Chicken Divan

Name: Chicken Divan
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 yellow onion, diced; 1 stick celery, diced; 4 cups broccoli florets (about ½ lb); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup; 2/3 cup sour cream (or mayo); ½ cup milk; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon mustard powder; 2 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons butter (for topping)

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Craving a hearty, creamy, and soul-warming dinner that’s both easy and crowd-pleasing? This Chicken Divan recipe brings you the perfect blend of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce, all baked under a golden, buttery cracker topping. Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or prepping a make-ahead meal, Chicken Divan is that nostalgic comfort food that never goes out of style. In this guide, you’ll learn everything from the origins of this classic dish to expert cooking tips, customizations, and serving ideas.

Looking for inspiration? Try our creamy broccoli cheese soup recipe for another comforting classic that pairs beautifully with casseroles like this.

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What is Chicken Divan and Why is It So Popular?

Origins of the Chicken Divan Casserole

The term Chicken Divan might sound fancy, but it has humble roots. This creamy casserole was first served at the Divan Parisien Restaurant inside New York City’s Chatham Hotel during the early 20th century. Its name “Divan” referred to elegance and dining luxury. The original version was a more upscale dish using poached chicken breasts and a Mornay sauce layered over broccoli. Over time, it evolved into the budget-friendly comfort food we know today, featuring canned soups and simple ingredients.

Why This Dish Became a Family Favorite

So, what makes Chicken Divan a beloved staple in American kitchens? It’s simple: minimal prep, rich flavor, and versatility. You can use fresh or leftover chicken, throw in frozen or fresh broccoli, and whip up the sauce using either store-bought or homemade ingredients. Plus, it’s incredibly make-ahead and freezer friendly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. It’s one of those rare meals that pleases picky eaters and adventurous palates alike.

Chicken Divan vs. Other Chicken Casseroles

While there are countless chicken casseroles, Chicken Divan stands apart thanks to its creamy texture and cheesy topping. Unlike chicken tetrazzini or pot pie, this dish keeps it simple—chicken, broccoli, and a velvety sauce under a crispy, buttery cracker layer. It’s not only a great standalone dish but also one that adapts well to low-carb or gluten-free variations.

Don’t miss our creamy chicken Ritz casserole if you enjoy the buttery crunch that defines a perfect casserole topping.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Chicken Divan

One of the reasons Chicken Divan has stood the test of time is its flexible ingredient list. Whether you’re cooking from scratch or using shortcuts like canned soup, the magic lies in balancing creamy, savory, and crunchy elements. Let’s break it down.

Chicken Choices: Breast, Thighs, or Rotisserie?

When it comes to the chicken, you’ve got options.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the most common and easy to dice into bite-sized pieces.
Chicken thighs offer more flavor and tenderness, especially if you’re baking from raw.
Rotisserie chicken is the ultimate time-saver—just shred it and skip the sautéing step.

Make sure your chicken is fully cooked and well-seasoned with salt and pepper before combining it with the other ingredients. For extra depth, lightly sauté it with onions and celery before adding it to the casserole dish.

Check out our guide on marry me chicken soup recipe for another delicious way to use leftover or rotisserie chicken.

Sauce Essentials: Creamy, Tangy, and Rich

The sauce is the heart of Chicken Divan—it binds everything together and delivers that melt-in-your-mouth experience. Here’s what you’ll need:

Cream of chicken soup (homemade or canned)
Sour cream or mayonnaise for tang and creaminess
Milk to thin it to a pourable consistency
Cheddar cheese, shredded for extra richness
Seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder

Want to skip the can? You can easily make a homemade cream of chicken soup using chicken stock, flour, milk, and seasonings. It adds a much more fresh and less salty flavor.

Discover great ideas like our healthy pumpkin brownies recipe if you’re planning a balanced meal with a healthy dessert.

Best Toppings for Texture: Ritz Crackers, Panko, and Cheese

That golden, buttery crust on top? It’s not just decoration—it’s what elevates Chicken Divan from good to unforgettable.
The traditional choice:

Crushed Ritz crackers mixed with melted butter
Alternative options:
Panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier crunch
Crushed cornflakes for a gluten-free variation
Extra shredded cheese for gooey goodness

To get that iconic golden-brown top, increase the oven temperature in the final minutes of baking and don’t skip the broil if needed.

Looking for inspiration? Try our apple cinnamon blondies with maple cream to finish your meal with something sweet and seasonal.

How to Make Chicken Divan From Scratch

Ready to bring this comfort food classic to life? Making Chicken Divan from scratch is easier than you think, especially if you follow these simple steps.

Prep Steps: Chopping, Sautéing, and Layering

Start by gathering and prepping your ingredients:

Dice your chicken (or shred pre-cooked chicken)
Chop onions and celery
Steam or sauté broccoli florets until just tender

In a skillet, melt butter and sauté chicken, onions, and celery until lightly browned and halfway cooked. Then add broccoli and olive oil. Cook a few more minutes until chicken is done. Remove from heat.

In the same pot, stir in:

Cream of chicken soup
Sour cream (or mayo)
Milk
Half the shredded cheese
Garlic, onion, and mustard powders

Mix until fully combined and transfer everything to a lightly greased 9×13 baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese.

Baking Tips: Temperature, Timing, and Covering

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, increase the oven to 400°F, uncover, and add your buttered cracker topping.

Return to oven and bake uncovered for 8-10 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

Don’t miss our the best creamiest baked mashed potatoes recipe—it pairs beautifully with Chicken Divan for an ultra-comforting meal.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions

One of the best things about Chicken Divan? It’s a dream for make-ahead meal planning.

To prepare in advance:

Assemble the entire casserole except the cracker topping
Cover tightly and refrigerate up to 2 days
Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes
Add an extra 10–15 minutes to the covered bake time if coming straight from the fridge

To freeze:

Assemble as above, cover in two layers of plastic wrap and foil
Label and freeze for up to 3 months
Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking
Always add the cracker topping right before baking

Customizing Your Chicken Divan

One of the reasons Chicken Divan has remained so loved is how easy it is to adapt for different diets and tastes. Whether you’re cooking for picky kids, avoiding gluten, or going low-carb, this recipe has options.

Keto, Gluten-Free, and Low-Carb Options

Low-Carb: Skip the cracker topping or replace it with crushed pork rinds for crunch without carbs.
Keto: Use full-fat sour cream and a keto-friendly thickener like xanthan gum instead of cream of chicken soup.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or certified gluten-free Ritz-style crackers for the topping.

Broccoli and chicken are both naturally low in carbs and high in fiber and protein, so this dish is a natural fit for clean eating with minor adjustments.

Swap Ideas: Veggies, Cheeses, and Cream Alternatives

Feel like experimenting? Chicken Divan is a forgiving dish. Here are some tasty swaps:

Veggies: Cauliflower, green beans, or asparagus all work well.
Cheeses: Try gouda, Swiss, mozzarella, or a mix for a new flavor profile.
Sour Cream Alternatives: Plain Greek yogurt, mayo, or cream cheese can be used.

You can also boost nutrition with spinach, kale, or mushrooms for extra texture and color.

How to Make It Kid-Friendly

Chicken Divan is already a kid-approved dinner winner, but you can tweak it further:

Chop the broccoli finely so it blends better into the creamy sauce.
Use mild cheddar or mozzarella for a less sharp flavor.
Let kids help with sprinkling the cheese and topping—make it fun!

For another kid-friendly crowd-pleaser, don’t miss our apple cinnamon sheet cake recipe for dessert.

FAQs About Chicken Divan

What is the origin of Chicken Divan?

Chicken Divan was created at the Divan Parisien Restaurant in NYC’s Chatham Hotel during the 20th century. The name “Divan” refers to elegance, and the original recipe featured poached chicken with a Mornay sauce.

Can I use frozen broccoli in Chicken Divan?

Yes! Just thaw it completely and pat it dry before using. If you like soft broccoli, you can sauté it briefly with the chicken and aromatics.

How do I keep the casserole from becoming watery?

Use well-drained broccoli and avoid adding excess liquid. Frozen broccoli should be thawed and dried. Also, let the casserole rest after baking so the sauce thickens.

What is the best way to store and reheat Chicken Divan?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions in 1-minute intervals. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts on This Chicken Divan Recipe

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Comfort Classic

This easy Chicken Divan recipe is everything a comforting casserole should be: creamy, cheesy, and satisfying. It’s a dish you can pull off on a weeknight, customize to your family’s preferences, and rely on when you need a guaranteed winner.

Don’t miss our easy black pepper chicken recipe for another weeknight go-to packed with flavor.

Try More Cozy Casserole Recipes

Want more comfort food classics? Explore our rich and hearty salisbury steak with mushroom gravy or the creamy indulgence of steak with creamy garlic sauce for your next family meal.

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