What is Chicken Divan?
Chicken Divan is a classic American chicken and broccoli casserole known for its creamy sauce, tender chicken, melted cheddar cheese, and buttery cracker topping. This comforting dinner has been around for decades and remains a favorite because it is simple, hearty, and easy to serve to a family or a crowd.
The dish dates back to the 1940s and was created at the Divan Parisienne Restaurant in New York City’s Chatham Hotel. Over time, many home cooks have made their own versions using convenient ingredients and family-friendly flavors. This version keeps the casserole rich, cheesy, and satisfying while using ingredients that are easy to find.
Chicken Divan is a great option for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or casual entertaining. It can be served over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes, but it is also filling enough to enjoy on its own. The combination of chicken, broccoli, cream soup, sour cream, and cheddar cheese creates a creamy baked casserole with a crisp Ritz cracker topping that makes every bite feel cozy and complete.
What are the ingredients for Chicken Divan?
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Fresh broccoli
- Cheddar cheese
- Cream of chicken soup
- Cream of broccoli soup
- Milk
- Sour cream
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Yellow onion
- Garlic
- Ritz crackers
- Seasonings
The full measurements are included in the recipe card below.
How to make Chicken Divan
Start by preparing the chicken. Cut boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl. Add the seasonings and toss until every piece is evenly coated. Pan-searing the chicken adds extra flavor, but you can also use cooked rotisserie chicken if you want to save time.
If using pre-cooked chicken, simply shred or chop it and continue with the casserole assembly. If cooking from raw, the chicken does not need to be fully cooked in the skillet because it will finish baking in the oven.
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until the pieces develop a golden brown color on the outside, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
This quick browning step gives the casserole more depth of flavor and helps the chicken stay tender once baked in the creamy sauce.
Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Sauté the diced onion for about 5 minutes, until it begins to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, just until fragrant. Remove the skillet from the heat and set the onion and garlic aside.
Steam the broccoli for about 3 minutes before adding it to the casserole. This step is optional, but it helps the broccoli soften while keeping its texture. If using frozen broccoli, steam it according to the package directions and drain as much extra water as possible before mixing it into the casserole.
Grease a 9×13 baking dish. Add the cream of chicken soup, cream of broccoli soup, milk, sour cream, sautéed onion, and garlic. Stir until the sauce is smooth and evenly combined.
Add the browned chicken, steamed broccoli, and 2 cups of cheddar cheese. Mix well so the chicken and broccoli are coated in the creamy sauce. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes.
After the casserole has baked for 15 minutes, sprinkle one sleeve of crushed Ritz crackers over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for 5 more minutes, until the topping is lightly crisp and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Let the Chicken Divan rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken and makes it easier to scoop.
This creamy Chicken Divan casserole is delicious served over white rice, cooked pasta, or mashed potatoes. It also works well as a stand-alone main dish with dinner rolls or a simple side salad. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, broccoli, cheddar cheese, and crunchy topping make it a comforting meal that is easy to love.
If you make this Chicken Divan recipe, leave a comment and rating to share how it turned out.
This recipe is a cozy, family-style dinner that can be prepared fresh or made ahead for an easier meal.
Chicken Divan
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbs salted butter, divided
- 1 tbs olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 5-6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb fresh broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 10.5 oz can of cream of chicken soup
- 10.5 oz can of cream of broccoli soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 cups grated cheddar cheese divided
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
Seasonings
- 1-2 tbs garlic powder
- 1-2 tbs onion powder
- 1 tbs smoked paprika
- 1-2 tbs salt and pepper
Instructions
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Season the chicken with the spices listed above, making sure each piece is evenly coated.
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Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Cook the chicken until the outside is golden. It does not need to be cooked through because it will finish in the oven.
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Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
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Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Sauté the diced onion for about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until fragrant. Remove from the heat.
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Steam the broccoli for about 3 minutes.
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
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In a greased 9×13 baking dish, mix the cream of chicken soup, cream of broccoli soup, milk, sour cream, onion, and garlic until well combined.
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Add the chicken, broccoli, and 2 cups of cheddar cheese. Stir well, then top with the remaining cup of cheese. Bake for 15 minutes.
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Sprinkle the crushed Ritz crackers over the top and bake for 5 more minutes. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
If baking from the refrigerator, add about 15 minutes to the baking time. If frozen, thaw completely in the refrigerator before baking, then add about 15 extra minutes when cooking.
The casserole can also be baked ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for 2 to 3 months. Freezing after baking may make the broccoli softer, so assembling before freezing is the better option.
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