Chicken Divan Casserole
There’s just something special about a warm, cheesy casserole on a busy weeknight. For my family, this Chicken Divan Casserole is more than just a meal—it’s a dinnertime tradition. With tender pieces of chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, creamy sauce, it’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles. I first tried it on a chilly night, hoping for a quick, comforting dinner that wouldn’t take hours to prepare, and it was an instant hit. Now, it’s my go-to when I want to make a wholesome meal without a lot of fuss.
My kids dig in enthusiastically, and even the pickiest eaters love the blend of flavors in the sauce. The combination of tangy sour cream, smooth mayo, and a hint of curry powder adds a depth of flavor that’s unique and so satisfying. And the best part? It’s versatile. You can mix in other vegetables, adjust the spices, or even swap the cheese, making it perfect for those nights when you want to change things up just a bit. Trust me, once you try it, this casserole will quickly become a household staple. It’s easy to make, hard to resist, and perfect for sharing with family or friends.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble it the night before, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes and bake as usual.
Q: Does this casserole freeze well?
A: Yes, this casserole is freezer-friendly! Prepare it up until baking, cover tightly, and freeze. When you’re ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Q: What side dishes go well with Chicken Divan Casserole?
A: This casserole pairs wonderfully with rice or egg noodles to soak up the sauce. A fresh side salad or some crusty bread is also a great addition.
Q: Can I substitute the broccoli?
A: Absolutely! While broccoli is traditional, feel free to use cauliflower, green beans, or even a vegetable medley.
Q: Is it kid-friendly?
A: Definitely! This casserole is mild, creamy, and loaded with familiar flavors that kids love. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies, too.
What You Need to Make Chicken Divan Casserole
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, thawed)
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment:
9×13-inch baking dish
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Spatula
How to Make Chicken Divan Casserole
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare Ingredients: If using fresh broccoli, steam until just tender (3–5 minutes). For frozen, thaw and drain well.
Layer Ingredients: Place the broccoli and shredded chicken in an even layer in the baking dish.
Make the Sauce: In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, lemon juice, and curry powder. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble: Pour the sauce over the broccoli and chicken, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes or until bubbly and golden. Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Divan Casserole
Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives the best texture and flavor, though frozen works in a pinch.
Mix Up the Cheese: Swap cheddar with Swiss or Gruyere for a different flavor twist.
Lighter Option: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and sour cream for a lighter version.
Add a Crunchy Topping: Top with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs before baking for added texture.
Don’t Skip the Curry Powder: It adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor that makes this dish unique.
Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This is a family favorite now! We love it with a side of rice. Easy to make and full of flavor.” – Amy G.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Great for quick dinners! Next time, I might add a bit more curry powder for extra flavor.” – Lisa D.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect comfort food. My picky eaters loved it, and I enjoyed making it!” – Sarah H.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Really good! I might try a different cheese next time. The cheddar was a bit strong.” – Greg M.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Made this for a family potluck, and it was a hit! Everyone wanted the recipe.” – Michelle B.
Printable Recipe
Chicken Divan Casserole
A classic Chicken Divan Casserole made with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy, comforting sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family meals!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Equipment:
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Ingredients: If using fresh broccoli, steam until just tender (3–5 minutes). For frozen, thaw and drain well.
- Layer Ingredients: Place the broccoli and shredded chicken in an even layer in the baking dish.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, lemon juice, and curry powder. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble: Pour the sauce over the broccoli and chicken, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes or until bubbly and golden. Let cool slightly before serving.
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
I love hearing about other families enjoying this Chicken Divan Casserole as much as we do! If you try this recipe, please snap a photo and tag me on social media. It’s always fun to see how others put their spin on it, and sharing the love of good food makes it even better. Let’s spread the joy of home-cooked comfort food!
