This Chicken Divan Casserole is a classic comfort food that combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. Topped with golden breadcrumbs, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings. It’s easy to prepare and makes for a filling meal that’s perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special gatherings.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients:

• 5 oz broccoli, cut into small florets

• 6 oz cooked chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (add more to thicken if necessary)

• ¼ cup chicken broth

• ¼ cup milk

• ¼ cup sour cream

• ½ tsp Dijon mustard

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray an 8 x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk until combined. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes golden and bubbly.

3. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the milk, while stirring constantly to ensure a smooth consistency. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens and starts to bubble.

4. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sour cream, Dijon mustard, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder.

5. Place the broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover the bowl and microwave on high for 2 minutes. Drain the broccoli to remove excess water.

6. Add the cooked broccoli and chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Stir until everything is well combined.

7. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

8. In a small bowl, mix together the cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese and breadcrumbs are golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.

10. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrients (per serving):

• Calories: 463 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 21g

• Protein: 35g

• Fat: 27g

  • Saturated Fat: 14g

• Cholesterol: 123mg

• Sodium: 1205mg

• Potassium: 569mg

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 4g

• Vitamin A: 1121 IU

• Vitamin C: 64mg

• Calcium: 379mg

• Iron: 3mg

What Makes Chicken Divan Casserole So Appealing

One of the reasons Chicken Divan Casserole is so beloved is because of its simplicity combined with its comforting, indulgent flavors. The balance of tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and creamy sauce makes for a satisfying meal that feels both wholesome and indulgent. The creamy sauce is often made with a base of butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk, creating a velvety texture that envelops the chicken and vegetables, adding richness without being overly heavy.

The addition of Dijon mustard, garlic, and onion powder brings subtle layers of flavor that enhance the overall taste of the casserole. Meanwhile, the cheesy topping, made with cheddar and Parmesan cheese, adds a savory element that complements the richness of the sauce. The crispy, golden breadcrumbs on top provide the perfect crunch, offering a delightful contrast to the creamy interior of the casserole. It’s this combination of textures and flavors that makes Chicken Divan Casserole so irresistible.

The Role of Broccoli in Chicken Divan Casserole

Broccoli is the vegetable that gives Chicken Divan its iconic flavor and texture. Not only does it provide a pop of color to the dish, but it also adds a nutritious element, offering a healthy dose of fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin A. The slight bitterness of the broccoli helps balance the rich, creamy sauce, creating a well-rounded dish that doesn’t feel overly heavy.

For those who might be hesitant to eat broccoli, Chicken Divan Casserole is a fantastic way to introduce the vegetable. The broccoli is cooked until tender, and the creamy sauce masks any bitterness, making it more palatable even for picky eaters. Additionally, the broccoli’s texture holds up well in the casserole, providing a satisfying bite that complements the softness of the chicken and the creaminess of the sauce.

Making Chicken Divan Casserole Ahead of Time

One of the best things about Chicken Divan Casserole is its ability to be made ahead of time. Whether you’re preparing for a busy week or need to prepare food for a gathering, this casserole can be assembled in advance and stored in the fridge until it’s time to bake. This makes it an excellent option for meal prepping or preparing a dish the day before an event. Simply assemble the casserole, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

If you have leftovers, Chicken Divan also keeps well in the refrigerator for a few days, making it a great option for lunch or dinner the following day. The casserole can also be frozen for longer storage, making it a convenient dish to have on hand for busy days when you don’t feel like cooking. To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual.

How to Customize Chicken Divan Casserole

While Chicken Divan Casserole is already a delicious and comforting dish, it’s also highly customizable to suit different tastes or dietary preferences. For example, if you’re looking to make the dish lighter, you can swap out sour cream for Greek yogurt or use low-fat cheese. You can also experiment with different vegetables. While broccoli is the traditional choice, cauliflower, green beans, or spinach would work wonderfully in this casserole.

For those who like a bit of heat, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or even a dash of hot sauce can elevate the flavor. If you’re looking to add a bit more protein, you could easily incorporate some cooked bacon, sausage, or even a handful of roasted nuts for added texture. The flexibility of Chicken Divan Casserole means that you can adjust the ingredients to create a version that fits your preferences, making it a great dish for accommodating various tastes.

The Importance of a Creamy Sauce

The creamy sauce in Chicken Divan Casserole is what ties the whole dish together, making it irresistibly comforting. The base of the sauce—composed of butter, flour, chicken broth, milk, and sour cream—creates a rich, velvety texture that coats the chicken and vegetables. The addition of Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang, while the garlic and onion powder give the sauce a depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients without overwhelming them.

The key to the sauce is achieving the right consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the chicken and broccoli, but not so thick that it becomes gloppy. If the sauce turns out too thin, you can add a little more flour to thicken it. If it’s too thick, a splash of milk or chicken broth can loosen it up. A perfectly creamy sauce is what makes Chicken Divan Casserole feel indulgent, yet balanced, ensuring that each bite is rich and satisfying without being overly heavy.

The Role of Cheese and Breadcrumbs in Chicken Divan Casserole

The combination of shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan on top of Chicken Divan Casserole adds the perfect amount of cheesy richness to the dish. The cheddar cheese melts beautifully over the casserole, creating a gooey, comforting layer, while the Parmesan adds a salty, savory element that enhances the flavor profile. Together, they form a golden, bubbling topping that is hard to resist.

In addition to the cheese, the panko breadcrumbs add the all-important crunch. They are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, creating a delicate, golden crust on top of the casserole. The crispy breadcrumbs provide a satisfying contrast to the creamy interior, balancing out the textures and making each bite more enjoyable. A sprinkling of extra cheese on top of the breadcrumbs gives the casserole an extra layer of indulgence, making it a crowd-pleaser for anyone who loves a cheesy, crunchy topping.

Serving Chicken Divan Casserole

Chicken Divan Casserole is a hearty, all-in-one meal that’s perfect for serving as the main dish for any dinner. It pairs beautifully with a side salad, such as a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or potatoes. The casserole’s creamy and cheesy nature makes it a great comfort food that pairs well with fresh, crisp vegetables to balance out the richness of the dish.

If you’re looking for a lighter side, consider serving the casserole with steamed rice or quinoa. The mild flavor of rice complements the richness of the casserole, and it provides an excellent base to soak up any extra sauce. Garlic bread or crusty rolls also make great accompaniments, allowing everyone to enjoy the cheesy sauce with a bit of bread for dipping.

Conclusion

Chicken Divan Casserole is a classic, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, all topped with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping. Its simplicity, versatility, and rich flavors make it the perfect meal for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to family gatherings. The dish can be made ahead of time, making it an excellent choice for busy nights or meal prepping. Whether you’re serving it to your family or guests, Chicken Divan Casserole will satisfy everyone’s cravings for a warm, indulgent meal. It’s easy to customize, and its timeless appeal ensures that it will be a favorite in your recipe rotation for years to come.