Description

Broccoli Chicken Divan is a classic comfort food casserole that’s both hearty and delicious. With tender pieces of chicken, fresh broccoli, a creamy cheese sauce, and a crispy breadcrumb topping, this recipe is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s simple to prepare, takes only 35 minutes from start to finish, and can be served over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing dinner for guests, this dish is a tried-and-true favorite.

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts (about 2 pounds or 3 cups cooked chicken), cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil (if using raw chicken breasts)
1 ½ to 2 pounds broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
1 can (10 ½ ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
⅔ cup sour cream
½ cup milk
½ teaspoon each garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard powder, and pepper
¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Breadcrumb Topping

3 tablespoons Panko bread crumbs or buttery crackers (such as Ritz), crushed
1 tablespoon melted butter

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish or a 3-quart casserole dish.
If starting with raw chicken, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook for about 10 minutes until fully cooked, then set aside.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add broccoli and cook for 2–3 minutes until just tender-crisp. Drain well and place in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine 1 cup cheddar cheese, condensed soup, sour cream, milk, and all seasonings. Stir in the cooked chicken and spread mixture over the broccoli.
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
In a small bowl, mix bread crumbs (or crushed crackers) with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the cheese layer.
Bake uncovered for 20–22 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Serve warm over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoe

Notes

Serving Tips

Serve with a fresh side salad or crusty bread to balance the richness.
Pair with a light vegetable side like green beans, asparagus, or a cucumber salad.
Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan for an elegant touch.

Storage Tips

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or use the microwave for quick reheating.
Freeze: Assemble the casserole (without baking), wrap tightly in foil or plastic, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen at 375°F for 45–50 minutes until hot and bubbly.