Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe

Broccoli Chicken Divan is a comforting, classic casserole dish made with tender chicken, steamed broccoli, and a rich, creamy sauce, all topped with melted cheese and crispy breadcrumbs. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for a family dinner or potluck. This version of the dish is both easy to make and delicious, with plenty of opportunities for customization to suit your taste. Serve it with rice or a side salad for a complete meal.

Let’s dive into this Broccoli Chicken Divan recipe, step-by-step, and make a flavorful casserole that everyone will love!

this Recipe

What is Broccoli Chicken Divan?

Broccoli Chicken Divan is a baked casserole featuring juicy chicken breast, steamed broccoli, and a creamy sauce made with a combination of sour cream or mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, and cream of chicken soup. The dish is typically topped with shredded cheese and crispy breadcrumbs, then baked until bubbly and golden. It's a classic American comfort food, loved for its rich flavors and easy preparation. This dish was originally created in the 1940s at the Divan Parisien Restaurant in New York’s Chatham Hotel, and it remains a popular casserole today.

Ingredients List for Broccoli Chicken Divan

Here’s what you’ll need to make Broccoli Chicken Divan. This recipe serves about 4-6 people, but you can easily double it for larger gatherings or leftovers.

For the Chicken and Broccoli:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or 2 cups frozen broccoli, thawed and drained)
• 1 tablespoon butter (for sautéing)
• 1 small onion, finely diced (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom)
• ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for tangy flavor)
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for the sauce)

For the Topping:

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (to mix with the breadcrumbs)

Substitutions and Variations

This Broccoli Chicken Divan recipe is flexible and can easily be customized to suit your preferences. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations:

• Chicken Thighs: Instead of chicken breasts, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor. You can also use leftover turkey or ham for a different twist.
• Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets work best, but frozen broccoli can also be used. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
• Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free sour cream, mayonnaise, and cheese.
• Extra Veggies: Add other veggies like carrots, mushrooms, or cauliflower to bulk up the casserole.
• Spice it Up: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the creamy sauce.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s walk through the steps to make Broccoli Chicken Divan from scratch.

How to Cook Broccoli Chicken Divan: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli

If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch it for about 3-4 minutes, until tender but still crisp. If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain it well. Pat dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions (Optional)

In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until softened. This step is optional but adds extra flavor to the dish.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, pepper, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

In the prepared baking dish, layer the cooked chicken and steamed broccoli evenly. Pour the creamy sauce mixture over the chicken and broccoli, spreading it out to cover everything evenly.

Step 6: Add the Topping

Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese over the top of the casserole. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter, stirring until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs on top of the cheese layer for a crispy, golden finish.

Step 7: Bake the Casserole

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, the sauce is bubbly, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

Step 8: Let It Rest and Serve

Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes it easier to scoop out servings. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Broccoli Chicken Divan turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:

• Not Draining the Broccoli: If you’re using frozen broccoli, be sure to thaw and drain it well. Excess moisture can make the casserole watery.
• Overcooking the Broccoli: Be careful not to overcook the broccoli during steaming or blanching. You want it tender-crisp so that it doesn’t become mushy after baking.
• Too Much Topping: While breadcrumbs add a delicious crunch, too much can make the dish dry. Stick to the recommended amount for a balanced topping.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your Broccoli Chicken Divan is baked to golden perfection, it’s time to think about how to serve and present it beautifully.

How to Serve Broccoli Chicken Divan

This casserole is hearty and filling on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few side dishes to round out the meal:

• Serve with Rice: A side of white or brown rice is a great option to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread or dinner rolls to mop up the delicious sauce.
• Simple Salad: A crisp, green salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the casserole.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts make a great side dish for added color and nutrition.

Presentation Ideas for Broccoli Chicken Divan

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, basil, or thyme over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• Individual Servings: Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation at a dinner party or special occasion.
• Extra Cheese on Top: Add a little extra grated Parmesan cheese to the top before baking for a richer, more savory flavor.

Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe Tips

For the best results, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re short on time, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s flavorful, tender, and saves time on cooking.
• Add Extra Veggies: If you want to bulk up the casserole, add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or cauliflower.
• Make it Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. Just bake it when you’re ready for dinner, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if the casserole is cold.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover Broccoli Chicken Divan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

Q: Can I freeze Broccoli Chicken Divan?
A: Yes! You can freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When ready to bake, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes! To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping and make sure your cream of chicken soup is gluten-free (or make your own homemade version).

Conclusion

Broccoli Chicken Divan is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. With tender chicken, healthy broccoli, and a rich sauce topped with crispy breadcrumbs, this casserole is sure to be a family favorite. It’s easy to make, great for meal prep, and perfect for potlucks or holiday dinners. Whether you’re making it ahead of time or enjoying it fresh out of the oven, this dish will always deliver delicious, comforting flavors. Give this recipe a try tonight and enjoy a warm, hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy!

Print