Chicken Divan
This cozy chicken divan layers tender broccoli and cooked chicken in a creamy cheese sauce, then bakes it under a crisp breadcrumb topping. It is a practical casserole for weeknights, potlucks, or using up leftover roast
Total
55 min
Servings
6 servings
Level
Easy
Chicken divan is a classic American casserole made with chicken, broccoli, a creamy sauce, and a golden topping. It started as a restaurant dish, but it became a home-cooking favorite because it is comforting, simple, and easy to assemble ahead.
This version uses cooked chicken, fresh or frozen broccoli, cheddar, and a little curry powder for the old-school flavor many people remember. The curry is mild, but it gives the sauce warmth. You can leave it out if you prefer.
Serve chicken divan with rice, egg noodles, a baked potato, or a crisp green salad. It is rich enough to feel special, but simple enough for a busy evening.
01What you'll need
Ingredients
16 items · 6 servings
- 4 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus 3 tablespoons melted butter for the topping
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder, optional
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for the broccoli water
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs or coarse dry breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, optional
02How to make it
Step-by-step
1. Heat the oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish or a similar 3-quart casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Cook the broccoli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until bright green and barely tender. Drain well. If using frozen broccoli, thaw it first, then squeeze or pat it dry so the casserole does not turn watery.
3. Soften the onion
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more, just until fragrant. Fragrant means you can smell it clearly, but it has not browned.
4. Mix the sauce
In a large bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, curry powder if using, salt, pepper, and the cooked onion mixture. Stir until smooth.
5. Fold in the chicken and cheese
Add the cooked chicken, drained broccoli, and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese to the bowl. Fold gently with a spatula, which means turning the mixture over itself instead of stirring hard. This helps keep the broccoli pieces from breaking up too much.
6. Fill the baking dish
Spoon the chicken and broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the top.
7. Add the crumb topping
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan if using. Scatter the crumbs evenly over the casserole.
8. Bake until bubbling
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling at the edges and the topping is golden brown. If the topping browns too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil for the last few minutes.
9. Rest and serve
Let the chicken divan rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This short rest helps the sauce settle, so the casserole scoops more neatly.
03From our kitchen
Cook's tips
- Make-ahead: Assemble the casserole without the breadcrumb topping up to 24 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Add the topping just before baking. Add 5 to 10 extra minutes to the bake time if it goes into the oven cold.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat single portions in the microwave, or reheat the covered casserole in a 350°F oven until hot in the center.
- Freezing: Chicken divan can be frozen before or after baking, but the sauce may loosen slightly after thawing. For the best texture, freeze without the crumb topping, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the topping, and bake.
- Chicken swaps: Rotisserie chicken, leftover roast chicken, or poached chicken breasts all work well. Turkey is also a good substitute, especially after a holiday meal.
- Broccoli swaps: Cauliflower, broccolini, or a mix of broccoli and cauliflower can be used. Cook the vegetables until just tender and drain them very well.
- Sauce note: Mayonnaise gives the sauce a classic tang and richness. If you prefer, replace some or all of it with extra sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, though yogurt may taste a little sharper.
Cook's note
For a less salty casserole, use low-sodium condensed soup and taste the sauce before adding the full amount of salt. Condensed soups vary a lot by brand, so a quick taste helps keep the seasoning balanced.
04Frequently asked
Questions & answers
Can I make chicken divan with raw chicken?
This recipe is designed for cooked chicken. If you only have raw chicken, cook it first by baking, poaching, or sautéing until it reaches 165°F in the thickest part. Then chop or shred it and continue with the recipe.
Do I have to use curry powder?
No. Curry powder is traditional in many chicken divan recipes and adds gentle warmth, but it is optional. You can leave it out or replace it with a pinch of paprika or dry mustard.
Why is my chicken divan watery?
The most common reason is wet broccoli. Drain cooked fresh broccoli well, and thaw and squeeze frozen broccoli before adding it. Also let the casserole rest after baking so the sauce can thicken slightly.
What should I serve with chicken divan?
Rice is the classic choice because it catches the creamy sauce. Egg noodles, mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, or a simple green salad also work well.
Can I use fresh breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Yes. Fresh breadcrumbs will make a softer topping, while panko gives more crunch. If using fresh breadcrumbs, toast them lightly in a skillet with the butter before sprinkling them on top for better texture.
05Keep cooking
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