Chicken Divan is one of my favorite comfort food casseroles when I want something warm, creamy, and satisfying. I combine tender chicken, lightly steamed broccoli, a rich cheesy sauce, and a buttery cracker topping to create a classic family dinner that feels both cozy and effortless.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
4 cups broccoli florets, lightly steamed
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup buttery crackers, crushed
3 tablespoons butter, melted
Directions
I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
I lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
I spread the steamed broccoli evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
I layer the cooked chicken over the broccoli.
In a large bowl, I mix the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, cheddar cheese, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
I spread the creamy mixture evenly over the chicken and broccoli.
In a small bowl, I combine the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter.
I sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the casserole.
I bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
I let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories: 410 kcal per serving
Variations
I sometimes switch up this recipe depending on what I have available. I can use rotisserie chicken for extra convenience, or replace the cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different flavor. When I want a little more texture, I add sliced mushrooms or water chestnuts to the filling. For a lighter version, I use reduced-fat sour cream and mayonnaise. I also enjoy topping the casserole with panko breadcrumbs instead of crackers for a crispier finish.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover Chicken Divan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If I want to keep it longer, I freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
For reheating, I warm portions in the microwave until heated through. When reheating a larger amount, I cover the casserole with foil and bake it in a 350°F oven until hot. I remove the foil during the last few minutes to help restore some of the topping’s crispness.
FAQs
Can I make Chicken Divan ahead of time?
Yes, I often assemble the casserole a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. I add the cracker topping just before baking for the best texture.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, I can use frozen broccoli. I thaw and drain it well before adding it to the casserole to prevent excess moisture.
What type of chicken works best?
I usually use cooked shredded chicken breast, but rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken also works wonderfully.
Can I freeze Chicken Divan before baking?
Yes, I can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze it before baking. I thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
I look for a bubbling filling and a golden-brown topping. The casserole should be heated through and hot in the center before serving.
Conclusion
Chicken Divan is a timeless casserole that I return to whenever I want a comforting and dependable meal. The combination of tender chicken, broccoli, creamy cheese sauce, and buttery cracker topping creates a satisfying dish that is simple to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether I make it for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering, it delivers cozy, homemade flavor every time.
📖 Recipe:
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Chicken Divan
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A comforting casserole made with tender chicken, steamed broccoli, a creamy cheddar sauce, and a buttery cracker topping. This classic family favorite is warm, satisfying, and easy to prepare for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
4 cups broccoli florets, lightly steamed
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup buttery crackers, crushed
3 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the steamed broccoli evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
- Layer the cooked chicken over the broccoli.
- In a large bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, cheddar cheese, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Spread the creamy mixture evenly over the chicken and broccoli.
- In a small bowl, combine the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter.
- Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
Monterey Jack or mozzarella can be substituted for cheddar cheese.
Add sliced mushrooms or water chestnuts for extra texture.
For a lighter version, use reduced-fat sour cream and mayonnaise.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Add the cracker topping just before baking if preparing ahead.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
