Easy Chicken Divan Recipe Made From Scratch
Chicken Divan is a classic comfort food casserole featuring layers of tender chicken, broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce, topped with golden breadcrumbs. This version is made from scratch with everyday ingredients – no canned shortcuts – but still comes together quickly for a cozy family dinner.
Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious, it’s the perfect way to transform everyday ingredients into a satisfying family favorite. Put away the can of cream of mushroom soup – this version is made with all-natural ingredients, not canned soups.
Chicken Divan Background
Chicken Divan is a classic American casserole dish consisting of cooked chicken, broccoli, and a creamy sauce, often flavored with curry powder or mustard. It’s typically baked with a cheesy breadcrumb topping. This dish is known for its comforting and savory flavors.
The exact origin of Chicken Divan is a bit unclear, but it is widely believed to have been created in the early twentieth century. One popular theory attributes its creation to the Divan Parisien Restaurant at the Chatham Hotel in New York City, where it was first served in the 1930s and cost $1.50 per person. (The hotel was located at Vanderbilt Avenue between East 48th and 49th Streets.)
Regardless of its precise origin, the classic dish quickly gained popularity and became a staple in American households. It’s often served as a hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for gatherings and family dinners. Over the years, variations of the dish have emerged, with some recipes incorporating ingredients such as almonds or different seasonings to enhance the flavor. Despite its evolution, Chicken Divan remains a beloved classic in American cuisine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family-friendly: Both kids and adults love creamy casseroles.
- Comforting classic: Nostalgic flavors that remind you of home.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prep it earlier in the day and bake before serving.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken
- Broccoli
- Mushrooms (optional)
- Butter
- Aall-purpose flour
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Dijon mustard
- Spices
- Cheddar cheese
- Breadcrumbs
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large pot, steam or blanch the broccoli florets until they are slightly tender, about 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in flour to create a roux. Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes lightly golden brown.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, making sure to remove any lumps that form. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens and becomes smooth.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined and the cheese is fully melted.
- Add the cooked and shredded chicken, broccoli florets, and sliced mushrooms to the sauce. Gently stir until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Spread the mixture out evenly in the prepared baking dish. Cover with Cheddar cheese.
- Combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter in a small bowl. Evenly sprinkle the mixture over the chicken and broccoli.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking until the top is golden and bubbly – about 10-15 minutes.
- Once done, let the Chicken Divan rest for a few minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Serve the Chicken Divan casserole hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
If Chicken Divan hits the spot, you’ll probably enjoy some of my other comfort-food favorites, too. On chilly nights, my Quick and Easy Chicken and Dumplings is the kind of Southern classic that warms you from the inside out. For something lighter, try my crispy Zucchini Tots – a fun, veggie-packed side dish that pairs with just about anything. And of course, no comforting meal is complete without dessert, which is why I recommend finishing with my rich, decadent Ooey Gooey Butter Cake.
Chicken Divan
Ingredients
- 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 4 ounces sliced mushrooms (canned) optional
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¾ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large pot, steam or blanch the broccoli florets until they are slightly tender, about 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour to create a roux. Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, making sure to remove any lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens and becomes smooth.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined and the cheese is fully melted.
- Add the cooked and shredded chicken, broccoli florets, and sliced mushrooms to the sauce. Gently stir until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Cover with the cheddar cheese.
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the chicken and broccoli in the baking dish.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Once done, let the Chicken Divan rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Notes
Nutrition
Tips & Variations
- Shortcut chicken: Save time by using rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken.
- Veggie swaps: Try cauliflower, asparagus, or mixed vegetables for a twist.
- Lighter version: Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt, or use a homemade cream sauce instead of canned soup.
- Topping ideas: Ritz crackers, panko, or even crushed potato chips make great alternatives to breadcrumbs.
FAQs
Yes! Turkey works well, especially as a way to use up holiday leftovers. (This would then makes this “Turkey Divan.”)
Steam or blanch the broccoli and drain thoroughly before layering. You don’t want to fully cook the broccoli before adding it to the casserole.
Of course – it will still be creamy and delicious, but you’ll miss the crunch!
It’s traditionally served over rice, but buttered egg noodles or crusty bread also pair perfectly.
Last Bite
Now it’s your turn – what’s your spin on Chicken Divan? Do you like the classic version, or do you give it your own twist with different toppings and spices? Leave a comment below, share this recipe with your casserole-loving friends, and don’t forget to pin it for later!
