chicken divan RECIPE
Chicken Divan is a beloved casserole classic that’s both comforting and full of flavor. This dish pairs tender chicken with fresh broccoli, all wrapped in a creamy, cheesy sauce, and topped with a crispy Ritz cracker crust. It’s a family favorite, perfect for gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner, and it can be made from scratch or simplified with canned soup for those busy nights. Whether served over rice, mashed potatoes, or even biscuits, this casserole brings warmth and satisfaction to the table in every bite.
With just 45 minutes, you can have this delicious meal ready to serve. Using ingredients like sour cream, cheddar cheese, and spices adds depth to the creamy sauce, while a quick sauté of chicken, onions, and celery infuses a rich base layer of flavor. To finish, a buttery Ritz cracker crust bakes to golden perfection, making every bite irresistibly crunchy.
Chicken Divan is also versatile—substitute with pre-cooked chicken for a faster meal, or toss in extra vegetables to make it your own. This is a meal that combines the ease of a one-pan bake with all the warmth and heartiness of homemade comfort food.
Essential Ingredients for Chicken Divan
- Chicken breast – The base of the dish, providing tender bites; use boneless, skinless pieces for easy prep.
- Broccoli florets – Adds freshness and color while balancing the creamy sauce.
- Cream of chicken soup – Creates a thick, savory sauce that ties all the ingredients together.
- Sour cream – Adds a tangy richness that enhances the creaminess of the sauce.
- Shredded cheddar cheese – Offers a gooey, melted layer throughout; reserve some for a cheesy top layer.
- Ritz crackers – Crushed and mixed with butter to create a crunchy topping that adds texture and flavor.
- Butter and olive oil – Used to sauté the ingredients and enrich the cracker topping.
- Garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder – Seasonings that add subtle depth and complexity to the sauce.
Simple Steps to Make Chicken Divan
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), setting the stage for baking the casserole to a bubbly finish.
- Lightly season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter, and add the seasoned chicken, diced onion, and celery. Sauté briefly until the chicken is halfway cooked.
- Add the broccoli and olive oil, cooking until the chicken is fully done, and the broccoli turns bright green.
- Off the heat, mix in the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, and half the shredded cheddar cheese until smooth.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layering the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover and bake for 20 minutes, then raise the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
- While baking, melt butter and combine with crushed Ritz crackers for the topping.
- Remove the cover from the casserole, sprinkle the cracker mixture over, and bake for another 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes, then serve warm with rice, biscuits, or mashed potatoes.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Chicken Divan
- Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives the dish a tender-crisp texture, but if using frozen, thaw and pat it dry to avoid excess moisture.
- For a Smoother Sauce: Substitute milk with half-and-half for an even richer and creamier consistency.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply add an additional 10-15 minutes to the covered bake time.
- Extra-Crunchy Topping: Swap Ritz crackers with panko breadcrumbs for a different texture, or mix the two for variety.
Variations to Try
For a twist, swap the cheddar cheese with Swiss or Gruyere for a nuttier flavor. Or, add mushrooms, sliced bell peppers, or carrots for extra color and nutrients. If you’re looking for more protein options, this dish also works beautifully with rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey from holiday meals. Serve with egg noodles for a classic casserole combination or enjoy as a standalone main dish with a side salad for balance.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Chicken Divan stores well, making it ideal for meal prep. Simply cover the casserole dish and refrigerate for up to three days. When ready to reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, keeping it covered to prevent the topping from over-browning. For longer storage, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Enjoy this creamy, savory casserole that’s easy to make yet full of comforting flavors—perfect for sharing with family and friends any time of the year!
Chicken Divan Recipe
Zutaten
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 1 stick of celery diced
- 4 cups broccoli florets about ½ lb.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 10.5 oz. can cream of chicken soup
- 2/3 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- 2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
Topping
- ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers about 14 crackers or ½ sleeve, or panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
Anleitungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Season the diced chicken with a light sprinkling of salt and pepper.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken, diced onion, and celery, stirring to coat. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the chicken is halfway cooked, then add the broccoli and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the pot from heat.
- Stir in the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture into a lightly greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
- Cover the casserole and bake for 20 minutes. Then, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and crushed Ritz crackers. Remove the cover from the casserole, sprinkle the cracker mixture over the top, and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes until the topping is golden brown.
- Allow the dish to sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve over rice, biscuits, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Chicken Substitute: If using pre-cooked chicken, omit the initial sautéing step but still cook the onion and celery for about 5 minutes and add broccoli for 3-4 minutes if desired.
- Make-Ahead Tip: For a simplified preparation, skip the sautéing by combining raw diced chicken, broccoli, and sauce ingredients directly in the baking dish. Bake covered at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes, remove the cover, and add the Ritz topping as described.
- Using Frozen Broccoli: Thaw and pat dry before adding; sautéing is optional, depending on your texture preference.
- Ritz Cracker Measure: ½ cup of crushed Ritz equals approximately 14 crackers or half a sleeve