Chicken Divan is a classic American casserole that became popular in the mid-20th century, known for combining tender chicken, broccoli, and a creamy sauce into one satisfying meal. Originally inspired by a famous New York restaurant, the dish quickly found its way into home kitchens thanks to its simple ingredients and comforting flavor. This vintage version uses cream of mushroom soup and sour cream to create a rich, creamy topping finished with cheddar cheese and crunchy sliced almonds. It's an easy family dinner that comes together with minimal preparation while delivering hearty, nostalgic flavors that have made Chicken Divan a longtime favorite for weeknight meals, potlucks, and cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
- 16 oz frozen chopped broccoli
- 6 boneless skinless chicken breast pieces (skinless chicken breast pieces)
- 10 ½ oz cream of mushroom soup
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ cup cheddar cheese (shredded )
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Layer the Broccoli
- Spread the frozen chopped broccoli evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
- Arrange the chicken breasts over the broccoli.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- In a bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until smooth.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the soup mixture evenly over the chicken and broccoli.
Step 6: Add the Toppings
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole.
- Top with the sliced almonds.
Step 7: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 1 hour, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Step 8: Serve
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips
- Use fresh broccoli instead of frozen for a firmer texture.
- Substitute cream of chicken soup for a richer chicken flavor.
- Add cooked rice beneath the broccoli for a complete one-dish meal.
- Sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.
- Try Monterey Jack or Swiss cheese instead of cheddar.
- Add garlic powder or onion powder to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Toast the almonds before adding for enhanced nuttiness.
- Use rotisserie chicken to reduce preparation time.
- Add mushrooms for extra heartiness.
- Leftovers reheat well and make excellent lunches.
Nutrition
Calories: 325kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 39gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 108mgSodium: 620mgPotassium: 760mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 780IUVitamin C: 42mgCalcium: 160mgIron: 1.8mg