Easy Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe

The Creamiest Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe You’ll Ever Taste

Cooking a delightful broccoli chicken divan always sparks joy in my kitchen.

Comfort meets nutrition in this classic casserole that never disappoints.

Creamy cheese sauce blankets tender chicken and vibrant green florets perfectly.

Fresh ingredients come together with minimal effort to create a memorable meal.

Layers of flavor dance across your plate, promising satisfaction in every bite.

You’ll find this dish brings warmth and happiness to the dinner table.

Gather your ingredients and let’s make magic happen tonight!

Broccoli Chicken Divan Comfort Food At Its Best

  • Craft Comfort Quickly: This chicken and broccoli casserole delivers a hassle-free meal that feels like a warm hug, perfect for busy families needing a satisfying dinner solution.
  • Nutritious One-Pan Wonder: Packed with protein from chicken and vitamins from broccoli, this recipe provides a balanced meal without creating multiple dirty dishes to clean afterward.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like using different cheeses, adding mushrooms, or making it gluten-free, allowing home cooks to personalize the dish to their taste preferences.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Potential: The creamy, cheesy sauce combined with tender chicken and broccoli makes this recipe a guaranteed hit for both kids and adults, ensuring clean plates at the dinner table.

Ingredients For Broccoli Chicken Divan

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: A tender and protein-rich base that provides the main substance of the casserole.
Vegetables:
  • Broccoli: A nutritious green vegetable that adds color, texture, and health benefits to the dish.
Creamy Sauce Components:
  • Cream of Chicken Soup, Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: A rich and smooth combination that creates a creamy, flavorful sauce for the casserole.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Lemon Juice, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Ingredients that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Cheese Topping:
  • Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that adds a golden, savory layer to the casserole.
Optional Crunchy Topping:
  • Breadcrumbs, Butter: A crispy and buttery element that provides extra texture and richness to the dish.

How To Prepare Broccoli Chicken Divan

How To Prepare Broccoli Chicken Divan

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for baking the delicious casserole.

Step 2: Create Magical Creamy Sauce

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together:
  • Cream of chicken soup
  • Mayonnaise
  • Sour cream
  • Lemon juice
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Stir until the mixture is silky smooth and looks totally irresistible.

Step 3: Layer the Base Ingredients

Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and create a beautiful layer of:
  • Steamed broccoli
  • Cooked chicken

Spread these ingredients evenly across the bottom of the dish.

Step 4: Drench with Creamy Goodness

Pour the creamy sauce over the broccoli and chicken, making sure every inch is covered with the delectable mixture.

Step 5: Sprinkle Cheesy Topping

Generously scatter shredded cheddar cheese across the entire surface of the casserole.

Step 6: Add Crunchy Breadcrumb Topping (Optional)

Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese layer for extra crunch.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Watch for the cheese to become melted and bubbly, with a gorgeous golden-brown top.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Pull out the casserole and serve immediately while it’s hot and irresistibly delicious.

Tips To Nail Broccoli Chicken Divan Every Time

  • Select fresh, crisp broccoli for the best texture and vibrant green color in your dish.
  • Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time and add extra flavor to the recipe.
  • Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier version of the creamy sauce.
  • Add a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes to give the dish a subtle kick and depth of flavor.
  • Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Variations To Try With Broccoli Chicken Divan

  • Vegetarian Divan: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, use vegetable broth instead of cream of chicken soup.
  • Low-Carb Option: Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds, use cauliflower instead of broccoli for extra low-carb goodness.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Substitute dairy ingredients with coconut cream, dairy-free cheese, and cashew-based mayonnaise for a creamy, allergen-friendly casserole.
  • Mediterranean Spin: Add sun-dried tomatoes, swap cheddar for feta cheese, include oregano and basil for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions For Broccoli Chicken Divan

  • Comfort Dinner Night: Pair this creamy chicken and broccoli casserole with fluffy white rice or buttered egg noodles to catch all the delicious sauce.
  • Family-Style Serving: Create a complete meal by adding a crisp green salad and warm dinner rolls to complement the rich, cheesy flavors of the dish.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Divide portions into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches that reheat perfectly in the microwave, making weekday meals a breeze.
  • Potluck Perfect: Transport this dish in a covered casserole carrier for gatherings, as it travels well and serves a crowd with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Storage Tips For Broccoli Chicken Divan

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, keeping the dish covered tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to preserve moisture and flavor.
  • Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months, ensuring a protective layer to prevent freezer burn.

FAQs

  • What ingredients give this dish its creamy texture?

The combination of cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, and sour cream creates the rich, smooth sauce that coats the chicken and broccoli perfectly.

  • Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and drain it completely before adding to the dish to prevent excess moisture.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them entirely.

  • How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like cauliflower or spinach, or use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to increase protein and reduce calories.

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Easy Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe

Easy Broccoli Chicken Divan Recipe


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4.7 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy broccoli chicken divan combines comfort and nutrition in one classic casserole. Home cooks appreciate this simple yet satisfying dish that delivers rich flavors and wholesome ingredients you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 cups chicken, shredded or cubed
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (steamed)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Topping Ingredients (optional):

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to a precise 375°F (190°C).
  2. Craft a luxurious sauce by whisking together cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until achieving a silky-smooth consistency.
  3. Arrange a foundation of tender steamed broccoli and perfectly cooked chicken pieces in a spacious 9×13-inch baking vessel.
  4. Lavishly drape the creamy sauce across the chicken and broccoli landscape, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  5. Generously cascade shredded cheddar cheese over the entire surface, creating a molten blanket of flavor.
  6. For added texture, combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and delicately scatter the golden mixture across the cheese layer.
  7. Transfer the assembled dish to the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbling masterpiece and the top develops a tempting golden-brown hue.
  8. Extract from the oven and present immediately, inviting diners to savor the warm, comforting creation.

Notes

  • Customize the protein by swapping chicken with turkey, tofu, or fish for variety and different dietary needs.
  • Enhance nutrition by using whole wheat breadcrumbs and low-fat dairy options to make the dish healthier.
  • Boost flavor complexity by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the creamy sauce for extra depth.
  • Make the dish gluten-free by substituting regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives or crushed almond flour.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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