If you’re craving a comforting and timeless dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you simply have to try this Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe. It brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s bursting with flavor. This casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, offering a delightful blend of textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re making it for your family or friends, this recipe is as satisfying as it is simple to prepare, making it an all-time favorite worth keeping in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the flavors and textures just right starts with choosing the right ingredients. This Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe uses simple, wholesome components that combine beautifully to create a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and perfectly balanced with fresh broccoli and succulent chicken.
- 1 pound fresh broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces: Fresh broccoli adds vibrant color and a satisfying crunch that balances the creamy sauce.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup: This is the heart of the creamy sauce, bringing both flavor and richness to the casserole.
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided: Monterey Jack offers a smooth, mild melt that enhances the cheesy experience.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and flavorful, cheddar adds a depth to the dish’s cheesy profile.
- ⅓ cup milk: Milk helps create the perfect sauce consistency—rich yet smooth.
- â…“ cup sour cream: Sour cream lends a subtle tang and extra creaminess to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard: This adds a gentle kick and complexity to the flavor without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder infuses warmth and a hint of savory goodness throughout the dish.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Pepper adds just the right amount of spice to keep things lively.
- 2 ½ cups cubed cooked chicken: Chicken provides the hearty protein base, tender and juicy in every bite.
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs create a wonderfully crisp topping after baking.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Butter helps brown the breadcrumbs for that irresistible golden crust.
How to Make Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Steam Broccoli
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch casserole dish so your casserole doesn’t stick and will bake evenly. While the oven warms up, bring a pot of water to a boil and steam your broccoli until it’s tender but still crisp—this keeps it from getting mushy during baking. Drain the broccoli thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in your casserole.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a large bowl, whisk together your condensed cream of chicken soup with ½ cup of the Monterey Jack cheese, cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, whole grain mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper. This mixture forms the luscious sauce that melds everything together with creamy, cheesy comfort and just the right amount of savory tang.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Gently stir the steamed broccoli and cooked chicken into your sauce until everything is evenly coated. The chicken and broccoli soak up the flavors, ensuring every spoonful delivers a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and rich sauce.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Transfer this delicious mixture into your prepared casserole dish and sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter and spread this golden topping atop the cheese layer. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the casserole bubbles happily and the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown. Your kitchen will fill with such an inviting aroma, it’ll be hard to wait for it to cool!
How to Serve Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To give your Chicken Divan Casserole a fresh and colorful finish, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving. A zest of lemon or a light drizzle of hot sauce can also add a pleasant, unexpected brightness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy base.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty on its own, but it shines even brighter when paired with classic sides. Try serving it alongside fluffy white rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or tender egg noodles to soak up the extra sauce. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables add a perfect light, fresh complement.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to impress at a potluck or dinner party, try serving the Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. Layer the casserole in clear glass baking dishes to highlight the mouthwatering layers of broccoli, chicken, and cheese sauce. You can even top each portion with a mix of toasted nuts for an added crunch and unique flavor twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Divan Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and prevent it from absorbing odors from other foods.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully, making it a great candidate for meal prep. Freeze portions or the entire dish in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Be sure to let it cool completely before freezing to keep the texture intact.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly again, usually about 20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, reheating in the microwave works too, but the oven will preserve that crispy breadcrumb topping perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works just fine—just be sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before mixing it into the casserole to avoid a watery dish.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Cooked chicken breast or thigh, either roasted, boiled, or leftover rotisserie chicken, works wonderfully. The key is having fully cooked chicken that’s diced into bite-sized pieces.
Is there a way to make this recipe lower in calories?
You can lighten this dish by using low-fat sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and a low-sodium chicken soup. Also, steaming broccoli lightly helps preserve nutrients without adding fat.
Can I prepare the casserole in advance and bake it later?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, keep it refrigerated, and bake it fresh when needed. Just add the breadcrumb topping and butter before baking for maximum crispiness.
What can I substitute for whole grain mustard?
If you don’t have whole grain mustard on hand, Dijon mustard or even a teaspoon of yellow mustard will add similar depth to the sauce.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm, cheesy Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe that wraps you in comfort with every bite. It’s a dish that shows just how simple ingredients, when treated with care, can come together into a classic casserole everyone will love. Whether you’re feeding your family or bringing warmth to a friend’s table, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite. Give it a try, and get ready to fall in love all over again!
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Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Chicken Divan Casserole combines tender broccoli and cooked chicken in a creamy cheese sauce, topped with a buttery breadcrumb crust and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, this casserole offers a delicious blend of flavors and textures with minimal prep and cook time.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 pound fresh broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces
Cheese and Dairy
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- â…“ cup milk
- â…“ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Protein
- 2 ½ cups cubed cooked chicken
Pantry Staples
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Steam Broccoli: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart (8×8-inch) casserole dish to prevent sticking. Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the chopped broccoli until it is tender-crisp. Drain the broccoli thoroughly to remove excess water.
- Make Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, ½ cup of the Monterey Jack cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, whole grain mustard, garlic powder, and ground black pepper until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the steamed broccoli and cubed cooked chicken into the cheese sauce mixture, ensuring an even distribution without breaking up the broccoli too much.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top. In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and melted butter, then sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer to form a crunchy topping. Bake the casserole for 15-20 minutes or until the dish is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the Chicken Divan casserole hot. It pairs wonderfully as a standalone dish or served over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Ensure you drain the broccoli well after steaming to avoid a watery casserole.
- You can substitute cooked turkey or leftover rotisserie chicken in place of the chicken.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cheese mixture.
