Creamy Chicken Divan Casserole: The Comforting Family Recipe

Whipping up a creamy chicken divan casserole brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in this classic dish that promises satisfaction.

Broccoli and tender chicken create a harmonious combination beneath a rich, velvety sauce.

Cheese melts perfectly, adding depth and warmth to every forkful.

Simple preparation means you can have this meal ready in under an hour.

Home cooks appreciate how effortlessly this recipe comes together with minimal kitchen skills.

Dive into a meal that feels like a warm embrace, promising both nutrition and incredible flavor.

What You’ll Need for Easy Chicken Divan Casserole

• Chicken: Tender protein for the main dish.
• Broccoli: Green vegetable adding nutrition and texture.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream: Creamy base for rich flavor.
• Mayonnaise: Adds extra creaminess and depth.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides sharp cheese flavor.

• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings for balanced taste.
• Bread Crumbs, Butter: Crunchy topping for textural contrast.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Divan Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Veggie and Protein

If you’re starting with fresh broccoli, zap it in the microwave for a quick steam until it’s bright green and tender.

Slice or shred your chicken into bite-sized morsels that’ll make every forkful delightful.

Step 3: Whip Up the Magical Sauce

• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Mayonnaise
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything together until it becomes a smooth, creamy dream.

Step 4: Build Your Flavor Layers

Spread the chicken and broccoli across the baking dish like a tasty canvas.

Pour your creamy sauce over the top, making sure every morsel gets a loving coating.

Step 5: Create a Crunchy Crown

Mix bread crumbs with melted butter in a small bowl.

Sprinkle this golden mixture over the casserole for a crispy, irresistible topping.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Let it bubble and transform for 25-30 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the edges are singing with flavor.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Let the casserole rest for a quick 5 minutes.

Serve it up hot, maybe with a fresh salad or some crusty bread on the side.

Your taste buds are in for a treat!

Smart Tips for a Rich and Easy Chicken Divan

• Microwave broccoli for exactly 3 minutes to achieve perfect tender-crisp texture without losing nutrients or overcooking.
• Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier, protein-packed alternative that maintains the same rich, tangy flavor profile.
• Add a splash of white wine or lemon juice to the sauce for an unexpected, bright taste that elevates the entire casserole.
• Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake directly from the cold state, adding 10-15 minutes to cooking time.
• Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and almond flour bread crumbs to make this dish celiac-friendly without compromising taste or texture.

Store and Reheat Chicken Divan Without Losing Flavor

• Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the casserole's taste.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of milk to restore creamy texture if needed.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes, removing foil in the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

Great Pairings for Creamy Chicken Divan Casserole

• Pair Perfectly Chilled White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy, rich flavors of the chicken divan casserole. These light wines cut through the heaviness and refresh your palate.
• Create Zesty Green Salad: Toss mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette, cucumber slices, and fresh herbs to balance the casserole's richness. The bright, tangy salad provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, creamy dish.
• Serve Rustic Crusty Bread: Offer warm, crusty sourdough or French bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce. The bread's crispy texture and slightly tangy flavor enhance the overall dining experience.
• Recommend Roasted Asparagus: Prepare simple roasted asparagus with olive oil, sea salt, and cracked pepper as a green vegetable side. Its earthy, tender profile matches perfectly with the casserole's creamy texture.

Simple Twists for Chicken Divan Casserole

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute broccoli with cauliflower for fewer carbohydrates. Replace bread crumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a crispy topping that maintains low-carb requirements.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream of chicken soup, coconut yogurt instead of sour cream, and dairy-free cheese alternatives. Select plant-based mayonnaise to complete the creamy sauce without dairy products.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken substitute. Add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for additional protein and depth of flavor. Use vegetable cream soup as a base for the sauce.

FAQs

• Is Chicken Divan a healthy dish?

While delicious, this casserole is relatively high in calories and fat due to ingredients like cheese, sour cream, and cream soup. For a healthier version, use low-fat dairy products, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and reduce the cheese quantity.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Also, ensure the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free, as some brands contain wheat flour.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or poached chicken breasts are perfect. Shredded or cubed chicken both work well, so use whatever you have available.

• How can I add more vegetables to this casserole?

In addition to broccoli, you can incorporate cauliflower, spinach, or sliced mushrooms. Just ensure vegetables are pre-cooked and moisture is removed to prevent a watery casserole.

What Makes Chicken Divan Casserole So Comforting

• Creamy Chicken Divan Casserole offers pure culinary magic that everyone will adore.
• Incredibly simple recipe that requires minimal cooking skills, perfect for beginners and seasoned home cooks wanting a hassle-free meal.
• Combines protein, vegetables, and creamy sauce in a single baking dish, making cleanup a breeze and reducing kitchen chaos.
• Delivers crowd-pleasing flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table leaves satisfied and happy.
• Adaptable recipe that works great for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, providing maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Creamy Chicken Divan Casserole (Easy & Delicious) Recipe

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4.5 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting chicken divan casserole delivers pure culinary magic with its rich, cheesy layers of tender chicken and broccoli. Home cooks will savor this classic one-dish meal that promises warmth and satisfaction in every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2–3 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie or shredded breast meat)
• 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, steamed or blanched)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Creamy Base Ingredients:

• 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces / 298 grams)
• 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare the culinary stage by heating the oven to 350°F and lightly coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a thin layer of grease.
2. Transform fresh broccoli into tender-crisp florets through a brief microwave steam, approximately 3 minutes. Deconstruct cooked chicken into bite-sized morsels.
3. Craft a luxurious sauce by whisking cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into a harmonious blend.
4. Arrange chicken and broccoli as a foundation within the prepared baking dish, creating an even landscape. Cascade the creamy sauce across the surface, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Elevate the dish’s texture by combining bread crumbs with melted butter, then delicately scatter this golden mixture atop the casserole for a crisp finale.
6. Slide the dish into the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 25-30 minutes until the edges bubble enthusiastically and the surface achieves a beautiful golden-brown complexion.
7. Pause briefly after removing from the oven, letting the casserole settle for 5 minutes. Serve immediately, presenting a comforting meal that can be accompanied by a fresh salad or crusty bread.

Notes

• Customize your casserole by swapping broccoli with cauliflower or mixed vegetables for variety and added nutrition.
• Reduce calories by using low-fat cream of chicken soup, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and whole wheat breadcrumbs.
• Make it gluten-free by substituting regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers.
• Prepare ahead by assembling the casserole and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking, which intensifies flavors and saves time during meal prep.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 21g
• Cholesterol: 70mg