Classic Chicken Divan Casserole combines seasoned chicken cubes and tender broccoli with a creamy two-soup sauce, sour cream, milk, lemon, and sharp cheddar. Crushed buttery crackers and reserved cheese bake into a crisp, savory top over the rich filling.
The recipe serves 6 in 45 minutes, with 15 minutes of preparation and 30 minutes of listed cooking time. Bake the assembled casserole uncovered at 350°F for 30–35 minutes, then rest it for 8–10 minutes so each portion holds together.
Classic Chicken Divan Ingredients
Use 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes and 3 cups fresh broccoli florets. Season with 1 teaspoon each garlic powder, onion powder, and curry powder, plus ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
The sauce needs one 10.5-ounce can condensed broccoli-cheese soup, one 10.5-ounce can condensed cream-of-chicken soup, ½ cup sour cream, ¼ cup whole milk, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Finish with 2 cups sharp cheddar, divided, 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers, and 1 tablespoon olive oil.
If you enjoy this recipe, you may also like Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps.
How to Make Chicken Divan Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8-inch dish.
- Toss chicken cubes with garlic powder, onion powder, curry, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the chicken in olive oil over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Blanch broccoli in boiling water for about 5 minutes, then drain well.
- Mix both soups, sour cream, milk, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Fold in chicken, broccoli, and 1½ cups cheddar.
- Transfer to the dish; top with crackers and the remaining ½ cup cheddar.
- Bake uncovered 30–35 minutes and rest 8–10 minutes.
For food-safety guidance while cooking, use the USDA safe minimum temperature chart.
Prepare an Eight-Inch Square Dish
Season Two Pounds of Chicken
Cook Chicken for Five to Seven Minutes
Blanch Three Cups of Broccoli
Mix the Two-Soup Sauce
Reserve One-Half Cup Cheddar
Add Crackers and Remaining Cheese
Check the Assembly Before Baking
Bake Uncovered for Thirty to Thirty-Five Minutes
Rest for Eight to Ten Minutes
Store and Reheat
Conclusion
Heat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8-inch dish. Season 1-inch chicken cubes and cook in olive oil for 5–7 minutes. Blanch 3 cups broccoli for about 5 minutes and drain. Mix both condensed soups, sour cream, milk, and lemon. Fold in chicken, broccoli, and 1½ cups of the 2 cups cheddar. Transfer to the dish, top with 1 cup crackers and reserved ½ cup cheese, bake uncovered 30–35 minutes, and rest 8–10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How much cheddar goes inside the casserole?
Fold in 1½ cups and reserve ½ cup for the cracker topping.
- → How long should the broccoli blanch?
Boil it for about 5 minutes, then drain it thoroughly.
- → What size baking dish should I use?
Use a greased 8×8-inch baking dish.
- → Why rest the casserole before serving?
An 8–10 minute rest lets the hot sauce settle and makes portions easier to serve.