The Creamiest Chicken Divan Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Comfort meets creativity in this delightful chicken divan that promises to revolutionize your dinner routine.

Layers of tender poultry nestle between vibrant broccoli florets and a creamy, luxurious sauce.

Weeknight meals never looked so sophisticated yet remained incredibly simple to prepare.

Our recipe brings together classic flavors with a modern twist that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Cheesy goodness mingles with perfectly seasoned chicken, creating a harmonious blend that makes taste buds dance.

Each forkful tells a story of culinary passion and home-cooked warmth.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Chicken Divan That’s Pure Classic Comfort

• Speedy Weeknight Comfort: Whip up this delightful chicken divan in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture, cheesy topping, and balanced combination of tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and rich sauce that pleases every palate.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Easily adaptable recipe works great as a main dish, can be prepared ahead of time, and transforms leftovers into a delicious new meal with minimal effort and ingredients.
• Budget-Conscious Cooking: Uses affordable, readily available ingredients like chicken, broccoli, and pantry staples, allowing you to create a restaurant-quality dish without breaking the bank.

Elements Found in Chicken Divan

• Chicken: Tender protein that provides bulk and flavor to the dish, boneless and skinless chicken breasts work best.
• Broccoli: Nutritious green vegetable that adds texture and color, fresh or frozen both work well.

• Milk: Helps create smooth and creamy consistency, whole milk recommended for richer texture.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy flavor and richness to the sauce, full-fat version provides better taste.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates base for the sauce and enhances overall flavor, low-sodium option recommended.

• Cheddar Cheese: Provides melty, sharp flavor and golden color, shredded sharp cheddar works best.
• Bread Crumbs, Butter: Creates crispy topping with rich, golden-brown finish, plain or seasoned bread crumbs can be used.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the dish, kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper preferred.

Chicken Divan Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Crank Up The Oven

Preheat your oven to a toasty 450°F, getting ready for a delicious chicken and broccoli adventure.

Step 2: Prep The Green Goodness

Cook broccoli according to package instructions, then chop into bite-sized pieces.

This will help the broccoli cook evenly and blend perfectly with the other ingredients.

Step 3: Create The Base Layer

Spread the chopped broccoli across an 8×8-inch baking dish, creating a vibrant green foundation for your dish.

Step 4: Add The Protein

Arrange cubed chicken pieces evenly over the broccoli, ensuring a balanced distribution of meat.

Step 5: Whip Up The Creamy Sauce

• Milk
• Sour cream
• Cream of chicken soup

Stir the ingredients until the mixture becomes smooth and well-blended.

Step 6: Drench With Deliciousness

Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli, making sure every morsel gets coated.

Step 7: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously across the top of the dish.

Step 8: Add Crispy Topping (Optional)

In a small bowl, mix melted butter with bread crumbs.

Sprinkle this crunchy mixture over the cheese for extra texture.

Step 9: Season To Perfection

Dash some salt and pepper across the dish to enhance the flavors.

Step 10: Bake To Bubbly Brilliance

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese melts and becomes gloriously bubbly.

Step 11: Rest And Serve

Let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to settle, then serve warm and enjoy your comforting Chicken Divan.

Divan Chicken Cooking Enhancements

• Chop broccoli into smaller, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and better distribution throughout the dish.
• Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for a smoother, more consistent melt and richer flavor compared to pre-packaged options.
• Swap chicken with turkey or tofu for a different protein variation that keeps the dish versatile and diet-friendly.
• Toast bread crumbs before sprinkling to add extra crispiness and depth of flavor to the casserole's topping.
• Whisk soup mixture thoroughly to prevent lumps and create a silky, smooth sauce that coats chicken and broccoli evenly.

Chicken Divan That Holds Its Creamy Comfort Overnight

• Store leftover Chicken Divan in an airtight container within two hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if using bread crumb topping.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of milk to prevent dryness.
• Place refrigerated casserole in a preheated 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 15-20 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.

Savory Sides For Chicken Divan

• Boost Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Chardonnay with buttery notes to complement the creamy texture of Chicken Divan, cutting through the rich cheese and soup mixture.
• Elevate Side Dish Match: Serve roasted garlic mashed potatoes alongside the casserole, which will absorb the delicious sauce and provide a smooth, comforting accompaniment.
• Enhance Fresh Contrast: Add a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, cheesy casserole.
• Perfect Bread Companion: Offer crusty sourdough bread to help soak up the creamy sauce, adding an extra layer of texture and allowing diners to capture every delicious drop.

Chicken Divan Vegetable Changes

• Vegetarian Divan: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, using roasted or grilled seasoned tofu cubes for protein-rich texture.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute cream of chicken soup with homemade gluten-free cream sauce and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for topping.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour, and use cauliflower instead of broccoli to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk, dairy-free cheese substitute, and dairy-free cream of chicken soup alternative for those with lactose intolerance.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in Chicken Divan?

The key ingredients are broccoli, chicken, cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk. These components create a creamy, cheesy casserole that combines protein and vegetables in one delicious dish.

• Is Chicken Divan considered a healthy meal?

While it contains vegetables and protein, the dish is moderately rich due to the cream soup, sour cream, and cheese. For a healthier version, you can use low-fat dairy products, reduce cheese quantity, or add more broccoli.

• Can I make Chicken Divan ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator. This makes it a convenient meal for busy weeknights or meal prep.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Cooked, cubed chicken works perfectly. You can use rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or quickly cook chicken breasts specifically for this recipe. The key is to have tender, pre-cooked chicken pieces.

Chicken Divan Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting chicken divan brings classic Southern charm to dinner tables with creamy sauce and tender broccoli. Cheesy, herb-infused goodness promises a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cubed

Vegetables:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) frozen broccoli, cooked and chopped

Dairy and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/3 cup milk
• 10.5 ounces (298 grams) cream of chicken soup (or homemade version)
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted (optional)

Seasoning and Topping:

• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons bread crumbs (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating it to a high temperature of 450°F, ensuring it’s fully preheated before cooking.
2. Follow the package instructions to cook the broccoli, then carefully chop it into bite-sized pieces for even distribution.
3. Arrange the cooked broccoli pieces evenly across the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish, creating a green foundation.
4. Distribute the cubed chicken uniformly over the broccoli layer, covering the entire surface.
5. Create a creamy sauce by whisking together milk, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup in a mixing bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
6. Gently pour the velvety sauce over the chicken and broccoli, ensuring complete and even coverage.
7. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top, creating a golden blanket of flavor.
8. For added texture, combine melted butter with bread crumbs and delicately scatter the mixture over the cheese layer.
9. Enhance the dish’s flavor profile by seasoning with a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper to personal taste.
10. Transfer the prepared dish to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for the cheese to melt and become gloriously bubbly.
11. Once removed from the oven, allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, enabling the flavors to settle and the dish to cool slightly.
12. Serve the chicken divan warm, revealing its layers of comfort and flavor.

Notes

• Customize broccoli’s texture by blanching instead of package instructions for a fresher, crispier vegetable base.
• Reduce calories by substituting low-fat dairy products like Greek yogurt for sour cream and using reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup.
• Enhance protein by adding extra chicken or incorporating diced ham for a heartier meal variation.
• Create a gluten-free version by using almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs and checking soup ingredients for wheat-based thickeners.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg