and complement its creamy richness. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or steamed green beans with a squeeze of lemon are fresh options that balance the dish wonderfully. Roasted potatoes or buttery dinner rolls also make excellent companion sides for a more substantial meal.

For presentation, I love to sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar or some fresh chopped parsley on top just before serving to add a burst of color and freshness. Serving it hot right from the oven maximizes the gooey melted cheese and bubbly sauce, but it’s also delicious warm if you’re saving leftovers for later.

As for drinks, I recommend a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay to complement the creamy sauce without overpowering it. If you prefer non-alcoholic choices, a sparkling lemonade or iced tea with lemon pairs beautifully. This casserole really shines at family dinners, casual weekend lunches, or when you want a fuss-free meal that feels like a treat.

Variations

One of the things I love about the Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe is how adaptable it is. If you want to change things up, swapping the broccoli for cauliflower or adding peas can add new textures and flavors. For a dairy-free twist, I’ve tried using coconut yogurt and dairy-free mayonnaise, which keep it creamy without losing the tang.

If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you can easily substitute the plain breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers. I’ve also experimented with adding a little curry powder or smoked paprika to the sauce for a fun flavor variation that adds warmth and intrigue.

For a different cooking method, if you're short on oven space, you can prepare this casserole in a slow cooker on low for 3-4 hours — just add the breadcrumb topping at the end under a broiler to crisp it up. Or try individual ramekins for personalized portions that give a charming presentation.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I always recommend transferring any leftovers into an airtight container once the casserole has cooled to room temperature. Stored in the refrigerator, your Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe will keep well for up to 3-4 days. Using glass or BPA-free plastic containers with tight-fitting lids works great for preserving freshness and flavor.

Freezing

This casserole freezes wonderfully, which is perfect for meal prep. To freeze, allow it to cool completely, then cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or portion it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to ensure even warming.

Reheating

To reheat, I find the best method is to place the casserole in a 350°F oven, covered loosely with foil to prevent the topping from burning, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through. Removing the foil for the last 5 minutes helps restore the crispy breadcrumb topping. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the topping soggy and the texture less appealing.

FAQs

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh broccoli works wonderfully in this recipe. Just steam it briefly or blanch it to soften before adding it to the casserole to match the texture you'd get with thawed frozen broccoli. Be sure to dry it well to avoid excess moisture in the dish.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can make a dairy-free version by substituting sour cream and mayonnaise with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt and vegan mayo. Use a dairy-free cheese or omit it altogether and rely on extra seasoning for flavor. The casserole will still be creamy and satisfying.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

You definitely can! I often prepare the sauce, cook the chicken, and assemble everything the night before. Cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight. When ready to eat, just bake it for about 30-35 minutes until heated through and the topping turns golden and crisp.

What can I use as a substitute for cream of chicken soup?

If you want to avoid canned soup, you can make a simple homemade substitute by combining chicken broth, milk or cream, a bit of flour or cornstarch for thickening, and seasoning it with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This way, you control the flavors and avoid additives.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Yes! This Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe is perfect for meal prepping. It reheats well and freezes beautifully, making it convenient for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just portion it out for easy grab-and-go meals without compromising taste or texture.

Conclusion

I can’t recommend this Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe enough — it’s a true classic that never fails to impress and satisfy. Whether you’re treating yourself on a cozy night in or sharing it with friends and family, it brings comfort, flavor, and ease to the table. I hope you enjoy making and savoring it as much as I do!