Name: Chicken Divan Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 10-ounce packages of frozen chopped broccoli, steamed lightly; 2 cooked (boneless chicken breast halves, chopped); 1 10.5-ounce can of condensed cream of chicken soup; 1 10.5-ounce can of condensed cream of mushroom soup; ½ cup mayonnaise; 1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

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I remember the first time I whipped up Chicken Divan. Fresh from the oven, my kitchen smelled incredible, and the gooey layer of cheese melted perfectly over the tender chicken and broccoli. This recipe has become one of my go-to comfort foods, not just for its ease but also for the heartwarming flavors. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for more. Here’s how to create this creamy, cheesy masterpiece step by step.

Credit: skinnytaste.com

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients for a satisfying dish with rich, comforting flavors. Each component plays a crucial role in elevating the taste!

2 (10-ounce) packages of frozen chopped broccoli, steamed lightly. Fresh broccoli works even better if you gently steam it until crisp-tender.
2 cooked, boneless chicken breast halves, chopped. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for added flavor.
1 (10.5-ounce) can of condensed cream of chicken soup. This adds creamy richness and depth.
1 (10.5-ounce) can of condensed cream of mushroom soup. The mushroom adds a hearty, earthy flavor.
½ cup mayonnaise. Use real, full-fat mayo for creaminess. Substitute with sour cream if lighter.
1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice. A small dash cuts through the richness for balance.
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese. Always grate cheese fresh for the best melting texture. Avoid pre-shredded varieties.

Note: This recipe serves 8 generously. Adjust ingredients proportionally if you’re cooking for fewer or more portions!

Variations on Chicken Divan You’ll Love

Here’s the beauty of Chicken Divan – it’s incredibly flexible. Tailor it to fit your preferences or dietary needs!

Dairy-Free Version: Use a plant-based sour cream or cashew cream for the sauce. Opt for vegan cheese alternatives.
Low-Carb Option: Replace soups with full-fat, unsweetened coconut milk thickened with arrowroot powder.
Flavor Boost: Add ½ teaspoon of curry powder for a mild kick or mix in sautéed garlic for depth.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free condensed soups and add crushed gluten-free crackers on top for a crunch.

Cooking Time to Keep in Mind

This recipe comes together quickly, no matter your level of expertise in the kitchen.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

The Tools You’ll Need

Here’s a short list of essential tools to simplify your cooking process.

9×13-inch baking dish – Perfect for even baking and serving.
Mixing bowls – For preparing the sauce.
A whisk – Ensures smooth sauce without lumps.
Cutting board and knife – To chop cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Aluminum foil (optional) – To prevent over-browning if needed.

How to Make Chicken Divan Recipe?

Creating Chicken Divan is simple, yet the outcome will leave everyone raving. Follow these easy steps for guaranteed success.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). A hot oven ensures even cooking and the perfect cheesy topping.

Step 2: Prep the Broccoli Base

Take your steamed broccoli and spread it evenly across the bottom of your 9×13-inch baking dish. Whether you’re using frozen or fresh, make sure it’s not overly wet to prevent a soggy casserole.

Step 3: Add the Chicken Layer

Lay chopped, cooked chicken evenly atop the broccoli. This layering ensures every forkful has a mix of protein and veggies.

Step 4: Mix the Sauce

Combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, and lemon juice in a bowl. Stir with a whisk until everything is blended into a smooth, creamy sauce.

Step 5: Pour and Spread

Pour the sauce gently over the chicken and broccoli, spreading it evenly to cover the casserole. The sauce locks in moisture and brings loads of flavor.

Step 6: Add the Cheddar Cheese

Top the entire casserole with shredded cheddar. This golden, bubbly layer is one of the highlights of the dish.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes or until the dish is bubbling and the cheese is lightly browned. If you prefer a crisp topping, consider broiling it for 1–2 more minutes.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Once done, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool slightly for 5–10 minutes. This makes it easier to serve.

Credit: jocooks.com

Additional Tips to Make It Better

Here are some extra tips I’ve learned to enhance this recipe every time I make it:

Season to Taste: Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken or broccoli before layering for an added flavor boost.
Pat the Broccoli Dry: If using steamed broccoli, ensure it’s well-drained to prevent excess liquid from watering down the sauce.
Mix It Up with Toppings: Stir in breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for a crunchy top layer.
Double the Lemon: If you love a tangy zing like I do, consider increasing the lemon juice slightly.

For another creamy and indulgent dish, you might want to try this Chicken Piccata Recipe, which is equally satisfying.

How to Serve Chicken Divan Recipe?

This savory dish is hearty enough as a standalone meal, but it shines when paired with the right sides. Here are some serving ideas:

Over Rice: Serve the casserole over white, wild, or brown rice for a complete meal.
With Egg Noodles: A bed of buttery egg noodles complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Add Color: Garnish with chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon for a fresh finish.
Crusty Bread: Offer warm, crusty bread on the side for scooping up every last drop of sauce.

If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out these Chicken Recipes for a variety of delicious ideas.

Nutritional Breakdown

Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional highlights for one serving:

Calories: 323
Protein: 16g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fat: 24g

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

Whether prepping in advance or saving leftovers, this dish offers great flexibility.

Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover well, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. It reheats wonderfully!
Freezing: Wrap the dish tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until hot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

What makes Chicken Divan an incredible addition to your recipe collection? Here are just a few reasons:

Easy to Make: A straightforward recipe with simple ingredients.
Perfect for Leftovers: Great for using up pre-cooked chicken and extra veggies.
Crowd-Pleaser: The mix of cheesy, creamy, and savory flavors appeals to almost everyone.
Customizable: Easily adjusted to fit dietary needs or flavor preferences.
Freezes Well: Excellent for meal prepping or saving for busy weeknights.

Chicken Divan truly hits the sweet spot between comfort and practicality. It’s a casserole made with love, destined to be a family favorite. Give it a try and savor each creamy, cheesy bite!

If you’re a fan of hearty meals, you might also enjoy this Chicken Biryani Recipe for its rich and aromatic flavors.

Ash Tyrrell