If you’re searching for a comforting and easy-to-make meal, this Broccoli Chicken Divan recipe is a must-try. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked broccoli, this dish is a favorite for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Whether you're an experienced cook or just starting, this recipe will guide you through making a delicious and satisfying meal. Read on to learn everything you need to know, including ingredient substitutions, common mistakes to avoid, and tips for perfecting your presentation.

What is Broccoli Chicken Divan?
Broccoli Chicken Divan is a classic casserole dish made with tender chicken, steamed broccoli, and a rich, creamy sauce, usually topped with cheese and breadcrumbs. Originating in the 1950s from the Divan Parisien Restaurant in New York, this dish has become a beloved comfort food in many households. The combination of chicken and broccoli, smothered in a luscious sauce, then baked until bubbly, makes this dish irresistible. It's perfect for busy weeknights, as it can be made ahead and reheated, or for a potluck, where it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients List for Broccoli Chicken Divan
Before you get started, it’s important to gather all the ingredients. Here's what you’ll need for this delicious casserole:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 4 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (for a healthier option)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (if using breadcrumbs)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional for added brightness)
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing the baking dish
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about Broccoli Chicken Divan is its flexibility. Here are some substitutions and variations to fit different tastes and dietary preferences:
- Chicken: While chicken breast is commonly used, you can substitute it with rotisserie chicken for convenience, or even leftover turkey. If you're vegetarian, consider using tofu or tempeh as a protein substitute.
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives the best texture, but frozen works well in a pinch. You can also use other vegetables like cauliflower, green beans, or spinach if you want to switch things up.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: For a healthier or gluten-free option, you can make your own cream sauce using chicken broth, milk, and a bit of flour or cornstarch. You can also use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor.
- Mayonnaise/Sour Cream: Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative to mayonnaise and sour cream, offering the same creaminess with fewer calories and more protein.
- Cheese: Cheddar is the traditional choice, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
- Breadcrumbs: If you’re avoiding breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or panko make an excellent alternative. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit the topping entirely.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Cook Broccoli Chicken Divan: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter and set aside. If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch the broccoli florets until tender but still vibrant in color. If using frozen broccoli, cook according to package instructions and drain any excess moisture. Set the broccoli aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a large bowl, mix together the condensed cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. For added brightness, stir in the optional lemon juice at this point.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the cooked broccoli evenly in the greased baking dish. Layer the shredded or diced cooked chicken over the broccoli. Pour the creamy sauce mixture over the top, making sure everything is evenly coated. Use a spatula to spread the sauce into the corners if necessary.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Breadcrumbs
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole. If you’re using breadcrumbs, mix them with the melted butter in a small bowl, then sprinkle the mixture over the cheese layer.
Step 5: Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. If you want a crispier topping, you can broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the Broccoli Chicken Divan cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the sauce to set slightly and make serving easier.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Broccoli: Make sure the broccoli remains slightly firm before baking. Overcooking it during the initial preparation will result in mushy broccoli after baking.
- Using Cold Chicken: Cold chicken can cool down the casserole, requiring longer baking time. If possible, let the chicken come to room temperature before assembling the casserole.
- Too Much Liquid: If using frozen broccoli or homemade sauce, make sure to drain excess liquid thoroughly. Too much moisture can make the dish soggy.
- Skipping the Seasoning: Don’t forget to season the sauce properly. The creaminess of the dish can dull the flavor if you don’t add enough seasoning.
- Burning the Breadcrumbs: If you're broiling the dish to get a crispier top, watch the casserole closely to avoid burning the breadcrumbs.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Broccoli Chicken Divan
Broccoli Chicken Divan is best served hot and fresh out of the oven. This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like rice, mashed potatoes, or a light salad. For a more filling meal, serve it with garlic bread or rolls. Since this is a rich, creamy dish, you might want to pair it with something light and refreshing, like a citrusy salad or roasted vegetables.
Presentation Ideas for Broccoli Chicken Divan
For an attractive presentation, consider these simple yet elegant ideas:
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the casserole for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Serve in Individual Ramekins: If you’re serving this dish at a dinner party, consider portioning the casserole into individual ramekins before baking. This gives the dish a restaurant-quality appearance.
- Cheese Layer: Make sure the cheese is golden and bubbly before serving. A perfectly baked cheese layer adds visual appeal and entices your guests to dig in.
Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled up to a day in advance and refrigerated. Just cover it with plastic wrap or foil and bake it when you're ready to serve.
- Freezing Instructions: You can freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to cook it, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.
- Portion Control: For easy portion control, consider dividing the recipe into smaller baking dishes, especially if you’re planning to meal prep for the week.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?
A: Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just make sure to cook it and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the casserole.
Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them altogether. Also, ensure that the cream of chicken soup you're using is gluten-free.
Q: What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
A: You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or even more sour cream for a lighter version of the dish.
Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but the topping may not stay as crisp.
Q: Can I add rice to this dish?
A: Yes, you can add cooked rice to make the casserole more filling. Layer it at the bottom of the dish before adding the broccoli and chicken.
Conclusion
This Broccoli Chicken Divan recipe is a versatile, delicious, and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and crisp-topped cheese, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you follow the traditional recipe or try some of the variations and substitutions, you’ll have a hearty, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Happy cooking!
PrintBroccoli Chicken Divan Recipe
This Broccoli Chicken Divan recipe is a delicious combination of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, cheesy sauce. It's an easy-to-make, comforting casserole perfect for weeknight dinners. Broccoli Chicken Divan is made with simple ingredients like chicken, broccoli, cheese, and a creamy sauce for an irresistibly satisfying meal. This dish is great for meal prep or leftovers, as it tastes even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minute
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 4 cups broccoli florets (steamed)
- 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp curry powder (optional)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, and curry powder.
- In a greased baking dish, layer the cooked broccoli and chicken.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and broccoli, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture over the cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise and sour cream.
- This recipe is great for using up leftover chicken or turkey.
- Add some cooked rice or pasta to make it a more filling meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
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