Chicken Divan gets a bold twist in this deliciously easy casserole recipe! Creamy and cheesy, this dish is packed with tender chicken and broccoli. It's topped with golden breadcrumbs and a hint of curry to make it unforgettable. Perfect for a weeknight meal or feeding a crowd — this one's a keeper!
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🗝️ Recipe's key points
- Chicken Divan has been a beloved casserole dish for decades, and for good reason. It's warm, filling, and packed with flavor.
- With just a few simple steps and minimal prep time, this chicken divan casserole comes together quickly and easily.
- You can easily change this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables. You can also use different types of cheese. If you want, you can swap the chicken for turkey or ham.
- The combination of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, creamy sauce, and crispy breadcrumb topping is simply irresistible.
This Chicken Divan recipe will become your new favorite for family reunions, weeknight dinners, and potlucks. The comforting texture and classic flavors just can't be beat!
🛒 Ingredients
This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.
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- Chopped frozen broccoli - You can also use fresh broccoli, but blanch it first.
- Cooked and shredded chicken - Rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe!
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup - You can substitute cream of chicken or cream of celery soup if you have it on hand.
- Mayonnaise — Adds to the creamy texture. Always use a good brand of mayonnaise, such as Duke's Real Mayonnaise.
- Sour cream - You can use Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.
- Grated sharp cheddar cheese - Feel free to use your favorite type of cheese instead.
- Fresh lemon juice - Bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
- Curry powder - This adds a unique flavor, but you can omit it if preferred.
- Dry white wine - Chicken broth can be used as a non-alcoholic substitute.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Grated Romano cheese may also be used.
- Soft breadcrumbs - You can make your own by pulsing fresh bread in a food processor.
- Melted butter – We usually use unsalted butter in our recipes.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
🗒 Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. Full instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- Preheat the oven to 350 F. Microwave the broccoli (or blanch if using fresh) for 2 minutes, or until just thawed. Drain and place in a grease 11x7 baking dish.
- Top with shredded chicken.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the soup, mayonnaise, and sour cream until smooth.
- Add the cheddar cheese, lemon juice, curry powder, wine, salt, and pepper. Combine well.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli. Use a spatula or spoon to stir all the ingredients together before spreading into a smooth, even layer.
- In a small bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, and butter.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the chicken divan casserole.
- Ensure all of the sauce is covered with the crunchy topping for the perfect crunch in every bite.
- Bake 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
🥫 Storage
To make ahead, assemble the casserole as directed, but do not add the breadcrumb topping. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the breadcrumb topping and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Leftover Chicken Divan can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Or, cover the casserole dish with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until it's heated through.
To freeze, assemble the casserole as directed, but do not add the breadcrumb topping. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to bake, thaw the casserole in the fridge overnight. Then, add the breadcrumb topping and bake as directed. Just remember to add an extra 10 to 15 minutes to the cooking time.
📚 Variations
- Different Vegetables: You can add sliced mushrooms, diced carrots, or chopped bell peppers to the casserole. They will boost the flavor and nutrition!
- Cheese Swap: Try using cheeses like Gruyere, Swiss, or Monterey Jack. This adds a fun twist to the classic recipe.
- Lightened-Up Version: Use low-fat or non-fat condensed soup, mayonnaise, and sour cream to reduce calories and fat in the dish.
👩🏻🍳 Tips
- If you're using fresh broccoli, cut it into small pieces. Blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before adding it to the casserole.
- You can cook and shred your own chicken or use a store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Adjust the amount of curry powder to your liking – start with less and add more if desired for a stronger curry flavor.
- Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.
🤔 FAQs
Got Questions? I've got you covered! Whether this is your first time making Chicken Divan or you're a seasoned casserole queen (or king!), a few questions tend to pop up. I've gathered the most common ones right here to help you feel totally confident from the first sprinkle of cheese to the last golden bubbly bite. Let's get into it!
Chicken Divan was made in the early 1900s at the Divan Parisien Restaurant. This restaurant was in the Chatham Hotel in New York City. The dish was named after the restaurant.
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. Just make sure they are cooked through and shredded or chopped before adding them to the casserole.
Yes, you can serve Chicken Divan over rice or even mix cooked rice into the casserole itself for a heartier dish.
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Layer the ingredients in the slow cooker, starting with the broccoli, then the chicken, and finally the sauce mixture. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Add the breadcrumb topping during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
The traditional Chicken Divan recipe is not spicy, but it can have a slight kick if you are not using a mild curry powder. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
Still wondering about something I didn't cover here? Don't be shy—leave me a comment or shoot me a message! I love hearing from you and am always happy to help. Whether you're customizing it for picky eaters or jazzing it up for a potluck, I hope this Chicken Divan brings you all the cozy, cheesy joy it brings to my table. 💛
📗 Related Recipes
For more comforting casseroles, check out these amazing casserole recipes:
🍽 What to serve with Chicken Divan Casserole
I love to serve this Chicken Divan recipe over rice, but it is also fantastic on its own!
For a burst of freshness, serve it with a salad like Mediterranean Pearl Couscous Salad, Mediterranean Farro Salad, or an Italian Summer Salad.
🔪 All Our Way recommends the following
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You’ll need the following items to make this recipe successfully.
- 11x7 casserole dish
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater
- Can opener
- Spatula
📞 Chiacchierata (chat)
And there you have it—my go-to creamy Chicken Divan with a little twist! I've been making this forever and honestly, it never gets old. That spolverata (sprinkle) of curry powder gives it just enough oomph to keep folks guessing (in the best way), and the cheesy breadcrumb topping? Pure gold!
It's one of those feel-good pasti (meals) that comes together easily, feeds a crowd, and always brings facce felici (happy faces) to the table. If you're getting ready for a busy weeknight, a potluck, or just want something warm and tasty, this recipe is perfect for you. Make it once and I promise it'll be on repeat. Buon appetito, amici!
Tutti a tavolo, è pronto!
If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
What's new? Check out my All Our Way Store on Amazon. We'll be adding more items we love and use or wish we had to make cooking fun and easy.
📖 Recipe
Savory Chicken Divan with Broccoli, Cheese and Curry Magic
Equipment Needed
Ingredients
- 20 oz chopped frozen broccoli 2- 10 ounce packages
- 6 cups chicken cooked and shredded
- 21½ ounce condensed cream of mushroom soup 2( 10 ¾ oz. cans)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- ½ cup dry white wine
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¾ cup soft breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- to taste kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 °F. Spray the baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- To thaw both boxes of chopped broccoli, take the broccoli out of the boxes. Then, microwave it on full power for two minutes or until it's thawed.
- Drain the broccoli and put it into an 11X7 casserole dish. Spread the shredded chicken evenly over the broccoli.
- In a medium-size bowl, combine the soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, cheddar cheese, lemon juice, curry powder, salt and pepper to taste, and wine.
- Whisk together to make a smooth sauce. Pour the sauce over the broccoli and chicken.
- Mix well with a spatula, then pat down the ingredients evenly and smooth the top.
- In a small mixing bowl, stir the Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, and butter, then sprinkle over the top.
- Bake for about 30-45 minutes.
- Extra flavor tip: Try topping with cheddar or gruyere cheese.
Nutrition
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