Chicken Divan Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender chicken, broccoli, and a cheesy sauce all baked together to golden perfection. It’s the kind of meal that feels warm and satisfying on a busy weeknight, with the gentle flavors of chicken and broccoli balanced by a rich cheese topping that brings everything together.
I love making this casserole because it comes together so easily and tastes like a special treat, even on a regular day. One tip I’ve learned is to use fresh broccoli when I can—it adds a nice pop of color and a bit of crunch that I really enjoy. Plus, the cheesy sauce is my favorite part; I usually make sure to get a little extra on top so it gets nice and bubbly in the oven.
When I serve Chicken Divan Casserole, I like to pair it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. It’s a dish that always reminds me of cozy family dinners, where everyone digs in and passes the casserole around the table. It’s just one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate, and I’m always happy when it’s in my dinner rotation.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using rotisserie chicken because it’s quick and tender. You can also use poached or grilled chicken breast. For a lighter option, shredded turkey works well too.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets give a nice crunch and bright color. If fresh isn’t available, frozen broccoli can be steamed and used instead.
Cream of chicken soup: This adds creaminess and flavor. To make it lighter, swap for a homemade sauce with milk and flour or use cream of mushroom soup if preferred.
Mayonnaise/Half-and-half: Mayonnaise adds richness but half-and-half lightens things up. Greek yogurt might be a healthy substitute to try for creaminess with less fat.
Cheeses: Sharp cheddar for bold flavor and Swiss for nuttiness are classic here. You can use mozzarella or Monterey Jack as milder cheese options.
French fried onions: These add crunchy texture on top. If you can’t find them, crispy breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can be a crunchy substitute.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crispy Topping Without Burning?
Getting crispy, golden fried onions on top without burning can be tricky. Here are my tips to nail it:
- Sprinkle the onions evenly over the casserole after the main bake, then return to the oven uncovered.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes at 350°F, watching closely the last few minutes so they don’t burn.
- If you see them browning too fast, loosely cover with foil to slow the browning but keep the crunch.
- Let the casserole rest 5 minutes after baking; this helps the topping set and keeps it crispy when served.
Using these steps ensures a crunchy, golden topping that adds a delicious contrast to the creamy casserole below.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 2-quart casserole dish – perfect size to hold all the ingredients and bake evenly.
- Large mixing bowl – makes mixing the sauce and ingredients easy without spills.
- Steamer basket or pot – helps you cook broccoli just right, tender but crisp.
- Measuring spoons and cups – to get your seasoning and cheese amounts accurate.
- Aluminum foil – useful for covering the casserole during baking to keep moisture in.
- Oven mitts – essential for safely handling the hot casserole dish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken with cooked turkey for a great post-holiday twist that still feels comforting.
- Add sautéed mushrooms for a richer, earthier flavor that pairs well with the creamy sauce.
- Use Gruyère cheese instead of Swiss for a nuttier, slightly sweet taste.
- Mix in cooked cauliflower with broccoli to add texture and mild flavor variations.
How to Make Chicken Divan Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces (rotisserie or poached breast)
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (steamed or blanched until tender-crisp)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup mayonnaise or half-and-half for a lighter option
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp curry powder (optional, adds subtle warmth)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper, or to taste
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 cup French fried onions (store-bought) for topping
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare, including chopping and mixing, plus 35 to 40 minutes baking time. You’ll start by prepping the sauce and mixing in the chicken and broccoli, then bake covered and uncovered for a crispy, bubbly finish. Let it rest a few minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep and Mix Sauce:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish. In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise (or half-and-half), lemon juice, curry powder if you’re using it, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is smooth and well combined.
2. Combine Chicken, Broccoli, and Cheese:
Fold in the cooked chicken pieces, steamed broccoli, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and all of the Swiss cheese. Mix gently so all the ingredients are coated in the creamy sauce.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
Pour this creamy mixture evenly into your prepared casserole dish. Then sprinkle the remaining sharp cheddar cheese over the top for a cheesy crust.
4. Bake Covered:
Cover the casserole loosely with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in and bake it in the oven for about 25 minutes. This helps everything cook evenly and keeps the dish nice and creamy.
5. Add Topping and Finish Baking:
Remove the foil and sprinkle the French fried onions evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven uncovered. Bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the onions are golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
6. Rest and Serve:
When baking is complete, take the dish out and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the casserole set so it’s easier to serve. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if you like, then dish up and enjoy your warm, comforting Chicken Divan Casserole!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli for Chicken Divan Casserole?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well! Just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the casserole. Steaming it lightly before mixing helps keep the texture nice.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through, which helps keep the topping crispy.
What Can I Serve with Chicken Divan Casserole?
This casserole pairs perfectly with a simple side salad or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. Steamed rice or mashed potatoes also make great sides for a heartier meal.
