I always look forward to making a hearty meal that brings everyone together after a busy day. The aroma of simmering chicken and cheddar filling the kitchen is pure comfort, and this Classic Chicken Divan Recipe with Broccoli and Cheese truly delivers on that promise. It’s an incredibly easy, creamy, and satisfying dish that transforms your dinner routine, making it perfect for busy families. My tried-and-true method ensures perfect results every time, earning rave reviews from picky eaters and foodies alike. Get ready for a rich, cheesy casserole that’s packed with flavor and goodness – a true family favorite for any weeknight.
Ingredients
Core ingredients for a comforting Classic Chicken Divan:
- Cooked Chicken: 3 cups (450g) shredded or cubed. Provides hearty protein for a satisfying meal.
- Frozen or Fresh Broccoli Florets: 4 cups (400g). Adds vibrant color and essential nutrients to the dish.
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 ½ – 2 cups (170-225g) shredded. For that irresistible cheesy crust and creamy interior (or sharp white cheddar for a tangier bite).
- Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 (10.5 oz / 298g) can. The base for our rich, savory sauce (or cream of mushroom if that’s your family’s preference).
- Milk: ½ cup (120ml) whole milk. Thins the soup for a perfect creamy consistency.
- Mayonnaise: ½ cup (120g). Adds a subtle tang and extra creaminess.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tbsp (15ml) fresh. Brightens the flavors and cuts through richness.
- Worcestershire Sauce: ½ tsp (2.5ml). A secret ingredient for a deep, savory umami kick.
- Salt: ½ tsp (2.5g) fine sea salt. To taste, enhancing all flavors.
- Black Pepper: ¼ tsp (0.5g) freshly ground. Adds a subtle warmth.
Optional add-ins & smart swaps for your Classic Chicken Divan:
- Rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut, saving valuable time.
- Different cheeses like Gruyere, Swiss, or a sharp white cheddar for flavor variety.
- Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangier, slightly lighter sauce texture.
- Crispy fried onions or panko breadcrumbs for a delightful crunchy topping.
Premium/healthy variations:
- Organic chicken and fresh, local broccoli for enhanced flavor and nutrition.
- Gluten-free cream of chicken soup or a homemade béchamel to cater to dietary needs.
- Plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese for a vegan-friendly version, making it adaptable.
- Make it a complete meal kit friendly option by prepping ingredients ahead for easy dinner ideas.
Seasonal or freshness notes:
- Use fresh, vibrant broccoli when in season for best texture and taste.
- Good quality cheddar makes a noticeable difference in the overall richness and flavor.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice is always best for brightness.
- Freshly ground black pepper provides superior flavor compared to pre-ground.
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
Numbered cooking steps for your easy Classic Chicken Divan:
- Prep the Broccoli: Steam or boil 4 cups (400g) of broccoli florets until crisp-tender (about 3-5 minutes, vibrant green). Drain very well; patting it dry ensures a creamy casserole, not watery.
- Shred Chicken: If not using pre-cooked, cook 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts until no longer pink (internal temp 165°F/74°C). Shred or cube them to yield about 3 cups (450g) total.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup, ½ cup milk, ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp lemon juice, ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper until smooth and uniform. If it looks lumpy, keep whisking; I sometimes add a tiny splash more milk here for extra silkiness.
- Combine: Gently fold in the cooked chicken and thoroughly drained broccoli into the sauce mixture until evenly coated, making sure all pieces are glistening.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the Classic Chicken Divan Recipe with Broccoli and Cheese mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. This casserole pan works great for family dinners.
- Top with Cheese: Evenly sprinkle 1 ½ – 2 cups (170-225g) of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, covering the entire surface for a beautiful crust.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly around the edges and the cheese is melted and golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes (the internal warmth will continue cooking) before serving your Classic Chicken Divan.
Inline options for special diets:
- Low-carb: Substitute cauliflower florets for broccoli or add more broccoli for extra fiber. Use a keto-friendly cream soup alternative or a homemade low-carb sauce base.
- Vegan: Use plant-based chicken substitutes, dairy-free cheese, and vegan cream of mushroom soup to make this Classic Chicken Divan adaptable.
Brief troubleshooting tips:
- Sauce too thin? Stir in 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold milk into the sauce before baking; it will thicken as it heats.
- Watery casserole? Ensure broccoli is very well-drained; pat dry if necessary with paper towels to avoid excess moisture.
- Cheesy topping not browning? Pop it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes (watch carefully! it browns quickly) for a perfectly golden crust.
Best Times to Enjoy and Storage Tips
This Classic Chicken Divan Recipe with Broccoli and Cheese is incredibly versatile, fitting seamlessly into various moments. It’s perfect for nourishing your family on busy weeknights or for simple, hearty entertaining.
- Situations to savor this comforting dish:
- Weeknight family dinners: Quick prep, ultimate comfort for hungry households.
- Potlucks or gatherings: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s always a hit.
- Comfort food cravings: Perfect for a cozy night in when you need a warm, satisfying meal.
- Meal prep for school lunches or work meals: This casserole reheats beautifully.
- Serving pairings for your creamy casserole:
- Simple white rice or egg noodles to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping into the rich, cheesy goodness.
- A light green salad with a vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Roasted asparagus or green beans for extra fresh veggies alongside.
- Storage and reheating guidelines for this recipe:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days, keeping it fresh for quick meals.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions or the whole casserole (before or after baking) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through, covering with foil to prevent drying. Microwave individual servings for a super quick option.
Health, Nutrition & Lifestyle Benefits of Classic Chicken Divan
Our Classic Chicken Divan offers more than just delicious flavor; it’s packed with goodness that supports a healthy, busy lifestyle. This makes it one of my go-to easy dinner ideas.
- Connect to diet and lifestyle needs:
- High-protein dinner: Chicken provides excellent protein for muscle maintenance and satiety, keeping you full longer.
- Source of essential vitamins: Broccoli is rich in Vitamin C, K, and fiber, contributing to overall wellness.
- Calcium boost: Cheese offers vital calcium for bone health, making this a wholesome family-friendly choice.
- Naturally weave in terms:
- This Classic Chicken Divan makes for easy healthy dinner ideas that are satisfying and simple to prepare.
- It’s a fantastic candidate for quick meal prep recipes, saving you valuable time during the week.
- Enjoy high-protein comfort food without sacrificing flavor or convenience.
- This casserole is adaptable for low-carb options by adjusting ingredients.
How This Recipe Matches Everyday Goals
Making a satisfying meal that fits into a busy family life is key. This Classic Chicken Divan Recipe with Broccoli and Cheese perfectly aligns with common home cooking goals.
- Link this dish to reader needs:
- Budget-friendly: Uses common, affordable ingredients and stretches chicken effectively for several servings.
- Time-saving: Quick assembly, especially with pre-cooked chicken, perfect for busy schedules and quick meals.
- Nutritious: A balanced meal with protein, veggies, and dairy, supporting a healthy eating routine.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to different tastes and dietary requirements, making it a flexible family favorite.
Pro Tips and Adjustments with Classic Chicken Divan
Elevate your Classic Chicken Divan with these simple kitchen insights and tweaks. I’ve found that using room temperature ingredients really makes the sauce come together extra smooth, which is a small but impactful detail.
- Technique refinements for better flavor/texture:
- Don’t overcook the broccoli initially; it will continue to cook in the oven and soften perfectly.
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother, more uniform sauce consistency.
- Freshly shredding cheese melts better and tastes richer than pre-packaged varieties.
- Seasoning and spice adjustments for different palates:
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for a classic, subtle depth of flavor.
- Garlic powder and onion powder can enhance the savory profile even further.
- A dash of hot sauce if you like a little heat to your creamy casserole.
- Allergy-friendly or kid-friendly modifications:
- For nut allergies, ensure all packaged ingredients, like soup, are certified nut-free.
- Make this Classic Chicken Divan kid-friendly by using less intense seasonings or adding extra cheese.
- Substitute chicken with turkey for variety in your family dinners.
FAQs
Is Classic Chicken Divan good for weight loss?
It can be! To make a lighter version of this Classic Chicken Divan, use light cream of chicken soup, reduce the amount of cheese, and increase the broccoli for a more calorie-conscious and fiber-rich meal.
Can I use this recipe in meal prep plans?
Absolutely! This dish reheats beautifully, making it an ideal choice for make-ahead lunches or quick, high-protein dinners throughout the week. I often make a double batch on Sundays for easy healthy eating all week.
What kind of chicken is best for this casserole?
Cooked chicken breast or thighs work perfectly. A rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for this quick meal, saving you significant prep time.
Can I make Classic Chicken Divan without cream soup?
Yes, you can make a homemade béchamel sauce (butter, flour, milk) as a delicious and from-scratch alternative for your creamy dish.
How do I prevent a watery casserole?
The key is to drain your cooked broccoli thoroughly after steaming or boiling. Pat it dry with paper towels if needed before mixing it in to ensure a perfectly creamy result.
Is Classic Chicken Divan gluten-free?
The traditional recipe is not, due to cream of chicken soup. However, you can make it gluten-free by using a certified gluten-free cream of chicken soup or a homemade GF béchamel using 1:1 gluten-free flour, and checking all other ingredients.
Conclusion
This Classic Chicken Divan Recipe with Broccoli and Cheese truly delivers a simple promise of comfort and joy at your dinner table, perfect for busy family dinners. Give this easy, hearty casserole a try this week and pin it to your recipe board now!
Classic Chicken Divan Recipe with Broccoli and Cheese
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: General
Description
This Classic Chicken Divan recipe is an incredibly easy, creamy, and satisfying casserole packed with chicken, broccoli, and cheese. It’s a comforting family favorite perfect for any weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 4 cups frozen or fresh broccoli florets
- 1.5 to 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 0.5 cup whole milk
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 0.5 tsp fine sea salt
- 0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prep Broccoli: Steam or boil 4 cups (400g) of broccoli florets until crisp-tender (about 3-5 minutes, vibrant green). Drain very well, patting dry to prevent a watery casserole.
- Shred Chicken: If not pre-cooked, cook 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts until no longer pink (internal temp 165(degree)F/74(degree)C), then shred or cube to yield about 3 cups (450g).
- Make Creamy Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup, 0.5 cup milk, 0.5 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 0.5 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp black pepper until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the cooked chicken and thoroughly drained broccoli into the sauce mixture until evenly coated.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
- Top with Cheese: Evenly sprinkle 1.5 to 2 cups (170-225g) of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, covering the entire surface.
- Bake and Rest: Bake in a preheated oven at 350(degree)F (175(degree)C) for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Optional additions include crispy fried onions or panko breadcrumbs for crunch. For a low-carb version, substitute cauliflower for broccoli or use a keto-friendly cream soup alternative. Ensure broccoli is very well-drained to avoid a watery casserole. If sauce is too thin, stir in 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold milk into the sauce before baking. For a perfectly golden crust, broil for 1-2 minutes (watch carefully). Rotisserie chicken can be used for a quick shortcut. Good quality cheddar and fresh lemon juice enhance the flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (approx 220 g)
- Calories: 400 calories
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: chicken divan, casserole, easy dinner, creamy, cheesy, broccoli, family favorite, comfort food, weeknight meal, make-ahead