Name: Chicken Divan
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487552H2M32S
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works well); 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets (or 1 bag of frozen broccoli, thawed); 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular); 2 tablespoons melted butter

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Divan is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. The combination of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy sauce creates a dish that’s both hearty and comforting. It’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it an excellent option for meal prepping or feeding a crowd. The crunchy topping adds texture, while the sauce keeps everything moist and delicious. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner or a dish to bring to a potluck.

Ingredients

4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works well)
1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets (or 1 bag of frozen broccoli, thawed)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
2 tablespoons melted butter

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
Prepare the broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli until it is bright green and just tender. If using fresh broccoli, cook it for about 3-4 minutes in boiling water, then drain and set aside. If using frozen broccoli, simply thaw and drain it.
Make the sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. Add in the shredded cheddar cheese and mix until well combined.
Assemble the casserole: Place the cooked chicken and broccoli into the prepared casserole dish. Pour the creamy sauce mixture evenly over the chicken and broccoli, spreading it out to cover everything.
Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake the casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
Serve: Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to settle and make it easier to serve.
Enjoy: Serve your Chicken Divan with your favorite side dish, like rice, mashed potatoes, or a green salad.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Add cheese: For a cheesier casserole, add an extra cup of shredded cheddar or a mix of your favorite cheeses to the sauce.
Use different vegetables: If you’re not a fan of broccoli, try swapping it for cauliflower, peas, or spinach for a different flavor and texture.
Make it spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Healthy version: Use Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version of the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover Chicken Divan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes until hot.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking. Cover it with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if needed.

2. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use cooked frozen chicken. Just make sure it is thawed and shredded before adding it to the casserole.

3. Can I make this casserole without mayonnaise?

Yes! You can substitute mayonnaise with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or even cream cheese for a slightly different texture and flavor.

4. Can I use a different vegetable besides broccoli?

Yes, you can substitute the broccoli with cauliflower, mixed vegetables, or spinach. Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are tender before adding them to the casserole.

5. Can I make this casserole without the topping?

Yes, you can skip the breadcrumb topping if you prefer a simpler casserole. The dish will still be delicious, but the topping adds a nice crunch and extra flavor.

6. How can I make this recipe spicier?

If you like spice, you can add some hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture. You can also top the casserole with sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.

Conclusion

Chicken Divan is a classic comfort food that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and crispy topping in one satisfying dish. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or looking for a dish to serve at a gathering, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and packed with comforting flavors that will make it a family favorite in no time!

Chicken Divan

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Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Chicken Divan is a creamy, comforting casserole that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a velvety sauce, topped with a crunchy Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. This classic family favorite is perfect for cozy dinners and special occasions.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
Steam or blanch the broccoli until it is bright green and just tender. If using fresh broccoli, cook it for about 3-4 minutes in boiling water, then drain and set aside. If using frozen broccoli, simply thaw and drain it.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and mix until well combined.
Place the cooked chicken and broccoli into the prepared casserole dish. Pour the creamy sauce mixture evenly over the chicken and broccoli, spreading it out to cover everything.
In a small bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to settle and make it easier to serve.
Serve with your favorite side dish, like rice, mashed potatoes, or a green salad, and enjoy!

Notes

Add extra cheese for a cheesier casserole by including an extra cup of shredded cheddar or mixing in other types of cheese.If you prefer a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.For a healthier option, substitute Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream for mayonnaise.You can make this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking for up to 24 hours.Leftover cooked chicken works great in this recipe.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 75mg