Are you looking for a hearty, delicious meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or special occasion? Look no further than this Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe! This classic American casserole combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce, topped with crispy breadcrumbs for that irresistible crunch. It’s not only easy to make, but it also delivers comfort and flavor in every bite. If you’re ready to bring a wholesome, crowd-pleasing dish to your table, keep reading to learn how to make the perfect Broccoli Chicken Divan.
What Is Broccoli Chicken Divan?
Broccoli Chicken Divan is a baked casserole dish made with layers of cooked chicken and broccoli, all smothered in a rich, creamy sauce. Traditionally, the sauce is made with a combination of cream, cheese, and sometimes mayonnaise or sour cream, then topped with breadcrumbs or cheese before baking. The dish gets its name from the Divan Parisien Restaurant in New York City, where it was first created. Over the years, it has become a classic comfort food staple in American households, often served for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and even holidays.
Ingredients List for Broccoli Chicken Divan
Here’s what you’ll need to make this classic Broccoli Chicken Divan:
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Topping:
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko for extra crunch)
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra cheesy topping)
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about Broccoli Chicken Divan is its versatility. You can easily tweak the recipe to fit your dietary needs or personal preferences. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
- Chicken: Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey if you’re looking to use leftovers, or go vegetarian by using tofu or chickpeas.
- Broccoli: Don’t like broccoli? You can substitute cauliflower, green beans, or even spinach for a different take.
- Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, use plant-based mayonnaise and sour cream, and replace the cheeses with dairy-free alternatives.
- Gluten-Free: To make this gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check that your soup base is also gluten-free.
- Lighter Version: For a lighter version of the dish, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, and opt for low-fat cheese.
These changes won’t compromise the comfort or flavor, so feel free to make it your own!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Broccoli Chicken Divan is easier than you might think. It takes about 20 minutes to prep and 30-35 minutes to bake, so you can have dinner on the table in under an hour. Let’s walk through the process step by step.
How to Cook Broccoli Chicken Divan: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure the casserole bakes evenly.
- Prepare the Broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets in a pot of boiling water for about 4-5 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender, but still crisp. Drain the broccoli and set aside. If you’re using frozen broccoli, make sure it is thawed and drained well.
- Prepare the Chicken: If your chicken is not cooked yet, you can bake or poach chicken breasts until they are cooked through, about 20 minutes at 375°F. Once cooked, shred or cube the chicken.
- Make the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a large 9x13-inch baking dish, layer the cooked broccoli evenly on the bottom. Next, layer the shredded chicken over the broccoli. Pour the prepared creamy sauce over the chicken and broccoli, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. If you want extra cheesiness, you can mix in some shredded cheddar cheese as well. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make sure your Broccoli Chicken Divan turns out perfectly, here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Overcooking the Broccoli: Be careful not to overcook your broccoli. It should be tender but still have a slight crunch when it goes into the casserole to avoid becoming mushy after baking.
- Using Cold Chicken: For an even bake, make sure your chicken is warm or at room temperature before adding it to the casserole. Cold chicken can affect the overall cooking time.
- Not Draining the Broccoli: If you use frozen broccoli, ensure it’s well-drained. Excess water can make the casserole soggy.
- Skipping the Seasoning: Don’t skimp on the seasoning! Chicken and broccoli are mild on their own, so adding the right amount of garlic, onion, and salt will ensure your dish is flavorful.
- Burning the Topping: Keep an eye on your casserole in the last 5-10 minutes of baking. If the topping is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with foil to prevent burning.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation can elevate your dish and make it look even more appetizing! Here’s how to serve and present your Broccoli Chicken Divan in the best way possible:
How to Serve Broccoli Chicken Divan
Broccoli Chicken Divan pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. You can serve it with:
- Rice or Quinoa: The creamy sauce from the casserole goes perfectly with a simple side of white rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
- Crusty Bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread or garlic bread is great for soaking up the cheesy sauce.
- Simple Salad: To lighten up the meal, serve the casserole with a crisp green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette.
Presentation Ideas for Broccoli Chicken Divan
- Garnish: Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top of the casserole after baking for a pop of color and freshness.
- Individual Servings: For a more elegant presentation, consider baking the casserole in individual ramekins.
- Family Style: Serve the dish straight from the casserole dish for a cozy, family-style dinner.
Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe Tips
To make the most out of your Broccoli Chicken Divan, here are some additional tips:
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
- Freeze It: This dish freezes well! Assemble the casserole, wrap it tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
- Extra Cheese: For a cheesier version, add an extra cup of shredded cheese to the sauce or sprinkle more on top.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option. Simply shred the meat and follow the recipe as written.
Can I make Broccoli Chicken Divan in advance?
Absolutely. You can prepare the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works just fine. Make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the casserole to prevent excess water.
What can I substitute for the cream of chicken soup?
You can make your own creamy sauce by mixing butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk. Cook the mixture until thickened, then use it as a substitute.
Conclusion
Broccoli Chicken Divan is a classic, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to please any crowd. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this creamy, cheesy casserole is a guaranteed hit. Plus, with all the variations and substitutions, it’s a versatile recipe that can fit almost any dietary need. Try it tonight, and enjoy a satisfying, homemade meal with minimal effort!
PrintBroccoli Chicken Divan Recipe
This Broccoli Chicken Divan recipe is a comforting casserole made with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, all baked to perfection. Perfect for a hearty weeknight meal or a cozy family dinner, this classic dish is both simple to prepare and rich in flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups broccoli florets (steamed)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- In a baking dish, arrange the steamed broccoli and shredded chicken evenly.
- Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken and broccoli.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses over the top.
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbly.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen broccoli, but make sure it’s cooked before adding.
- For added flavor, mix in some Dijon mustard with the creamy sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
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