Easy Chicken Divan Casserole Recipe with Broccoli

My Mom’s recipe for Chicken Divan could not be more simple to make or more comforting to eat. Use a rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
(Originally published 5/6/2020 and updated for content 11/2/2024)

If you like this recipe, check out my Rotisserie Chicken and Dumplings next!

Sometimes you just need Mom’s home cooking for an easy dinner. And when you can’t have your Mom cook it for whatever reason then her recipe will have to do. I treasure the handwritten recipe cards I have from both my Mom and Grandma. When I make their recipes, I think about happy times with them. It’s almost like they are in the kitchen with me. I grew up eating this easy Chicken Divan recipe. It was a signature dish for my Mom. And a definite favorite dinner for me.

More classic American casserole recipes

• Pork Chop Casserole
• Loaded Grits Breakfast Casserole
• Hamburger Potato Casserole

Ingredients for original chicken divan recipe

• Rotisserie Chicken – You need about 3 cups of juicy chicken for this recipe. I like the shortcut of using a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. this casserole is a great way to use up leftover chicken. Or cook your own chicken – here’s my easy instructions for How to Make Frozen Chicken in the Crock Pot.
• Frozen Broccoli – I like using primarily cooked broccoli florets for this recipe. You could choose to steam fresh broccoli instead of using frozen if you prefer.
• Mayonnaise – A 1/2 cup mayonnaise helps to make the luscious, cheesy sauce for this casserole.
• Cream of Chicken Soup – You can can use any variety of canned soup you like, but I prefer to use Creamy of Chicken because that is what my Mom used.
• Cheddar Cheese – Freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese for the best cheesy chicken in this dish.
• Bread Crumbs – I prefer to use Panko bread crumbs because I like their crunchy texture the best. I’ve seen it topped with crushed Ritz crackers too. But I prefer to make it like I remember.
• Butter – Buttery breadcrumbs are the ultimate crunchy topping for chicken divan casserole.
• Lemon Juice – The bright flavor from a little bit of lemon pairs so well with the creamy sauce in this easy casserole.

Instructions for the best chicken broccoli casserole

This recipe is so simple to make.  Shred the chicken. Stir it together with the bite-sized pieces of broccoli. Add the sauce ingredients. Evenly spread the chicken mixture into a baking dish. Top the casserole with buttered bread crumbs and cover with aluminum foil. Bake until bubbly. And if you like a golden brown crust on top, remove the foil and broil the casserole for a couple of minutes before serving. Keep scrolling for a full list of ingredients and my free, printable recipe card.

FAQ’s

What is Chicken Divan?

Chicken Divan has its origin at the Chatham Hotel in New York City. It was a chicken casserole with broccoli served with a Mornay sauce. In the average household, it was simplified with a mayonnaise based sauce.  I have taken my Mom’s handwritten recipe and made just a very few changes. Pre-cooked chicken, broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce make this divan dish divine.

Serving suggestions

On its own, this casserole is a low carb option for dinner. Serve it with green beans and a simple green salad. I personally like it best served with white or brown rice for a classic, comfort food meal. Here’s some recipe suggestions to go along with this chicken broccoli divan –

• Air Fryer Green Beans
• How to Cook Rice
• Spinach Strawberry Salad
• Jello Cake Recipe

Storage directions

Store leftover casserole in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container. Or cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap. Or store it in the freezer for up to one month.

Kitchen tools

• Casserole dish similar to what I use for baking this family favorite
• Set of Pyrex glass measuring cups that I use all the time in my kitchen
• My favorite paring knife, perfect for chopping the broccoli florets into bite size pieces

 

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