Chicken Divan Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish that brings together tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce—all baked to golden perfection. This timeless casserole is a weeknight hero in our kitchen, especially when we need something hearty that doesn’t require hours of prep. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or looking for a crowd-pleaser at a potluck, this casserole delivers warm, satisfying flavors in every bite. It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken or those frozen veggies sitting in your freezer. Simple, filling, and irresistibly cheesy—what’s not to love?
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy, cheesy, and comforting – A warm, rich casserole loaded with flavor in every bite.
- One-pan simplicity – Cook everything in one pot, then bake. Less mess, less stress.
- Family-approved – Even picky eaters go back for seconds.
- Perfect for meal prep – Make ahead and bake later, or freeze for a future dinner.
- Flexible ingredients – Great for using up leftover chicken or switching up veggies.
- Customizable topping – Use crackers, breadcrumbs, or skip it for a lighter option.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about ½ pound)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- ⅔ cup sour cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 2½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers (or substitute with panko breadcrumbs)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. - Prepare and season the chicken
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper. - Sauté the chicken and vegetables
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Add the chicken, chopped onion, and celery. Sauté for about 3 minutes, until the chicken is halfway cooked. - Add broccoli and cook through
Stir in the broccoli and drizzle with olive oil. Cook for another 3–5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the broccoli is slightly tender. - Mix the creamy base
Remove the pan from heat. Add cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir until well combined. - Transfer to baking dish
Spoon the mixture into your prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. - Bake covered
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. - Prepare cracker topping
While it bakes, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with 2 tablespoons of melted butter in a small bowl. - Add topping and finish baking
After 20 minutes, remove the foil, increase oven temperature to 400°F (205°C), and sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the top.
Return to oven and bake for an additional 8–10 minutes, or until golden brown. - Rest and serve
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Enjoy hot, served over rice, mashed potatoes, or flaky biscuits!
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–40 minutes
- Total Time: 45–60 minutes
- Difficulty: Medium
- Servings: 6–8 generous portions (based on a 9×13-inch dish)
Nutrition Facts
Estimated per serving (based on 8 servings):
- Calories: ~420 kcal
- Protein: ~30g
- Carbohydrates: ~12g
- Fat: ~28g
- Saturated Fat: ~12g
- Cholesterol: ~100mg
- Sodium: ~600mg
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sugar: ~3g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands and serving sizes.
Chicken Divan Casserole
Equipment
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- 1 celery stalk finely chopped
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets about ½ pound
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 10.5-ounce can cream of chicken soup
- ⅔ cup sour cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 2½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13” casserole dish.
- Dice chicken and season with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add chicken, onion, and celery. Cook for ~3 minutes.
- Add broccoli and olive oil; cook another 3–5 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Stir in soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, and ½ of the cheese.
- Transfer mixture to casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese. Cover with foil.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Mix melted butter with crushed crackers. Remove foil, sprinkle topping over casserole.
- Raise oven temp to 400°F (205°C) and bake 8–10 more minutes until golden brown.
- Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Tips & Variations
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate. Just bake when ready—add 5–10 extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
- Use rotisserie chicken: In a hurry? Swap fresh chicken for shredded rotisserie chicken to cut down on prep time.
- Vegetable swaps: Not a fan of broccoli? Try chopped asparagus, cauliflower, or even green beans for a different spin.
- Go low-carb: Skip the cracker topping or replace it with crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly twist.
- Add spice: Mix in a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze Chicken Divan Casserole?
Yes! Assemble it, cover tightly, and freeze before baking. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Q: What’s the best cheese for this dish?
Sharp cheddar works best for flavor, but you can also blend in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely. Thaw and pat it dry before adding to avoid excess moisture.
Conclusion
Chicken Divan Casserole is a delicious, hearty dish that brings comfort and convenience to your dinner table. With its creamy texture, tender chicken, and cheesy topping, it’s a guaranteed family favorite. Plus, it’s adaptable—use what you have on hand and make it your own. Whether you’re serving it for a quick weeknight meal or prepping ahead for guests, this casserole is a dependable go-to.