By Broccoli Chicken Divan is one of those recipes that never really goes out of style.
It’s warm, creamy, and simple.
Nothing fancy.
Nothing trendy.
Just a reliable dinner that feels comforting every single time.
This version keeps it easy, balanced, and full of flavor without making it heavy or complicated.
What Makes a Good Chicken Divan
A good Chicken Divan should be:
- Creamy but not soupy
- Tender chicken
- Bright green broccoli, not mushy
- Golden on top with a little crunch
If any one of those is off, the whole dish feels wrong.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Cooked chicken (shredded or cubed) – 3 cups
- Broccoli florets – 4 cups
- Cream of chicken soup – 1 can
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt – ½ cup
- Milk – ¼ cup
- Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
- Onion powder – ½ teaspoon
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Shredded cheddar cheese – 1 cup
- Breadcrumbs or crushed crackers – ½ cup
- Melted butter – 2 tablespoons
How to Prepare the Broccoli
Bring a pot of water to a boil.
Add broccoli and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
Drain immediately.
This keeps the broccoli bright and slightly crisp so it doesn’t turn mushy in the oven.
Make the Creamy Sauce
In a bowl, mix:
- Cream of chicken soup
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Milk
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
Stir until smooth.
This is where the flavor lives.
Assemble the Casserole
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Lightly grease a baking dish.
Spread broccoli evenly on the bottom.
Layer the chicken on top.
Pour the sauce over everything and gently spread it out.
Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly across the top.
Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and scatter over the cheese.
Bake
Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes.
The top should be golden, bubbly, and slightly crispy.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Serve It
Serve with:
- Steamed rice
- Mashed potatoes
- Simple side salad
It’s filling on its own but works great with a plain side.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Assemble ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
Bake fresh when ready.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
Reheat gently so the sauce stays creamy.
Easy Variations
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time
- Swap cheddar for Gruyère or mozzarella
- Add mushrooms for extra depth
- Use Greek yogurt for a lighter version
Final Thought
Broccoli Chicken Divan works because it doesn’t try too hard.
It’s simple, cozy, and dependable.
The kind of recipe you keep coming back to when you want real food that feels like home.
If you want
a one-pan version
a slow cooker method
or a lighter high-protein twist
Just tell me.