Description
This classic Chicken Divan Casserole layers tender broccoli and juicy chicken under a rich, creamy sauce made with condensed soups, mayonnaise, and melted Cheddar cheese. Topped with golden buttery breadcrumbs, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s been a family favorite for generations. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or using up leftover chicken
Ingredients
For the Base:
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2 (10 ounce) packages frozen broccoli florets (or about 4 cups fresh broccoli, cooked and chopped)
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1 1/2 cups cubed cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken is your best friend here)
For the Creamy Sauce:
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1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of broccoli soup
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1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
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1/3 cup mayonnaise (don’t skimp—it adds richness)
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1 teaspoon lemon juice (fresh is best, but bottled works)
For the Topping:
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1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (sharp Cheddar gives the best flavor)
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1/3 cup dried bread crumbs (panko makes it extra crispy)
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1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F and give your 9×13-inch baking dish a light spray or butter. This is your moment to get everything ready while the oven warms up.
Spread those frozen broccoli florets evenly across the bottom of your baking dish. No need to thaw them first—they’ll cook perfectly in the oven and release just enough moisture to keep everything tender.
Scatter your cubed chicken evenly over the broccoli. Try to keep the pieces about the same size so every serving gets a good chicken-to-broccoli ratio.
In a medium bowl, whisk together both condensed soups, mayonnaise, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy. It should look thick but pourable, like a really luxurious gravy.
Pour that gorgeous sauce right over your chicken and broccoli, using a spoon to spread it evenly and make sure it reaches all the corners. You want every piece covered in that creamy goodness.
Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the top. This creates little melty pockets of cheesy heaven throughout the casserole.
In a small bowl, toss your breadcrumbs with the melted butter until they’re evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture over everything like you’re adding the final touch to a masterpiece.
Slide your casserole into the oven and bake for 40 minutes. You’re looking for bubbling around the edges and golden-brown breadcrumbs on top.
Notes
Mix in a teaspoon of curry powder to the sauce for that classic Chicken Divan twist that some folks swear by. It adds warmth and a subtle exotic note that makes people ask what your secret ingredient is.
For an even creamier casserole, stir in 1/4 cup of sour cream or cream cheese to the soup mixture. It makes the sauce extra velvety and adds a nice tang.
Use kitchen shears to cut your chicken into cubes right in the measuring cup. It’s faster than using a cutting board and knife, and there’s less cleanup.
If you’re making this ahead, assemble everything except the breadcrumb topping, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add the breadcrumbs right before baking so they stay crispy.
Don’t have cream of broccoli soup? Use two cans of cream of chicken or swap one for cream of mushroom. The casserole will still be delicious, just slightly different in flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American