You’ll love this Chicken Divan! It’s a creamy chicken and broccoli casserole baked with cheddar and topped with golden breadcrumbs. A family favorite!
Irresistible Chicken Divan: Your Ultimate Easy Cheesy Chicken Casserole
Indulge in the comforting embrace of our incredible Chicken Divan recipe! This beloved classic is a magnificent creamy chicken and broccoli casserole, baked to perfection with melted cheddar cheese and crowned with a delightful golden breadcrumb topping. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a heartwarming culinary experience that promises to be a cherished family favorite for generations to come. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this dish brings together simple ingredients for a truly delicious result.
Why This Easy Cheesy Chicken Casserole is a Must-Try
Our Chicken Divan casserole stands out as the epitome of cozy comfort food. Imagine succulent, tender chicken pieces and vibrant fresh broccoli florets, all enveloped in a rich, creamy, and irresistibly savory sauce. This delightful medley is then baked until bubbly and golden, crowned with a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese and crispy, buttery breadcrumbs. It’s a truly belly-filling and utterly delicious dish that satisfies even the pickiest eaters!
This hearty meal is designed for your busiest weeknights. With just a handful of readily available ingredients, you can whip up this crowd-pleasing casserole in no time. It’s an easy family dinner hit, guaranteed to elicit smiles around the table. What if broccoli isn’t your favorite? No problem! This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to omit the broccoli entirely or swap it out for other beloved vegetables like cauliflower, green beans, or even mixed peas and carrots, adapting it perfectly to your family’s preferences. Its adaptability makes it a truly stress-free option for any home cook looking for simple, yet satisfying, recipes.
“Made it tonight & it definitely is a comfort food repeat!!
Thank you for sharing
– Nona”
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Divan Casserole
Here are some of the most common questions we receive about making the perfect Chicken Divan. We hope these answers help you customize this delicious casserole to your liking and make your cooking experience even smoother!
Absolutely! Using frozen broccoli is a fantastic time-saver. Just ensure you allow the frozen broccoli to fully defrost and then thoroughly drain any excess liquid before incorporating it into the dish. This crucial step prevents your casserole from becoming watery and helps maintain its rich, creamy texture and vibrant flavor.
Yes, you certainly can! Casseroles are incredibly accommodating for larger gatherings or when you desire extra servings for meal prepping and delicious leftovers. This recipe, as written, generously serves a family of four. To double the recipe, simply multiply all ingredients by two and bake it in a larger 9×13-inch baking dish. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through and beautifully golden brown.
Chicken Divan is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a complete and satisfying meal, consider serving it over fluffy white rice or your favorite pasta. A crisp, fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette, or perhaps a homemade Olive Garden Copycat Salad Dressing, offers a refreshing contrast. Don’t forget some warm, crusty bread like cheesy breadsticks or Texas Toast Garlic Bread to soak up every last drop of that creamy sauce. Even more steamed vegetables, like green beans or corn, would complement this dish perfectly.
The beauty of Chicken Divan lies in its flexibility, and cheese is no exception! While sharp cheddar is traditional and adds a wonderful tang, feel free to experiment. Excellent alternatives include creamy Gouda for a milder, nutty flavor, spicy Pepper Jack for a kick, or mild and melting Mozzarella for a classic gooey texture. A blend of cheeses can also create a unique and delightful profile.
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a brilliant shortcut for busy cooks, significantly cutting down on preparation time. If your recipe includes onion, remember to sauté the diced onion in oil first until tender, even if using pre-cooked chicken, to develop its flavor. You can then simply shred or dice the rotisserie chicken and incorporate it into the sauce. Adjust seasonings as needed, considering any spices already present on the rotisserie chicken.
Leftover Chicken Divan stores wonderfully! Simply transfer any remaining casserole into an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3-5 days. For best results when reheating, you might add a splash of milk or chicken broth to help restore its creamy consistency.
Yes, Chicken Divan is an excellent candidate for freezing, whether as leftovers or for future meal prep! For leftovers, place the cooled casserole in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. If you plan to freeze it unbaked for later, assemble the casserole completely in a freezer-safe baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed, possibly adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Chicken Divan
Crafting this delightful Chicken Divan casserole requires a selection of readily available ingredients that come together to create its signature creamy, savory, and cheesy profile. Below is a comprehensive list, with helpful notes and potential substitutions to tailor the dish to your taste and pantry availability. For exact measurements, please refer to the detailed recipe card at the bottom of this page.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken: We recommend using chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes, for their lean texture and ease of cooking. However, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used for a richer flavor, just ensure all chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before combining with the sauce.
- Oil: A neutral cooking oil, like vegetable or canola oil, for sautéing the chicken and onions to perfection.
- Yellow Onion: Diced yellow onion provides a sweet and aromatic base for the casserole. To expedite your prep, consider purchasing pre-diced fresh onion from the produce section or using frozen diced onion. Sautéing the onion helps soften it and brings out its natural sweetness.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the overall flavor of the chicken and sauce.
- Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, & Paprika: This classic trio of seasonings forms the backbone of our savory flavor profile. They add depth and warmth without being overpowering. Feel free to adjust quantities to your preference or swap in your favorite all-purpose seasoning blend for a unique twist.
- Fresh Broccoli Florets: Bright green and slightly crisp, fresh broccoli florets are a signature component of Chicken Divan, offering both nutrition and texture. If larger chunks aren’t to your liking, simply dice the florets into smaller pieces. For those who prefer a different vegetable or no broccoli at all, this dish is wonderfully adaptable – you can reduce the amount, substitute with another veggie, or even omit it completely.
- Cream of Chicken Soup (Canned or Homemade): A staple in many classic casseroles, canned cream of chicken soup provides a quick and convenient creamy base. For a homemade touch and more control over ingredients, you can easily prepare your own Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup, which often offers a richer flavor profile.
- Milk: Whole milk is recommended for the creamiest texture, but 2% or even skim milk can be used if you prefer a lighter consistency. It helps thin the soup concentrate into a luscious sauce.
- Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise adds a subtle richness and binds the sauce beautifully. If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, or if you prefer a slight tangy note, sour cream is an excellent substitute. However, this recipe is crafted to be delicious even for those who typically avoid sour cream in casseroles, offering a smooth and savory alternative.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp or mild shredded cheddar cheese melts into a glorious, gooey topping that defines cheesy comfort. For alternative cheese suggestions, including Gouda, Pepper Jack, or Mozzarella, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section above to personalize your casserole.
- Italian Breadcrumbs: These seasoned breadcrumbs provide a fantastic crispy, golden crust. If Italian breadcrumbs aren’t available, regular plain breadcrumbs will work just as well, or for an extra crunchy texture, substitute with Panko breadcrumbs. A mix of both can also be delightful.
- Salted Butter: Melted butter is combined with the breadcrumbs to create that irresistible golden-brown topping. Salted butter adds a touch of flavor, but unsalted butter can be used, especially if you prefer to control the sodium content more precisely.
- Chopped Parsley (Optional): Freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note as a garnish.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Chicken Divan Casserole
Creating this delicious Chicken Divan casserole is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these simple steps to bring this comforting meal to your table. Be sure to check the recipe card below for precise measurements and cooking times.
1. Prepare Your Ingredients & Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of your preferred cooking oil over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes until shimmering. Add the cubed boneless, skinless chicken breasts and diced yellow onion to the hot skillet. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken starts to brown and the onions begin to soften.
2. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, and ½ teaspoon of paprika evenly over the chicken and onions. Stir well to ensure all the chicken pieces are thoroughly coated with the aromatic seasoning blend. Continue cooking until the chicken is fully cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
3. Create the Creamy Sauce: Now it’s time to build the luscious sauce. Add the 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets (or thawed and drained frozen broccoli), the 10.5-ounce can of cream of chicken soup, ½ cup of milk, and ¼ cup of mayonnaise to the skillet with the cooked chicken and onions. Stir all the ingredients together until well combined and the broccoli is evenly distributed. Allow this mixture to gently simmer for about 4 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Carefully transfer the creamy chicken and broccoli mixture from the skillet into an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Then, generously sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the entire surface of the chicken mixture. This will form a wonderfully melted, gooey cheese layer as it bakes.
5. Prepare the Crispy Topping: In a separate small bowl, combine the ¼ cup of Italian breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted salted butter. Stir these together until the breadcrumbs are fully moistened by the butter. Evenly scatter this buttery breadcrumb mixture over the layer of shredded cheddar cheese in the baking dish. This topping will bake into a golden, crispy crust, adding a delightful textural contrast.
6. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the uncovered baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. This indicates it’s heated through and the cheese is perfectly melted.
7. Garnish & Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. For an optional fresh touch and added visual appeal, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley over the top. Allow the Chicken Divan to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the sauce set slightly. Then, scoop out generous portions and savor this comforting, cheesy masterpiece!
Craving More Comfort Food & Casserole Recipes?
If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and deliciousness of our Chicken Divan, you’re in for a treat! We have a treasure trove of similar comforting recipes that are perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or simply satisfying those cozy cravings. Explore these other fantastic dishes:
- Broccoli Casserole
- Broccoli Chicken Casserole
- Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
- Broccoli Cheese Cornbread
Chicken Divan
An easy casserole with chicken and a cheesy sauce topped with a buttery breadcrumb mixture.
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Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- ¼ cup diced yellow onion
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or more to taste)
- ¼ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 2 Tablespoons melted salted butter (can use unsalted)
- 2 Tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400° F. To a skillet add 1 Tablespoon oil over medium heat for about a minute.
Add 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed and 1/4 cup diced yellow onion.
Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder and 1/2 teaspoon paprika. Stir until coated. Cook until chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165F degrees.)
Add 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup, 1/2 cup milk and 1/4 mayonnaise. Stir. Cook for about 4 minutes.
Transfer the chicken mixture to an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish.
Top the dish with 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
In a separate small bowl, mix 1/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs with 2 Tablespoons melted salted butter together. Top the dish evenly with the breadcrumb mixture.
Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Optional: sprinkle 2 Tablespoons chopped parsley on top. Then serve.
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Notes
- Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.