Now, let’s focus on the Chicken Divan. If you lived in the United States, you may have come across this casserole at least once during your life. This contains chunks of succulent chicken, juicy broccoli and a creamy, dreamy sauce that binds the whole meal together. Although, the dish is categorized as old school, it is considered to be the best kind of old school dish as it is something your grandma would prepare when she wanted you to feel adored (and let’s face it, maybe jacked up on some nasty fast food).
Not all recipes need to be dressed up with fancy garnishes and made harder than they need to be – I think this is one of those meals. To make sure it hits the mark, we’ve kept everything classic, easy and incredibly effective. This recipe for Chicken Divan is sure to become your new best friend whether you need to feed a lot of people, do some meal prepping for the week or simply need a big hug from some food.
And since no great meal is complete without a killer dessert, let me just say—pairing this with Olympics Chocolate Muffins is a total game-changer. Trust me, after that creamy, cheesy goodness, you’re gonna want something chocolatey to finish things off. These muffins are rich, soft, and just the right amount of sweet.
Alright, let’s get cooking!
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Quick Guide
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What Is Chicken Divan?
Now, let’s get into the recipe, but first, allow me to explain why Chicken Divan deserves so much recognition. The dish originated in the 1930s, being first sold at the Divan Parisien Restaurant located in New York City (Quite impressive, isn’t it?). However, now, it is routinely used as a family meal and there are two reasons for that – it is very simple to prepare and equally delightful to consume.
The process starts with tender chicken, fresh broccoli- either frozen or the other, and creamy sauce that can be prepared from scratch (or for those who are short on time, one can always take the help of canned soup). On top of everything, generous amounts of cheese are layered and the meal is baked until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
And you wonder why I think of this as pure happiness.
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Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to whip up this easy Chicken Divan casserole:
For the Base:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 4 cups fresh or frozen broccoli, steamed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
For the Topping:
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or panko breadcrumbs)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
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How to Make Chicken Divan
This dish here can be easily made by anyone. Let me show you how it is done:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Set your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Broccoli
If you’re using fresh chicken, cook it and shred it up. If you’re short on time, a store-bought rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Steam or microwave the broccoli until tender but still bright green.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
First step, let’s melt the butter in a medium saucepan. Now add the flour and cook it for roughly a minute or so until it turns a slight golden color. This means it’s done—it will help the sauce thicken. Now you want to whisk in the chicken broth and milk at the same time. Make sure you are stirring always until it thickens.
After the sauce thickens, turn the heat off. Now you want to stir in soured cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until everything is smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Arrange the steamed broccoli evenly on the base of the baking dish. Add the cooked chicken on top. Pour the creamy sauce over everything. Add some extra shredded cheese on top.
Step 5: Add the Crunchy Topping
Mix the crushed Ritz crackers (or panko) with melted butter, then sprinkle it all over the top.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
Step 7: Let It Rest & Serve
Give it a few minutes to cool before serving—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
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What Is Chicken Divan Made Of?
Chicken Divan is made of simple, comforting ingredients that come together in a creamy, cheesy casserole. Here’s what goes into it:
Main Ingredients:
- Chicken – Usually cooked and shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!).
- Broccoli – Fresh or frozen, steamed until tender.
- Cheese – Typically cheddar, but other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack can be used.
For the Sauce:
- Butter & Flour – To make a roux and thicken the sauce.
- Milk & Chicken Broth – For a creamy, flavorful base.
- Sour Cream – Adds richness and a little tang.
- Seasonings – Garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Shredded Cheese – Melts into the sauce for extra creaminess.
For the Topping:
Crushed Ritz Crackers or Panko Breadcrumbs – Adds a crispy, golden crust.
Melted Butter – Helps the topping get nice and toasty.
All these ingredients come together in a baked dish that’s warm, cheesy, and totally satisfying.
What Side Dishes Go With Chicken Divan?
Chicken Divan is rich, creamy, and cheesy, so the best side dishes are ones that balance out the flavors or soak up that delicious sauce. Here are some great options:
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Divan
- Easy Sourdough Dinner Rolls – Soft, slightly tangy, and perfect for mopping up that creamy sauce.
- Easy Cheesy Potato Casserole – If you’re all about comfort food, this cheesy, creamy potato dish makes a great match.
- Loaded Baked Potato Soup – A warm, hearty soup that pairs well with the flavors of Chicken Divan.
- A Simple Green Salad – A Caesar salad or a salad of mixed greens with a refreshing vinaigrette should be added to balance out richness.
- Roasted Vegetables – Roasting veggies like carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts adds a nice contrast to the creamy dish.
- Steamed Rice or Buttered Noodles – Both are mild and let the chicken divan shine while making the meal extra filling.
If you want the perfect pairing, go with Easy Sourdough Dinner Rolls—they’re easy to make and soak up every bit of that creamy sauce!
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Tips for the Best Chicken Divan
- Rotisserie Chicken = Instant Time Saver – No shame in grabbing a pre-cooked chicken to make this even faster.
- Use Frozen Broccoli for Convenience – Just microwave and drain well before layering.
- Mix Up the Cheese – Swap in Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a little Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Make It Ahead – Prep everything, cover, and refrigerate. When ready, bake for an extra 10 minutes.
- Lighten It Up – Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and a little less cheese. (But honestly, why would you?)
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What to Serve with Chicken Divan
Since Chicken Divan is rich and creamy, you want a side dish that complements it without overpowering it. My go-to? Easy Sourdough Dinner Rolls. They’re soft, a little tangy, and perfect for soaking up every last bit of that cheesy sauce. Plus, they make any meal feel just a little bit fancier (without any actual effort).
And like I said before, Olympics Chocolate Muffins are the way to go for dessert. Because let’s be real—after all that cheesy, savory goodness, a little chocolate is basically a requirement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make Chicken Divan ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble everything, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 10 extra minutes to the cook time.
Q: Can I freeze Chicken Divan?
A: Of course. Bake the dish, let it cool down all the way, and then wrap it tightly to freeze for 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it to 350°F until it is warmed throughout.
Q: Can I use canned soup instead of making the sauce?
A: Why not? You can use canned cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup. Just mix a little milk to pour it over.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat in a microwave for 1-2 minutes, or in the oven for 15 minutes at 350°F.
Q: Can I make this low-carb?
A: Yep! Skip the crackers and use cauliflower instead of broccoli for an even lower-carb option.
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Reader Feedback
Jesse M.“Last night I made Chicken Divan and my entire family loved it. It was incredibly easy to prepare because the creamy sauce was perfect. In order to save time I used rotisserie chicken and it turned out amazing. That was definitely a wonderful addition and now will be a part of my weekly meal rotation”
Bruce R.“This recipe took me right back to my childhood! My mom used to make Chicken Divan, but this version is even better. The homemade sauce is worth the extra step—so much flavor! Paired it with sourdough rolls, and it was a hit”
Your comments help us! Have you tried this creamy, cheesy Chicken Divan? Let us know and leave a comment below! We’d love to hear how it turned out for you, any tweaks you made, or if your family loved it as much as we do. Your feedback helps everyone who reads them!
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So there you have it – Chicken Divan, the ultimate comfort food dish. It’s cheesy, creamy and ridiculously good. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or just because you need some serious comfort food, this dish never disappoints.
And do not forget – Easy Sourdough Dinner Rolls for the perfect side, and Olympics Chocolate Muffins for dessert. You can thank me later.
Now go grab your ingredients and get cooking.