Chicken Divan Recipe

I really enjoy making Chicken Divan—it’s simple, cozy, and packed with flavor.

This classic casserole brings together tender chicken, creamy sauce, and broccoli for a meal that just feels right.

You can throw this dish together with easy-to-find ingredients and serve it over fluffy egg noodles. It’s a complete dinner that tastes homemade and hearty.

Whenever I cook Chicken Divan, I notice how the rich flavors come together without much effort. The creamy sauce hugs the chicken and veggies, and that texture is honestly tough to beat.

I like making this recipe on busy nights, or if I just want something warm and filling.

You’ll see how straightforward it is—what you’ll need, and a few tips for getting the best taste and texture. Give it a try and you’ll probably see why people keep coming back to this dish.

Chicken Divan Recipe

I reach for this creamy casserole when I want a warm, easy dinner. It’s got tender chicken, fresh or frozen broccoli, and a rich sauce made with cream of chicken soup and cheddar cheese.

The topping gives it a little crunch that balances out the creamy filling.

Equipment

• 1 large casserole dish (about 9×13 inches)
• Medium saucepan for the sauce
• Mixing bowls for combining everything
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk for blending soup and dairy
• Cutting board and knife for broccoli or chicken
• Spatula or spoon for spreading
• Oven preheated to 375°F (190°C)
• Baking sheet (if you want to catch drips)
• Small bowl for mixing the topping

I keep all my tools handy so I can move quickly from step to step.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cubed cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken
• 3 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets, lightly cooked
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup or cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon curry powder (optional, but good)
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• ½ cup panko bread crumbs or crushed Ritz crackers
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons slivered almonds (optional for crunch)

I usually go for fresh broccoli because it keeps a bit of bite, but I’ll use frozen if I’m in a hurry.

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Steam or blanch the broccoli just until it’s tender, then drain it well.
• Mix soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, and curry powder in a bowl.
• Stir in half the cheddar cheese.
• Layer broccoli in the casserole dish, then add the cubed chicken over it.
• Pour the sauce mixture evenly on top.
• Sprinkle with the rest of the cheddar cheese.
• Combine bread crumbs (or crackers) with melted butter and almonds, then spread that over the cheese.
• Bake for 25–30 minutes, until it’s bubbly and golden brown on top.
• Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

I usually wait until I see the edges bubbling before I pull it from the oven.

Notes

Sometimes I swap in cream of mushroom soup for a deeper flavor. Greek yogurt makes the sauce lighter than mayo does.

If I use frozen broccoli, I make sure to drain it well so the sauce doesn’t get watery.

Topping choices really change the vibe. Panko bread crumbs give a crisp bite, while Ritz crackers make a buttery crust. I’ll toss in slivered almonds for extra crunch if I have them.

Leftovers reheat nicely in the oven or microwave. I just stash them in an airtight container for up to three days.

Tasting Notes

I love how Chicken Divan balances creamy richness with just enough broccoli to keep things fresh. The sauce wraps around each bite—smooth and comforting, but thankfully not too heavy.

When I tried a version inspired by Divan Parisien, the flavors just sort of clicked. Simple, elegant, and honestly, a little nostalgic.

The chicken comes out tender, soaking up all that mild cheese and cream. Meanwhile, the broccoli brings a bit of crunch and a pop of color, so the dish never feels overwhelming.

I really like the way the breadcrumbs on top turn golden and crisp in the oven. That contrast with the soft filling underneath? So satisfying.

Every bite mixes up creamy, crispy, and juicy textures. Sometimes I catch a faint note of nutmeg or maybe curry powder—depends on the recipe, but it adds this gentle warmth to the sauce.

When it comes out of the oven, the aroma instantly reminds me of cozy dinners at home. It’s classic and comforting, with a mild flavor that doesn’t need anything extra to shine.

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