Treat yourself to cozy comfort with this easy Chicken Divan Casserole! Tender chicken and broccoli are layered with a creamy, flavorful sauce and topped with melty cheddar cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or serving guests!
Where did this Chicken Divan recipe come from?
I was curious to know where chicken divan got its name, and found various answers as to the history of it. This article on the history of chicken divan states that it came from the Divan Parisien Restaurant at the Chatham Hotel in New York City. But, that particular recipe is nothing like the one I’m sharing today!
The “original Chicken Divan” has a homemade sauce, and the one we’re making today is a simple sauce made with canned cream of mushroom soup. This particular recipe came right out of my recipe box written in my mom’s handwriting and says it came from my sister.;)
I’ve altered it slightly, mixing together its recipe and the Chicken Broccoli casserole recipe I used to make at the camp and conference center for hundreds of people. That particular recipe that I have written down, however, serves 63 people, so this one is a nice family friendly size. (You’re welcome.)
Why You’ll like this Chicken Divan with Broccoli Recipe
- Quick & easy to layer together – Once the chicken and broccoli are cooked, this recipe comes together super quick.
- It’s perfect for leftover chicken – If you’re looking for a yummy leftover chicken recipe – this is it!
- The sauce adds delicious, creamy flavour – I call this one of my favorite comfort food casserole recipes. It’s delicious.
- Serve over cooked rice for a whole comfort food meal.
Ingredients for Curried Chicken Divan Casserole
For detailed quantities and instructions, refer to the printable recipe card below.
- Cooked, boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into large chunks
- Frozen or fresh broccoli, partially cooked
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Mayonnaise or Miracle Whip
- Lemon juice
- Curry powder
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Step by Step Instructions for this Chicken & Broccoli Casserole
Please refer to the printable recipe card below for detailed instructions.
1.Lay diced cooked chicken in the bottom of 9 x 13 pan. 
2. Layer par-cooked broccoli over chicken. 
3.Mix together sauce ingredients in mixing bowl.
4.Pour sauce over broccoli and chicken 
2.Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of casserole. 
6.Bake casserole until cheese is melted and hot throughout.
How to Portion, Cook, and Freeze This Recipe to Fit Your Lifestyle
This Chicken Divan Casserole is a perfect make-ahead meal that you can easily adjust based on your needs:
Cooking for Two? Assemble the casserole in two smaller baking dishes, so you can enjoy one now and save the other for later. Or simply halve the recipe and bake it in a smaller pan.
Freezing Ahead? Prepare the casserole as directed but stop before baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.
Baking After Freezing? If baking straight from frozen, remove the plastic wrap, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F until heated through (about 50-60 minutes). Uncover for the last 10-15 minutes to let the cheese get bubbly and golden.
Grandma Rita’s Kitchen Tips
This recipe is one of my favorite freeze ahead casserole recipes. If you are batch cooking for the freezer, this recipe works so well if you make some dutch oven chicken breasts – all ready to dice up and put in recipes just like this!
What are some side dishes served with this chicken broccoli casserole?
- Rice is the most common side dish with this casserole recipe. I love this easy method of cooking rice in the oven.
- Any kind of potatoes are yummy with chicken casserole – boiled, mashed, baked or smashed potatoes would be great. Cold, classic potato and egg salad would also be great.
- Any kind of green salad would be a perfect side for chicken casserole. Spinach salad with poppy seed dressing is one of our family favorites.
- Bread machine dinner rolls , overnight buns, or any type of dinner rolls is delicious with this recipe.
FAQs about Curried Chicken Casserole
Absolutely, yes! Feel free to substitute fresh broccoli for the frozen if you prefer. Just make sure to not overcook it, and drain it well.
You can make your own substitute for curry powder using chili powder and cumin or substitute it with garam masala. Here is a great article on curry powder substitutions.
Let the casserole cool completely. Transfer into a container that fits the leftovers well. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil and place in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Other Yummy Casserole Recipes:
- Turkey tetrazzini with cream of mushroom soup can also be made with cooked chicken instead of turkey.
- Baked Feta Chicken Pasta is so quick and easy to put together – a creamy & delicious comfort food recipe!
- Turkey casserole with pasta is a delicious way to use up leftover turkey (or chicken).
- Biscuit cheeseburger casserole is a family favorite that even picky eaters love.
- Potato pizza casserole can be made in the crock pot or the oven.
Don’t forget to pin this recipe so you can find it later.
Chicken Divan Casserole (Chicken Broccoli Casserole)
Treat yourself to comfort food in a casserole dish with this easy chicken divan recipe. Layers of diced cooked chicken and steamed broccoli are covered in a creamy sauce with a hint of lemon and curry, then piled high with gooey cheddar. This chicken broccoli casserole is a surefire hit for a casual weeknight dinner or a dinner for guests.
Ingredients
Method
- Steam the broccoli until just crisp-tender. (Do NOT overcook!) Once it’s steamed, drain it in a colander and immediately run it under cold water to stop the cooking.
- Layer the cooked, diced chicken in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish, then add the cooked broccoli.
- In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the mushroom soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and curry powder.
- Pour the sauce over the broccoli and chicken.
- Cover with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly around the edges and the cheese is melted.
