Chicken Divan

Warm, creamy, and crowned with a crunchy golden topping, Chicken Divan is the kind of dish that brings people to the table without needing to say a word. It’s cozy, rich, and just indulgent enough to feel special—without any of the fuss. Whether you’re pulling it out on a weeknight or serving guests with a glass of wine and crusty bread, this is classic comfort food that delivers every time.

Behind the Recipe

Chicken Divan brings back memories of potluck dinners and family suppers where the casserole dish stole the spotlight. I first made this version on a snowy evening, craving something warm and hearty. I had some leftover chicken and broccoli, and that was all the inspiration I needed. A few tweaks later—extra cheese, a tangy hit from sour cream, and a buttery cracker topping—and it became a dish I now return to time and time again.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Chicken Divan originated in New York at the Divan Parisien Restaurant in the early 20th century. It was considered an elegant chicken casserole, often made with a creamy béchamel sauce, broccoli, and cheese. Over time, home cooks simplified the original recipe using pantry staples like canned soup and mayonnaise—giving it that beloved mid-century casserole charm. Today’s version strikes the balance between nostalgia and flavor-packed satisfaction.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Divan

There’s so much to love about this casserole—it checks every box for an easy, delicious dinner.

Versatile: Great for potlucks, holidays, or family dinners.
Budget-Friendly: Uses leftover chicken and affordable pantry staples.
Quick and Easy: Minimal prep, maximum flavor.
Customizable: Add rice, swap cheeses, or go low-carb.
Crowd-Pleasing: Even picky eaters go back for seconds.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble ahead and bake when ready.
Great for Leftovers: Reheats well and tastes even better the next day.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

To get the creamiest, crispiest, most flavorful Chicken Divan, keep these in mind:

• Use pre-cooked chicken to save time—rotisserie works great.
• Blanch broccoli briefly so it stays vibrant but tender.
• Mix mayo and sour cream for richness and tang.
• Add garlic and onion powder to boost flavor without fuss.
• Don’t skimp on the topping—Ritz crackers make it crave-worthy.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This is a one-dish wonder, and here’s what helps it come together smoothly:

Large Mixing Bowl: To stir together the filling.
9×13 Casserole Dish: Perfect size for even baking.
Whisk or Spoon: For blending creamy ingredients.
Small Skillet or Microwave Bowl: To melt butter for topping.
Spatula: To spread the mixture evenly in the dish.

Ingredients in Chicken Divan

Here’s what gives this casserole its creamy, cheesy, crunchy magic:

1. Cooked Chicken Breast: 3 cups, shredded or chopped – tender protein base that soaks up all the flavor.
2. Broccoli Florets: 3 cups – adds freshness, color, and crunch.
3. Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 can (10.5 oz) – the creamy backbone of the sauce.
4. Mayonnaise: ½ cup – adds richness and helps bind the sauce.
5. Sour Cream: ½ cup – gives a subtle tang and creamier texture.
6. Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 1½ cups shredded – melty, savory goodness throughout.
7. Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon – boosts depth with zero effort.
8. Onion Powder: ½ teaspoon – subtle aromatic flavor.
9. Salt: ½ teaspoon – ties the flavors together.
10. Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon – adds a little warmth.
11. Crushed Ritz Crackers: 1½ cups – buttery, crispy topping everyone loves.
12. Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped – a fresh final touch.

Ingredient Substitutions

Out of something? Here’s how to keep going without skipping flavor:

Cream of Chicken Soup: Use cream of mushroom or a homemade béchamel.
Mayonnaise: Substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Sour Cream: Crème fraîche or more mayo works in a pinch.
Cheddar Cheese: Try mozzarella, Colby Jack, or Gruyère.
Ritz Crackers: Use crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs.

Ingredient Spotlight

Broccoli: When slightly blanched, it holds its shape and gives the dish a satisfying texture contrast against the creamy sauce.

Ritz Crackers: These little rounds of buttery crunch make the topping completely irresistible and elevate the whole casserole.

Instructions for Making Chicken Divan

Let’s get this creamy, comforting beauty into the oven and onto your table.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, mix together cream of chicken soup, mayo, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in cheddar cheese until smooth.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Spread broccoli evenly over the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Layer the chopped chicken on top.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Pour the sauce over the chicken and broccoli, spreading it evenly. In a separate bowl, combine crushed crackers with 2 tablespoons melted butter, then sprinkle on top.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Let rest for 5–10 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Spoon generous helpings onto plates, serve with crusty bread or salad, and enjoy the creamy-crunchy comfort.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

Creamy chicken and broccoli are cradled in a rich sauce that gets extra cheesy as it bakes. The topping is golden and crisp, offering the perfect contrast to the soft, steamy interior. The richness is balanced by a little tang from sour cream and a bite of black pepper in the finish. It’s pure comfort in every mouthful.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

These tips help make your Chicken Divan a guaranteed hit:

• Don’t overcook the broccoli—blanch it for just 2–3 minutes.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest melt.
• Cover loosely with foil if the topping browns too fast.
• For extra indulgence, mix in cooked rice or pasta.

What to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

• Using raw chicken—it won’t cook through properly.
• Skipping the mayo—it adds necessary body and creaminess.
• Overbaking—the sauce may dry out if left in too long.
• Adding frozen broccoli directly—thaw and drain first.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 510

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Chicken Divan is a dream for meal prep. Assemble the dish up to a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave. You can also freeze the assembled, unbaked dish for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight before baking.

How to Serve Chicken Divan

This casserole stands well on its own but pairs beautifully with steamed rice, buttered noodles, or a crisp green salad. Serve with warm bread to soak up the creamy sauce, and perhaps a glass of white wine or sparkling apple cider for a cozy dinner experience.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Turn yesterday’s dinner into something new:

• Spoon into puff pastry cups for a savory snack.
• Mix with cooked rice and stuff into bell peppers.
• Use as a creamy filling for wraps or sandwiches.
• Toss into a pasta bake for a second-day casserole.

Additional Tips

• Add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for warmth.
• Top with extra shredded cheese before the crackers for more meltiness.
• Let the dish sit 10 minutes after baking—it sets better for serving.

Make It a Showstopper

Serve in a cast iron or pretty baking dish right from the oven. Top with a few sprigs of fresh parsley or a dusting of paprika for color. Add a side of greens and a slice of warm baguette, and your casserole just became dinner party-worthy.

Variations to Try

• Spicy Chicken Divan: Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne to the sauce.
• Low-Carb Version: Swap crackers for crushed almonds and use cauliflower instead of broccoli.
• Chicken Divan Pasta Bake: Mix in cooked penne before baking.
• Extra Veggie Style: Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the mix.
• Cheesy Overload: Combine cheddar with mozzarella or Swiss for more richness.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I make Chicken Divan ahead of time?
A1: Yes, you can assemble it up to a day ahead and bake before serving.

Q2: Can I freeze Chicken Divan?
A2: Absolutely. Freeze unbaked or fully baked portions for up to 2 months.

Q3: Can I use fresh broccoli?
A3: Yes, just blanch it briefly before adding to the dish.

Q4: What if I don’t have sour cream?
A4: You can use plain Greek yogurt or extra mayonnaise.

Q5: Can I add rice to the recipe?
A5: Yes, stir in 1–2 cups of cooked rice to make it a one-dish meal.

Q6: Is it okay to use rotisserie chicken?
A6: Definitely! It saves time and adds great flavor.

Q7: Can I make this gluten-free?
A7: Yes, use gluten-free crackers and soup.

Q8: What other vegetables can I use?
A8: Cauliflower, peas, or mushrooms are great additions.

Q9: Can I use cream cheese instead of mayo?
A9: It’ll change the texture, but yes—it creates a thicker, richer filling.

Q10: How do I reheat leftovers?
A10: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave in individual portions.

Conclusion

Chicken Divan is the perfect blend of ease and indulgence—creamy, cheesy, and topped with buttery crunch in every bite. Whether it’s a nostalgic favorite or a brand-new comfort food for your kitchen, trust me, it’s worth every creamy, crunchy, soul-warming forkful.

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