If you’ve ever longed for a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside, then the Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. This classic casserole blends tender chicken and vibrant broccoli with a luscious, creamy cheese sauce that bakes into a golden, bubbly masterpiece. It’s the kind of meal that brings family and friends together effortlessly, all while being surprisingly quick and simple to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering, this recipe delivers on both flavor and heartwarming nostalgia.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe plays an essential role in crafting its perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the fresh crunch of broccoli to the creamy richness of the cheese sauce, each component enhances the overall deliciousness.
- 1 pound fresh broccoli, chopped: Adds vibrant color and a satisfying crisp-tender bite that’s the backbone of this dish.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup: Creates a luxuriously creamy sauce without any fuss.
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided: Offers a mild, melty goodness that ties all the flavors together.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharpness and depth to the creamy sauce mix.
- ⅓ cup milk: Ensures the sauce has the perfect pourable texture for coating every bite.
- ⅓ cup sour cream: Adds a subtle tanginess and extra creaminess that lifts the entire casserole.
- 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard: Provides a gentle kick of heat and complexity that keeps the flavor interesting.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the dish with warm, savory notes without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds just the right touch of spice to balance richness.
- 2 ½ cups cubed cooked chicken: The hearty protein base that makes this recipe a meal.
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs: Creates a crunchy, golden topping that contrasts the creamy interior.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Helps brown the breadcrumbs beautifully for that perfect crust.
How to Make Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Steam Broccoli
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly greasing an 8×8-inch casserole dish. While the oven warms, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the chopped broccoli until it’s tender-crisp—this ensures it stays bright and maintains a slight crunch once baked. After cooking, drain it well to avoid sogginess in the casserole.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, half of the Monterey Jack cheese, shredded cheddar, milk, sour cream, whole grain mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper. This magical mixture creates the velvety sauce that coats every morsel of chicken and broccoli, infusing the casserole with rich flavor and luscious texture.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients Gently
Add the steamed broccoli and the cubed cooked chicken to your sauce and stir carefully. You want to mix everything evenly without breaking up the broccoli or chicken too much. This step ensures each bite is bursting with a perfect combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Casserole
Transfer your mixture to the prepared casserole dish and sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter, then sprinkle this golden crumb mixture evenly over the top. Pop it in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the topping has turned a gorgeous golden brown that’s irresistibly crisp.
How to Serve Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For that final flourish, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top after baking. The bright green herbs not only add a fresh pop of color but also a subtle herbaceous note that complements the creamy richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides that balance comfort and freshness. Serve it alongside fluffy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles to soak up every last bit of the creamy sauce. A crisp garden salad or steamed green beans add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a personal touch at the dinner table. You could also turn leftovers into delicious sandwich fillings by placing warm casserole portions between slices of crusty bread for a quick and indulgent lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the next-day meal just as comforting and satisfying as the original.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well if you want to prepare it ahead of time. Assemble the dish but don’t bake it; wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to two months. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as usual.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and bubbly, usually 15-20 minutes, to preserve the crispy topping and creamy interior. You can also microwave individual servings, but the texture of the topping may soften slightly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen broccoli well to avoid extra moisture, which can make the casserole watery.
What type of cheese works best if I don’t have Monterey Jack?
Colby or mozzarella cheese are excellent substitutes as they melt well and offer a mild flavor similar to Monterey Jack.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken and consider adding hearty vegetables like cauliflower or mushrooms for protein and texture, while keeping the sauce just as creamy and delicious.
Can I prepare this casserole entirely ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. This makes busy day dinners a breeze.
How can I make this dish healthier without losing flavor?
Try swapping sour cream for Greek yogurt and using reduced-fat cheese. Also, increasing the broccoli-to-chicken ratio adds fiber and nutrition without compromising the creamy, cheesy goodness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe that feels both comforting and exciting all at once. It’s easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and melts hearts and taste buds alike. Next time you want a dinner that feels like a classic favorite but comes together with ease, give this recipe a try—you’ll be glad you did.
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Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Chicken Divan Casserole is a comforting, creamy dish featuring tender broccoli and cooked chicken baked in a cheesy sauce with a golden breadcrumb topping. Perfect for a quick family dinner, this casserole combines a savory cream of chicken soup base with Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, whole grain mustard, and a touch of garlic and pepper for balanced flavor.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 pound fresh broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces
Cheese & Dairy
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup milk
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Pantry & Condiments
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
Protein
- 2 ½ cups cubed cooked chicken
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Steam Broccoli: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 2-quart (8×8-inch) casserole dish. Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil and steam or cook the chopped broccoli until it reaches a tender-crisp texture. Drain thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
- Make Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, half (½ cup) of the Monterey Jack cheese, cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, whole grain mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper. This creates a creamy and flavorful sauce base for your casserole.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the steamed broccoli and the cubed cooked chicken into the sauce mixture ensuring everything is evenly coated without mashing the ingredients.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter and sprinkle this buttery topping over the casserole evenly. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot. This dish goes well on its own or served over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
Notes
- Use freshly steamed broccoli for best texture; avoid overcooking to prevent mushiness.
- Leftover cooked chicken can be used to save prep time.
- For a crispier topping, broil for 1-2 minutes after baking.
- This casserole freezes well; cover tightly and freeze before baking for up to 2 months.
- Substitute half-and-half or cream for milk and sour cream for even creamier results.
