Broccoli Chicken Divan is a fresh, comforting casserole that has been a family favorite for decades — and it’s easy to see why. This creamy, cheesy dish blends tender chicken and vibrant broccoli in a luscious sauce that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings. Whether topped with crispy breadcrumbs, French fried onions, or served as is, Chicken Divan never fails to impress.
What is Broccoli Chicken Divan?
Divan (pronounced “dee-von”) is a classic casserole named after a famous New York City hotel. It features a creamy cheese sauce combined with chicken and broccoli for a deliciously elegant yet simple meal.
Why We Love This Dish
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes using pre-cooked or leftover chicken.
- Family-friendly: Perfect for feeding larger groups with minimal fuss.
- Versatile: Customize by swapping out the breadcrumb topping for crushed pork rinds for a low-carb twist or go breadcrumb-free with extra cheese on top.
- Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with rice, noodles, or pasta for a satisfying meatless meal.
- Great leftovers: Tastes even better the next day and makes for a convenient lunch.
Ingredients Overview
- Chicken: Use chicken breasts, leftover cooked chicken, or try turkey, beef, or even smoked salmon for a twist.
- Broccoli: Fresh is best for crunch and color, but frozen or mixed veggies work well too. Cauliflower, mushrooms, or bell peppers are great add-ins.
- Sauce: A creamy base made from condensed cream of mushroom or chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and milk. For an Indian-inspired version, stir in prepared curry sauce.
How to Make Broccoli Chicken Divan
Oven Method:
- Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- If using raw chicken, sauté bite-sized pieces in olive oil until cooked through.
- Blanch broccoli in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until just tender, then drain and layer in the casserole dish.
- In a bowl, mix cheddar cheese, soup, sour cream, milk, and seasonings. Fold in the chicken.
- Spread the mixture evenly over the broccoli and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Serve over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.
Slow Cooker Option:
- Place blanched broccoli in the slow cooker base.
- Mix the sauce, cheese, and chicken and pour over broccoli.
- Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
- Add breadcrumb topping and cook uncovered for an additional 30 minutes for a crispy finish.
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave. To freeze, portion into quart-sized bags and label with the date; freeze for up to 4 weeks. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Other Delicious Chicken Recipes to Try:
- Chicken Parmesan Casserole — dinner in under an hour!
- Creamy Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi — rich and hearty.
- Creamy Lemon Chicken — bright and zesty.
- Roasted Chicken and Vegetables — simple one-pan dinner.
- Crack Chicken Casserole — cheesy chicken with crispy tater tots.
- Classic Chicken Pot Pie — made easy with premade ingredients.
Broccoli Chicken Divan remains a timeless comfort food favorite — creamy, cheesy, and packed with nutritious broccoli and tender chicken. It’s a perfect dish to enjoy any day of the week!