If there’s one comforting, creamy dish that brings a nostalgic warmth to the dinner table, it’s this Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe. Imagine tender bites of chicken mingling with crisp-tender broccoli, all wrapped in a luscious sauce made creamy with sour cream, a touch of mustard, and melty Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses. The crunchy golden breadcrumb topping offers the perfect contrast to the soft, cheesy interior, making every forkful a delightful mix of textures. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, this casserole promises a satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and packed with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of everyday ingredients is all it takes to bring this Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe to life. Each component plays a special role in creating the casserole’s beloved flavor profile and texture, from the fresh broccoli that adds a pop of green and crunch, to the duo of cheeses that create that irresistible gooeyness.
- 1 pound fresh broccoli: Chopped into bite-sized pieces, it provides freshness and a mild crunch.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup: Acts as the creamy base that keeps everything moist and flavorful.
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided: Offers creaminess and a mild, slightly tangy touch.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and depth to the cheese blend.
- ⅓ cup milk: Helps loosen the sauce to a perfect pourable consistency.
- ⅓ cup sour cream: Brings a subtle tang and rich texture to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard: Infuses a gentle kick and complexity to the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances overall flavor with a savory note.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds warmth and slight heat without overpowering.
- 2 ½ cups cubed cooked chicken: The hearty protein base that makes this casserole satisfying.
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs: Creates a crisp, golden topping that contrasts the creamy interior.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Mixed with breadcrumbs to ensure they bake up perfectly crunchy and golden.
How to Make Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Broccoli
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly greasing an 8×8-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking. Meanwhile, steam the fresh broccoli until it’s tender but still retains a slight crispness—this is key to adding texture and vibrant color to your casserole.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Creamy Sauce
In a large bowl, mix the condensed cream of chicken soup with half of the Monterey Jack cheese, cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, whole grain mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper. Whisking thoroughly allows all those wonderful flavors to meld into a smooth, creamy sauce that will coat every bite of broccoli and chicken.
Step 3: Combine Broccoli and Chicken with Sauce
Gently fold the steamed broccoli and cubed cooked chicken into the sauce mixture. Being careful not to crush the broccoli keeps the dish visually appealing, and mixing evenly ensures every portion is packed with goodness.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the broccoli and chicken mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese over the top to start building that irresistible cheesy crust before adding the breadcrumb topping.
Step 5: Add Breadcrumb Topping and Bake
Mix the melted butter with the breadcrumbs until they’re well coated, then sprinkle this mixture generously over the casserole. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping turns a gorgeous golden brown, adding a crunchy finish to each serving.
How to Serve Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives brightens the presentation and adds a hint of herbaceous freshness that complements the rich casserole beautifully. For an extra touch, a little squeeze of lemon juice over the top just before serving can lift the flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe is a meal in itself, but pairing it with fluffy rice, buttered noodles, or creamy mashed potatoes takes things up a notch. These sides soak up the savory sauce and make the meal feel even more comforting and hearty.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at your next dinner, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for personalized portions that wow your guests. Alternatively, transform leftovers into perfect filling for a wrap or stuff into baked potatoes for a quick and tasty lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your casserole, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps preserve freshness and the flavors stay just as delicious, making for easy next-day meals.
Freezing
If you want to have this Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe ready for a busy day, it freezes exceptionally well. Assemble the casserole but skip baking. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) uncovered for about 20 minutes or until heated through to maintain that crisp breadcrumb topping. If in a hurry, microwaving works too—just expect the topping to soften.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain it well before mixing into the casserole to avoid excess moisture that can make the dish watery.
What is the best cheese substitution if I don’t have Monterey Jack?
Mild mozzarella or Colby cheese can work wonderfully in place of Monterey Jack, offering a similar melt and mild flavor.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap sour cream for a dairy-free alternative and use a dairy-free cream of chicken soup along with vegan cheese options to keep the creamy texture intact.
Is it okay to use leftover cooked chicken?
Definitely! Leftover chicken works perfectly and is a great way to minimize waste. Just cube it before mixing into the casserole.
How do I make this casserole spicier?
Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the sauce mixture to add a gentle heat that complements the creamy flavors beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Making this Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe is like giving yourself a warm, cheesy hug after a long day. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to share with loved ones during the weekend. I encourage you to try it soon—you’ll find it becomes a beloved recipe to turn to whenever comfort food is calling.
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Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Chicken Divan Casserole is a creamy, comforting baked dish featuring tender chicken, steamed broccoli, and a rich cheese sauce. Topped with buttery breadcrumbs and melted cheese, it makes a perfect easy dinner that combines classic flavors in a wholesome casserole.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 ½ cups cubed cooked chicken
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup milk
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Topping
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Steam Broccoli: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch (2-quart) casserole dish. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the chopped broccoli until tender-crisp, then drain well to remove excess water.
- Make Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, whole grain mustard, garlic powder, and ground black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the steamed broccoli and cubed cooked chicken into the cheese sauce, ensuring everything is evenly coated but not mashed.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the broccoli and chicken mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter until combined, then sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it hot as a standalone meal or served over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes for a more filling option.
Notes
- For a crispier topping, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Use leftover rotisserie or boiled chicken to save prep time.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheese varieties.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg in the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
- To make this gluten-free, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
