Classic Creamy Chicken Divan Casserole

Introduction & Inspiration

There are few dishes as classically comforting and satisfyingly creamy as a good, old-fashioned Chicken Divan. This recipe is a wonderfully easy take on the beloved American casserole, featuring tender shredded chicken and bright broccoli florets, all enveloped in a rich, luscious sauce made from sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, and melted cheese. A simple topping of golden-brown breadcrumbs provides the perfect textural finish. The optional touch of curry powder adds a surprising, delightful warmth that makes it truly special!

My inspiration for this recipe comes from wanting to share a true comfort food classic that’s incredibly easy to assemble, especially on a busy weeknight. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover rotisserie or cooked chicken, and it comes together into a warm, bubbly, and utterly delicious meal that the whole family will love.

This Creamy Chicken Divan is perfect for a cozy family dinner, a potluck contribution, or anytime you’re craving a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying casserole. It’s a timeless favorite for a reason! It is a perfect comfort food casserole.

Nostalgic Appeal / Comfort Factor

Chicken Divan is a dish steeped in nostalgic charm, originating in the mid-20th century at the Divan Parisien Restaurant in New York City. It quickly became a staple of American home cooking, gracing countless dinner tables, potlucks, and community cookbooks. The combination of chicken, broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce is a classic comfort food profile that feels both a little bit elegant and incredibly heartwarming.

This simplified version, with its easy sour cream and mayonnaise-based sauce, captures all that comforting nostalgia. The sight of the bubbly, golden-brown casserole coming out of the oven is enough to make anyone feel cozy and well-cared for. It’s the taste of traditional American home cooking.

Making this dish feels like preparing a comforting classic that has been loved for generations. A perfect comfort food dish.

Homemade Focus (Easy Sauce & Assembly)

While this recipe smartly utilizes the convenience of pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, the homemade focus shines through in the creation of the simple yet flavorful creamy sauce and the overall assembly of the casserole. You’re preparing fresh broccoli and combining it with the chicken, then whipping up the sauce from scratch using pantry and refrigerator staples like sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, cheese, and seasonings.

Making the creamy sauce yourself allows you to control the flavor and creaminess, resulting in a taste far superior to just using a can of condensed soup (a common shortcut in many older casserole recipes). The careful combining of ingredients and the final bake that transforms it into a golden, bubbly dish are all part of the satisfying homemade process.

It’s about creating a delicious, comforting casserole from scratch with incredible ease. The homemade sauce is key.

Flavor Goal

The primary flavor goal is a harmonious blend of savory chicken, earthy broccoli, and a rich, creamy, and tangy sauce, all topped with a light, toasty breadcrumb crust. The chicken should be tender and moist, and the broccoli should be cooked until tender-crisp, providing a nice texture and fresh flavor.

The sauce is central to the dish: it should be creamy from the mayonnaise and sour cream, with a pleasant tang, and savory from the melted cheese. The optional curry powder adds a unique, warm, aromatic depth that beautifully complements the creamy base. The breadcrumb topping should be golden brown and add a subtle, pleasant crunch.

The overall experience should be a rich, creamy, savory, and incredibly comforting casserole with a wonderful interplay of textures and familiar, satisfying flavors. A perfect balance between flavour and texture.

Ingredient Insights

• Cooked Rotisserie Chicken (Shredded): A fantastic shortcut that provides flavorful, tender chicken. Leftover roasted or baked chicken also works perfectly. (2 cups).
• Broccoli Florets (Steamed): Provides a fresh, earthy vegetable component and beautiful color. Steaming them until just tender-crisp before adding them to the casserole ensures they don’t become overly mushy during baking.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy flavor and a rich, creamy texture to the sauce base. Full-fat will provide the richest result.
• Mayonnaise: Contributes richness, flavor, and creaminess to the sauce.
• Milk (2%): Used to thin the sauce to the perfect consistency. Whole milk can also be used.
• Shredded Cheese (Cheddar, Mozzarella, or your choice): Melts into the sauce, adding flavor and cheesy goodness. A sharp cheddar provides good flavor, while mozzarella offers a nice melt.
• Curry Powder (Optional): A classic ingredient in many Chicken Divan recipes. It adds a wonderful warm, aromatic, and savory spice note that elevates the dish. Don’t be afraid to try it!
• Breadcrumbs: Provide a simple, classic crunchy topping. Plain or seasoned breadcrumbs work. Panko breadcrumbs would offer an even crispier texture.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the casserole to taste. Be mindful of salt from cheese and any seasoning in the chicken.

Essential Equipment

• Large Mixing Bowl: For combining all the casserole ingredients.
• Deep Casserole Dish (or 9×13-inch pan): Needs to be greased.
• Method for Steaming Broccoli: A steamer basket in a pot, or a microwave-safe bowl with a little water, covered.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons:
• Spatula or Large Spoon: For mixing and spreading the casserole.
• Oven:

Ingredients

(Based on 1x column)

Casserole:

• ▢ 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
• ▢ 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed until tender-crisp
• ▢ 1 cup sour cream
• ▢ 1 cup mayonnaise
• ▢ 1 cup milk (2% or whole)
• ▢ 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• ▢ 1 tablespoon curry powder (optional but recommended)
• ▢ Salt and pepper to taste

Topping:

• ▢ 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Panko)
• ▢ (Optional: 1-2 tbsp melted butter tossed with breadcrumbs for a richer, more golden topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Oven, Dish, and Components:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Lightly grease a deep casserole dish or a 9×13-inch baking pan.
• If you haven’t already, shred your cooked chicken.
• Steam your broccoli florets for a few minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. You can do this in a steamer basket over boiling water or in a microwave-safe bowl with a couple of tablespoons of water, covered, for 2-3 minutes. Drain well.

2. Combine Casserole Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, steamed broccoli florets, sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, 1 cup of shredded cheese, and the optional (but recommended!) curry powder.
• Mix everything together well with a large spoon or spatula until all the chicken and broccoli are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
• Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Be mindful that the cheese and chicken may already be salty.

3. Assemble the Casserole:

• Transfer the prepared chicken and broccoli mixture to your greased casserole dish.
• Spread the mixture out into an even layer.
• Sprinkle the 1 cup of breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole. (For an extra golden, rich topping, you can toss the breadcrumbs with 1-2 tablespoons of melted butter before sprinkling).

4. Bake:

• Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven.
• Bake, uncovered, for 30-35 minutes.
• The Chicken Divan is ready when it is hot all the way through, bubbling around the edges, and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and toasty.

5. Rest and Serve:

• Let the casserole cool for a few minutes (5-10 minutes) before serving. This allows the creamy sauce to set up slightly.
• Serve the Creamy Chicken Divan warm, spooned onto plates. Enjoy this comforting classic!

Troubleshooting

• Casserole Watery: Broccoli wasn’t drained well enough after steaming; used very low-fat sour cream or mayonnaise which can sometimes be more watery. Ensure broccoli is well-drained. Full-fat dairy provides better texture.
• Casserole Greasy/Sauce Separated: Mayonnaise or cheese separated due to high heat or brands used. Baking at 350°F should be gentle enough. Full-fat, good quality ingredients help prevent separation.
• Broccoli Overcooked/Mushy: Broccoli was steamed for too long initially. Steam only until tender-crisp (bright green and can be pierced with a fork but still has some bite), as it will continue to cook in the oven.
• Topping Burning: Oven too hot, or dish too close to top heating element. Bake on middle rack. If browning too quickly before casserole is bubbly, you can loosely tent with foil.
• Flavor Bland: Needs more salt, pepper, or curry powder! The curry powder is optional but adds a huge amount of flavor depth. Don’t be shy with salt and pepper. Using a sharp cheddar will also boost flavor.

Tips and Variations

• Steamed Broccoli: Don’t skip steaming the broccoli first. Raw broccoli will not cook to tender in the same time as the rest of the casserole takes to heat through.
• Curry Powder: Even if you think you don’t like curry, the small amount here doesn’t make it taste like a traditional Indian curry; rather, it adds a warm, savory depth that is characteristic of many classic Divan recipes.
• Fresh Chicken: If you don’t have cooked chicken, you can poach or bake 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, then shred or chop them.
• Add a Crispier Topping: Toss the breadcrumbs with 1-2 tablespoons of melted butter before sprinkling on top for a richer, more golden, and crispier finish. Crushed crackers (like Ritz) or croutons also work well.
• Add Other Veggies: Cauliflower is a great substitute or addition to broccoli. Sautéed mushrooms or onions could also be added to the mixture.
• Serve Over a Base: While a complete meal, this is also delicious served over cooked rice, egg noodles, or even toast points.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the entire casserole (without the breadcrumb topping), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the breadcrumb topping and you may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

• Serve Hot & Bubbly: Best enjoyed warm from the oven after a brief rest.
• Main Course: A hearty and comforting main dish.
• With a Simple Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect fresh contrast to the creamy casserole.
• Crusty Bread: Great for soaking up any extra delicious sauce.
• Family Dinner Favorite: A go-to recipe for a comforting meal that pleases everyone.

Nutritional Information

(Note: Estimated, per serving, assuming 6 servings. Rich, creamy casserole. Highly variable based on brands of mayo, cheese, chicken, etc.)

• Calories: 450-600+
• Fat: 30-45g+
• Saturated Fat: 10-18g+
• Cholesterol: 80-120mg+
• Sodium: 700-1000mg+ (Depends heavily on cheese, canned soup if subbed, added salt)
• Total Carbohydrates: 8-15g+
• Dietary Fiber: 2-4g+
• Sugars: 3-6g+
• Protein: 25-35g+

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

Summary: This Classic Creamy Chicken Divan is a baked casserole made by combining shredded cooked chicken and steamed broccoli florets with a simple creamy sauce. The sauce consists of sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, shredded cheese, and optional curry powder, seasoned with salt and pepper. This mixture is transferred to a greased casserole dish, topped with breadcrumbs, and baked uncovered at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until hot, bubbly, and golden brown on top.

Q&A:

• Q: What’s the best kind of cheese to use?
  • A: The recipe is flexible! A sharp cheddar will give the most flavor. A mild cheddar or a mozzarella blend will be very creamy and melty. Gruyère would also be delicious for a nuttier flavor. Use what you love!
• Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
  • A: Yes, plain Greek yogurt is a common substitute for sour cream. It will provide a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture. Using full-fat Greek yogurt will yield the creamiest result.
• Q: Can I freeze Chicken Divan?
  • A: Casseroles with mayonnaise and sour cream can sometimes change texture slightly upon thawing (they can separate a bit), but it is generally freezer-friendly. For best results, assemble the casserole but leave off the breadcrumb topping. Cover tightly and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, top with fresh breadcrumbs, and bake as directed (you may need to add 10-15 minutes to the bake time).
• Q: The recipe mentions curry powder is optional. Is it traditional to Chicken Divan?
  • A: Yes, surprisingly! Many classic mid-century American Chicken Divan recipes include a small amount of curry powder. It’s not meant to make the dish taste like an Indian curry, but rather to add a unique, savory warmth that complements the creamy sauce and chicken wonderfully. It’s worth trying!