Chicken Divan is a timeless comfort food classic, and this recipe brings that creamy, cheesy goodness right to your kitchen. Imagine tender chicken and broccoli enveloped in a luscious homemade cream sauce, topped with golden, crispy breadcrumbs. This Chicken Divan recipe is not only incredibly easy to make but also perfect for satisfying the whole family – a true testament to hearty home cooking reminiscent of the beloved Pioneer Woman style. Serve it over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes for a complete and comforting meal that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Chicken Divan served over rice on a white plate.
What is Chicken Divan? A Classic American Casserole
Chicken Divan boasts a rich history as a quintessential American dish, with its roots tracing back to New York City in the early 20th century. It was reportedly created by a chef named Lagasi at the Divan Parisienne Restaurant in the Chatham Hotel, quickly gaining popularity for its creamy texture and comforting flavors. This casserole combines tender chicken and broccoli in a velvety sauce, making it a staple in homes across the country for generations. This easy chicken divan recipe captures the essence of this classic, offering a homemade version that surpasses store-bought alternatives in taste and quality.
This creamy chicken divan casserole from scratch is not only simple to prepare but also incredibly delicious. Packed with tender chicken pieces and fresh broccoli florets, all smothered in a rich and flavorful cream sauce and finished with a crunchy, buttery breadcrumb topping, it truly is comfort food at its finest. During colder months, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a warm and cozy casserole, and this chicken divan perfectly fits the bill. Its creamy texture and savory flavors make it an ideal dish for family dinners or potlucks.
Growing up, my family frequently enjoyed a similar dish, which we simply called Chicken and Broccoli Casserole. Every bite of this chicken divan recipe brings back those cherished memories of home and family dinners. Now, my own children adore it just as much, making it a regular feature on our family meal rotation. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Chopped broccoli in bowl.
Homemade Chicken Divan: From Scratch Goodness
While many chicken divan recipes rely on condensed soups and mayonnaise for the sauce, this recipe takes a different approach by creating a luscious cream sauce completely from scratch. This homemade version elevates the dish, providing a depth of flavor and creaminess that pre-made sauces simply can’t match. You’ll find that making the sauce from scratch is surprisingly easy and well worth the minimal extra effort.
GETTING STARTED. Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
CREATING THE CREAM SAUCE. In a large skillet set over medium heat, melt the butter until fully liquefied. Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously to ensure a smooth mixture. Cook this butter and flour mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it becomes bubbly and takes on a light golden hue. This step is crucial for creating a roux that will thicken the sauce beautifully.
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the milk, ensuring you stir constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue to cook the sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens to your desired consistency and begins to bubble gently. Once thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the sour cream and salt, mixing until well combined and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
PREPARING THE BROCCOLI. Place the broccoli florets in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover the bowl and microwave on high power for approximately 2 minutes, or until the broccoli is slightly softened but still retains some firmness. It’s important not to fully cook the broccoli at this stage, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain any excess water from the broccoli thoroughly.
ASSEMBLING THE CHICKEN DIVAN CASSEROLE. Add the partially cooked broccoli and cooked chicken to the skillet containing the cream sauce. Gently stir to combine all ingredients, ensuring the chicken and broccoli are evenly coated in the sauce. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the chicken and broccoli mixture.
MAKING THE BREADCRUMB TOPPING. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and bread crumbs. Mix well until the bread crumbs are evenly coated with butter. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheddar cheese layer in the baking dish.
BAKING TO PERFECTION. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread crumbs are beautifully golden brown and crispy, and the sauce is bubbling hot. The cheese should be melted and gooey, and the casserole should be heated through.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS. Serve your homemade Chicken Divan hot and steaming. It pairs wonderfully with cooked rice, egg noodles, or creamy mashed potatoes. For a lighter option, consider serving it alongside Parmesan Roasted Asparagus or a fresh salad.
Tips for the Best Chicken Divan Recipe
Perfectly Cooked Broccoli: To avoid mushy broccoli in your casserole, it’s crucial to only partially cook it before adding it to the mixture. Microwaving it briefly ensures it will finish cooking in the oven, resulting in tender, vibrant green broccoli instead of a bland, overcooked texture. Frozen steamed broccoli florets can also be used as a convenient alternative, but you may need more than one bag depending on the size and your broccoli preference.
Achieving the Ideal Sauce Thickness: You can easily customize the sauce consistency to your liking.
- For a thinner sauce: Simply add a bit more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- For a richer, creamier sauce: Using whole milk instead of skim milk will enhance the creaminess.
- To thicken the sauce: If your sauce is too thin, create a slurry by whisking ¼ cup of the hot sauce with 1 tablespoon of flour in a separate bowl until smooth. Pour this mixture back into the main sauce and stir well. Cook for a minute or two until thickened. Alternatively, you can use cornstarch slurry: mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water, then stir into the sauce and simmer until thickened.
Choosing Your Chicken: This recipe is versatile when it comes to chicken. 1 ½ pounds of raw, boneless, skinless chicken breasts will yield approximately 3 cups of cooked, cubed chicken. You can also substitute with an equal amount of boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor. For a time-saving option, use 3 cups of pre-cooked rotisserie chicken – it’s a fantastic way to quickly assemble this casserole.
Delicious Variations: While classic chicken divan is perfect as is, feel free to explore these variations to customize it to your taste:
- Vegetable Swaps: Substitute or add other vegetables like cauliflower, green beans, corn kernels, spinach, or asparagus for a different flavor profile.
- Flavor Boosters: Enhance the flavor with additions like black pepper, onion powder, or garlic powder to the sauce.
- Topping Alternatives: Replace the breadcrumb topping with crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers for a different texture and taste.
- Healthier Swaps: Use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce fat content, or opt for nut milk instead of cow’s milk for a dairy-free version.
Scoop of chicken divan topped with bread crumbs.
Make-Ahead and Storing Instructions
Make Ahead Magic: Prepare the chicken divan casserole ahead of time by assembling it in the baking dish, covering it tightly with plastic wrap, and storing it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. It can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. When baking from cold, you might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Freezer-Friendly Instructions: Chicken Divan is an excellent freezer meal. Assemble the casserole in a disposable aluminum baking dish, but do not add the breadcrumb topping at this stage. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To bake, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Once thawed, sprinkle the breadcrumb topping over the casserole and bake according to the recipe instructions. You may need to increase the baking time slightly to compensate for the casserole being colder.
Storing Leftovers: Store leftover Chicken Divan in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
Freezing Cooked Casserole: You can also freeze leftover cooked chicken divan for 2-3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Tips: Reheat leftover chicken divan in the microwave or oven. For oven reheating, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken divan in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through. To crisp up the breadcrumbs, remove the foil during the last few minutes of reheating and broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Chicken Divan Recipe FAQs
Can I prepare this chicken divan ahead of time? Absolutely! As mentioned in the make-ahead instructions, you can assemble the casserole and keep it refrigerated for up to two days before baking. Just remember to add a little extra baking time if it’s very cold from the fridge.
What are good side dishes to serve with chicken divan? Traditionally, chicken divan is often served over rice, which perfectly soaks up the creamy sauce. However, it’s also delicious served over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a comforting twist. For lighter side options, consider a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the casserole.
Can I use pre-cooked or leftover chicken to save time? Yes, definitely! Using leftover cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken or shredded chicken, is a fantastic time-saving tip. It’s a great way to repurpose leftover chicken from previous meals and makes assembling this casserole even quicker and easier.
For more comforting chicken casserole recipes, explore our website for more delicious meal ideas!
Print Recipe
Chicken Divan Recipe
By: Lil’ Luna
Easy Chicken Divan is loaded with chunks of tender chicken and broccoli and smothered in a cream sauce. It is perfect to freeze for later!
Servings: 8
Prep: 20 minutes mins
Cook: 20 minutes mins
Total: 40 minutes mins
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Ingredients
for the casserole:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 3 cups broccoli florets cut into bite sized pieces
- 3 cups cooked chicken cut into bite sized pieces
for the topping:
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F, and spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium heat, until melted. Add the flour and whisk to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until bubbly and golden. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook the sauce until thickened and bubbling. Remove the sauce from the heat, and stir in the sour cream and salt.
- Add the broccoli to a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover and microwave on high for 2 minutes, or until softened slightly but not fully cooked. Drain well.
- Add the broccoli and chicken to the skillet with the sauce, and stir to combine. Pour into the prepared baking dish, and sprinkle with the cheddar cheese.
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter and bread crumbs. Sprinkle the bread crumbs over the top of the chicken mixture.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread crumbs are golden brown and crispy, and the sauce is bubbling. Serve hot with cooked rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.
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Nutrition
Calories: 322kcal, Carbohydrates: 12g, Protein: 18g, Fat: 22g, Saturated Fat: 11g, Cholesterol: 80mg, Sodium: 893mg, Potassium: 346mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 730IU, Vitamin C: 34.7mg, Calcium: 141mg, Iron: 1.6mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Thank you Alicia from The Baker Upstairs!!
