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Classic Creamy Chicken Divan Casserole with Broccoli

Close-up of a creamy Chicken Divan casserole with broccoli, chicken pieces, and a crispy golden breadcrumb topping.

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Make this classic Chicken Divan casserole for a comforting family dinner. This recipe combines tender chicken, broccoli, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce, baked until golden. It is a simple, hearty meal perfect for weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder (optional, for flavor depth)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
  • 1 cup cooked white rice (optional, for serving base)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 3 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender-crisp. Drain them well.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, curry powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth. Continue to cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes. Do not let it boil rapidly.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the condensed cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, and 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. This is your creamy comfort food base.
  6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, blanched broccoli, and the creamy sauce. Mix gently until everything is evenly coated.
  7. Spread the chicken and broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish. If you are serving over rice, spread the cooked rice evenly in the bottom of the dish before adding the chicken mixture.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese and the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.
  9. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown.
  10. Let the Chicken Divan rest for 5 minutes before you serve this easy chicken weeknight meal.

Notes

  • For a quicker preparation, use 3 cups of pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
  • If you prefer a tangier sauce, substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
  • You can prepare the entire casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

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