Chicken Divan Casserole is a classic comfort food that brings together tender chicken, broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce all baked to golden perfection. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, with the broccoli adding a nice bit of green and crunch against the smooth, cheesy sauce and soft chicken pieces.
I love making this casserole because it’s so easy to customize and always a hit with my family. Sometimes I like to add a little bit of paprika or a touch of mustard to the sauce to give it an extra pop of flavor. It’s also great for using up leftover chicken and comes together quickly when you need a hassle-free meal that still feels special.
One of my favorite ways to serve Chicken Divan Casserole is with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to scoop up all that cheesy goodness. It’s a dish that’s perfect for both busy weeknights and cozy weekends, and every time I make it, I’m reminded of those easy family dinners where everyone digs in happily and asks for seconds.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions for Chicken Divan Casserole
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is best for tender, lean protein. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover chicken. For a lighter dish, try turkey breast as a substitute.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives a nice crunch, but frozen broccoli works well too—just thaw and drain to avoid extra moisture. Cauliflower is a good swap if you don’t like broccoli or want a milder taste.
Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: These make the sauce creamy and tangy. Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a healthier option, and you can reduce mayo or use light mayo if you prefer less fat.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds great flavor and meltiness, while Parmesan brings a nutty touch. You can swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or Colby if you want a milder cheese. For a dairy-free version, try plant-based cheese alternatives.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs create a crisp topping, but regular breadcrumbs also work well. For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for crunch.
How Do You Get a Perfectly Creamy Yet Crispy Casserole?
Balancing creamy sauce inside with a crunchy topping can feel tricky, but here’s how to nail it:
- Steam broccoli just until tender, so it keeps some bite and doesn’t become mushy during baking.
- Mix the sauce ingredients well to get a smooth and flavorful base. Don’t skip the lemon juice and mustard—they brighten up the sauce nicely.
- Coat the chicken and broccoli gently to avoid breaking the broccoli apart.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish so the casserole cooks uniformly.
- Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter before sprinkling—this step is key to a golden, crispy topping.
- Bake uncovered at 375°F so the top can brown and the sauce thickens without getting watery.
- Let the casserole cool a few minutes before serving to help it set and make it easier to scoop.
Following these steps will give you that lovely combo of creamy, cheesy goodness with a nice crunchy topping every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – perfect size for even baking and easy serving.
- Steamer basket or pot with lid – helps steam broccoli to just the right tenderness.
- Mixing bowls – for combining sauce ingredients and tossing the chicken and broccoli.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep your sauce flavors balanced.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – gentle for folding the ingredients without breaking broccoli.
- Small bowl – to mix breadcrumbs and melted butter for that crispy top.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for cooked turkey or ham for a different twist and extra flavor.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or diced bell peppers for more veggies and a deeper taste.
- Use Swiss or Gruyère cheese instead of cheddar for a nuttier, richer sauce.
- Stir in a pinch of curry powder or smoked paprika for a subtle spice kick.
Chicken Divan Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Topping:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Optional: a pinch of paprika for topping
- Fresh parsley or dried parsley flakes for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake, totaling around 45 minutes. A quick steam of the broccoli and mixing the sauce keeps the prep easy and fast.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Broccoli:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Steam the broccoli florets for about 3-4 minutes until just tender but still crisp. Drain well and set aside.
2. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Combine Chicken and Broccoli:
Add the cooked chicken and steamed broccoli to the sauce mixture. Gently fold everything together until the chicken and broccoli are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the chicken and broccoli mixture evenly in the dish.
5. Add the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter until coated. Sprinkle this mixture over the casserole. Then sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Optionally, dust with a pinch of paprika for some color.
6. Bake:
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
7. Serve:
Let the casserole cool a little before serving. Garnish with fresh or dried parsley if you like for a touch of freshness.
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the frozen broccoli completely and drain any excess water before using. This helps prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it. When ready, bake it uncovered as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I Substitute the Chicken?
Absolutely! Cooked turkey or even ham works well as alternatives. Just make sure the meat is cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces before mixing in.
