Easy Chicken Divan – A Comfort Classic in 35 Minutes!
Busy week? Craving something creamy, cheesy, and downright delicious?
This Chicken Divan Casserole is your answer! Juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and a rich, velvety sauce come together in one dish for the ultimate cozy dinner.
It’s quick to prep, packed with flavor, and totally family-approved (yes, even picky eaters!).
Plus, it’s make-ahead and freezer-friendly, so you can have a satisfying meal ready whenever you need it.
One bite and you’ll see why this classic has stood the test of time!
For Chicken Divan
- Chicken – 3 cups of cooked, chopped chicken (great for using leftovers or rotisserie chicken).
- Broccoli – 1 ½ pounds of fresh broccoli florets, cooked just until tender-crisp.
- Cheddar Cheese – 1 ½ cups shredded, divided. Use a sharp cheddar for extra flavor.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup – 1 can (10.5 oz), or you can substitute with cream of chicken soup.
- Sour Cream – ⅔ cup, for a creamy, tangy base.
- Milk – ½ cup, to thin the sauce slightly.
- Garlic Powder – ½ tsp for a subtle depth of flavor.
- Onion Powder – ½ tsp, a classic pairing with garlic.
- Dry Mustard Powder – ½ tsp, adds a bit of sharpness.
- Black Pepper – ½ tsp for seasoning.
- Seasoned Salt – ¼ tsp to enhance all the flavors.
For Topping
- Panko Breadcrumbs – 3 tbsp, these give a crunchy, golden topping.
- Butter – 1 tbsp, melted, to help the breadcrumbs brown nicely.
Easy Chicken Divan Casserole
Ingredients
Casserole
- 1½ lbs broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
- ⅔ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dry mustard powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp seasoned salt
Topping
- 3 tbsp Panko or seasoned bread crumbs
- 1 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Cook Broccoli: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add broccoli and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain thoroughly.
- Mix Sauce: In a bowl, combine 1 cup cheddar cheese, condensed soup, sour cream, milk, and seasonings.
- Assemble Casserole: Stir in the drained broccoli and chicken, then transfer to a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix melted butter with breadcrumbs, then sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Enjoy on its own or over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.
Tips & Storage
- Broccoli: Cook just until tender-crisp to avoid sogginess, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Frozen Broccoli: Can be used but may have a softer texture. Cook according to package directions and drain well.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of milk on the stovetop or in the microwave.
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver. Just chop or shred it and you’re good to go—no need to cook the chicken yourself!
2. Do I really need to cook the broccoli before adding it to the casserole?
Yes, you’ll want to cook the broccoli just until it’s tender-crisp. It helps prevent it from getting too mushy when baked in the casserole. Plus, it’ll cook a bit more in the oven anyway!
3. Can I prep the casserole ahead of time and bake it later?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead! Just cover it tightly, pop it in the fridge, and bake when you’re ready. You’ll love how easy it is to prep in advance!
4. What can I use if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
No worries! You can swap it with cream of chicken soup. The flavor will be slightly different, but still just as creamy and delicious.
5. How do I make the breadcrumb topping extra crispy?
For an extra crispy topping, toast the breadcrumbs in melted butter before sprinkling them over the casserole. This gives them a nice golden crunch!
