Creamy Chicken Divan

Creamy Chicken Divan combines broccoli, chicken, and cheesy sauce in one comforting casserole—perfect for weeknights, leftovers, and cozy family meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to assemble with minimal prep
• A family-friendly comfort food that kids and adults love
• Great way to use up leftover chicken or rotisserie
• Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor
• Customizable with pantry staples
• Can be prepped ahead for busy weeknights
• Perfect for meal prep and reheating
• Pairs well with rice, pasta, or crusty bread

ingredients

• 2 (10 ounce) packages frozen chopped broccoli
• 2 cooked boneless chicken breast halves, chopped
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese

directions

1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Layer the Ingredients:
   • Spread frozen chopped broccoli evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
   • Distribute the chopped cooked chicken on top of the broccoli.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, and lemon juice.
   • Mix until smooth.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli.
   • Top with shredded Cheddar cheese.
5. Bake:
   • Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until bubbly and cheese is melted and lightly golden.
6. Serve:
   • Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
   • Serve warm on its own or over rice or bread.

Servings and timing

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 8 servings
• Calories: 323 kcal per serving

Variations

• Add Crunch: Top with crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs before baking
• Spice It Up: Mix in a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce
• Creamier Sauce: Add ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt to the mixture
• Protein Swap: Use turkey or ham instead of chicken
• Vegetable Boost: Add mushrooms, peas, or cauliflower to the mix

storage/reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions
• Freezing: Assemble and freeze before baking; thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as directed

FAQs

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Yes, lightly steam or blanch fresh broccoli before layering it in the casserole.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise?

You can use sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy alternative.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Absolutely—just freeze before baking and add a few extra minutes to the bake time when ready.

Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, turkey works perfectly and is a great option for post-holiday meals.

What sides go well with Chicken Divan?

Serve it with rice, noodles, mashed potatoes, or a side salad.

Can I make it without cheese?

You can, but the cheese adds richness—try using a dairy-free version if needed.

Is there a way to lighten the recipe?

Use light mayonnaise and low-fat cheese or soups to reduce calories.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor.

How do I avoid a watery casserole?

Make sure the broccoli is drained well and avoid overcooking the sauce.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Divan is a cozy, crowd-pleasing casserole that delivers big comfort with minimal effort. Whether you’re using up leftovers or feeding a hungry family, this cheesy chicken and broccoli bake is a timeless classic that never goes out of style. Serve it up with rice or bread and watch it disappear.

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