Chicken Divan is a beloved American comfort food casserole that originated in the mid-20th century, known for its creamy, cheesy sauce layered over tender chicken and fresh broccoli. Baked until bubbly and golden, this dish combines rich flavors of mushrooms, lemon, curry, and Worcestershire sauce for a savory depth. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, it’s a hearty one-pan meal that pleases crowds and freezes well, making it a timeless family favorite.
Ingredients
- 10 oz frozen broccoli spears (thawed)
- 3 chicken breasts (medium, skinned, halved, and cut into pieces)
- 2 tbsp butter (or 3 tbsp for richer flavor)
- 8 oz mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or up to ¾ cup for creamier texture)
- ⅓ cup chicken broth (or ½ cup for saucier consistency)
- 1 tsp lemon juice (or up to 1½ tsp for brightness)
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce (or up to ¾ tsp for stronger flavor)
- ¼ tsp curry powder
- ¼ tsp dry mustard
- 1 cup croutons (or 1½ cups for extra crunch)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or up to ¾ cup)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated )
- paprika (for sprinkling)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
- Arrange thawed broccoli in the bottom of a 12×7-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook Chicken and Mushrooms
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken pieces and cook 6–8 minutes until nearly done.
- Add mushrooms and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Spoon the chicken and mushroom mixture over the broccoli.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In a saucepan, combine cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, chicken broth, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, curry powder, and dry mustard.
- Heat until smooth, then pour over the chicken mixture in the baking dish.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Sprinkle croutons evenly over the top.
- Add shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
- Dust lightly with paprika for color.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Tips
- Use fresh broccoli florets lightly steamed instead of frozen spears if preferred.
- Substitute cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken for earthier flavor.
- Add extra cheddar for a cheesier topping or mix cheeses (cheddar + Parmesan).
- Toast the croutons briefly for added crunch before topping the casserole.
- For make-ahead prep, assemble fully, refrigerate, and bake when ready (add 5 to 10 minutes).
- Lighten the dish by using light mayonnaise and reduced-sodium soup.
- Add a small amount of curry powder or dry mustard to taste if you like stronger spice notes.
- Try breadcrumbs instead of croutons for a finer, more even topping.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save prep time.
- Serve with rice or buttered noodles to make it a complete meal.
Nutrition
Calories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 30gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 720mgPotassium: 530mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 940IUVitamin C: 32mgCalcium: 190mgIron: 1.8mg
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