Chicken Divan is a classic American casserole that combines tender chicken, broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, all topped with a golden, crispy Ritz cracker crust. This comforting dish is easy to make and perfect for a family dinner or potluck. With layers of flavor from curry, cheese, and savory seasonings, Chicken Divan is both satisfying and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken Divan is a true comfort food dish that checks all the boxes—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. The curry powder adds a subtle warmth, while the combination of broccoli, chicken, and a rich cream-based sauce makes for a well-balanced meal. The Ritz cracker topping adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling. It’s a one-dish meal that’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights or special gatherings.
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon curry powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
3 cups broccoli florets
1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of broccoli cheese soup
1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup milk
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
1 tablespoon olive oil
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the Oven:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray or brush an 8×8-inch casserole dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
Season and Cook the Chicken:
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Season the chicken cubes with garlic powder, onion powder, curry powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken until slightly browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Cook the Broccoli:
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Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook until fork-tender, about 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Casserole Mixture:
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In a mixing bowl, stir together the canned soups, sour cream, milk, lemon juice, cooked chicken, and broccoli until well combined.
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Add 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese and stir to incorporate.
Assemble the Casserole:
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Transfer the chicken and broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish.
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Top with crumbled Ritz crackers and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the casserole. Feel free to add extra cheese if desired.
Bake:
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Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the Ritz crackers are golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Cool and Serve:
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Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving.
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Serve alone, with dinner rolls and a green salad, or over rice. Enjoy your comforting and cheesy Chicken Divan!
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Cooling Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
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Add vegetables: You can add other vegetables such as peas, carrots, or even mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
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Use different cheese: Try swapping cheddar for Gruyère, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese for a different twist.
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Make it lighter: Use low-fat versions of the soup, sour cream, and milk to reduce the calorie content.
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Spicy variation: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a bit of heat.
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Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs to make the casserole gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover Chicken Divan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use cooked chicken instead of raw chicken?
Yes, you can use cooked chicken. Just shred or chop it into small pieces and add it to the casserole along with the broccoli.
Can I make Chicken Divan ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding it to the casserole.
Can I make this recipe with a different type of soup?
Yes, you can substitute the cream of broccoli cheese soup with cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup if preferred.
How do I keep the Ritz crackers crispy?
Make sure to sprinkle the crushed Ritz crackers just before baking and avoid covering the casserole during the baking process to maintain their crispiness.
Can I freeze Chicken Divan?
Yes, you can freeze Chicken Divan before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for 45-60 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
How do I make Chicken Divan spicier?
Add a dash of hot sauce, or include diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the casserole mixture for a spicy kick.
What can I serve with Chicken Divan?
Chicken Divan pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, a fresh green salad, or dinner rolls.
Can I use a different type of cracker for the topping?
Yes, you can use other types of crackers, like saltines or butter crackers, for a different flavor. You can also use crushed cornflakes if you prefer a gluten-free option.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the topping is golden brown, and the dish is bubbly and heated throughout.
Conclusion
Chicken Divan is the ultimate comfort food with a creamy, cheesy filling and a crispy, buttery topping. This easy casserole is perfect for a busy weeknight or as a dish to bring to a gathering. With its savory flavor and satisfying textures, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this classic American dish with your loved ones!
Print
Chicken Divan
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A creamy and comforting casserole made with seasoned chicken, broccoli, a cheesy sauce, and topped with crispy Ritz crackers for added crunch.
Ingredients
- For the Casserole:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of broccoli cheese soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray or brush an 8×8-inch casserole dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Season and Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken cubes with garlic powder, onion powder, curry powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken until slightly browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Cook the Broccoli: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook until fork-tender, about 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Casserole Mixture: In a mixing bowl, stir together the canned soups, sour cream, milk, lemon juice, cooked chicken, and broccoli until well combined. Add 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese and stir to incorporate.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the chicken and broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with crumbled Ritz crackers and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the casserole. Feel free to add extra cheese if desired.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the Ritz crackers are golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole sit for 8-10 minutes before serving. Serve alone, with dinner rolls and a green salad, or over rice!
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use sharp cheddar cheese.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables, such as mushrooms or peas, to the casserole mixture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: undefined
- Method: undefined
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
